PTA Reveals Official 5G Commercial Launch Date After Several

The Pakistan Telecom Association (PTA) is currently facing significant challenges in the much-anticipated 5G spectrum auction. The auction, expected to take place by June 2025, is a critical step toward the commercial launch of 5G services in the first quarter of 2026.

Despite the excitement surrounding 5G technology, multiple roadblocks, including regulatory issues, legal disputes, and infrastructure costs, have contributed to delays in the process.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has completed its telecom market assessment with the help of consultants, but the government is yet to finalize policy recommendations. The auction process is currently at the stage of spectrum pricing and auction design.

Legal Complications and Spectrum Disputes

Several unresolved legal cases are affecting the smooth progression of the 5G spectrum auction. These include disputes over the 2600 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 1800 MHz bands:

• 2600 MHz Band: 140 MHz spectrum cases remain unresolved.
• 2100 MHz Band: A 10 MHz spectrum case is still pending.
• 1800 MHz Band: A 6.6 MHz spectrum case is in court.

The ongoing merger of two major telecom operators has further complicated the situation, leading to additional delays in spectrum allocation and auction proceedings.

One of the biggest challenges in launching 5G services in Pakistan is the high cost of infrastructure development. The transition to 5G networks requires substantial investments in:

• Fiber optic networks to support high-speed connectivity.
• Upgrading existing telecom towers to handle 5G signals.
• Installation of small cell sites in urban and rural areas for better coverage.

High Cost of 5G Deployment

The telecom sector in Pakistan is already struggling with economic pressures, inflation, and currency depreciation, making it difficult for operators to secure investment for 5G deployment.

With 5G networks, Pakistan can expect improved data speeds, low latency, and better network reliability. This will have a transformative impact on various sectors, including:

• Education: Enabling remote learning, virtual classrooms, and AI-driven educational tools.
• Healthcare: Improving telemedicine, remote diagnostics, and real-time patient monitoring.
• Agriculture: Enhancing smart farming technologies, automated irrigation systems, and crop monitoring.
• Manufacturing and Industry: Supporting automation, IoT devices, and AI-powered production lines.