The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (MoITT) has unveiled a meticulously planned timeline for the launch of 5G services in Pakistan.
According to official documents submitted in Parliament, telecom operators are expected to begin rolling out 5G services across the country in July 2025.
By February 2025, the Ministry aims to receive comprehensive recommendations from its appointed consultants to the Spectrum Advisory Committee.
Key Developments in the 5G Rollout Timeline
These recommendations will cover critical aspects of spectrum allocation, including pricing models, trading conditions, and taxation frameworks.
This foundational step is pivotal in ensuring that Pakistan’s 5G strategy aligns with international best practices while catering to the unique needs of the local market.
In March 2025, the Spectrum Advisory Committee will finalize policy reforms based on the consultant’s input.
These reforms are anticipated to address key challenges that have previously hindered the growth of telecom services in Pakistan.
By optimizing spectrum pricing and easing trading conditions, the reforms will pave the way for a competitive and efficient rollout of 5G services.
Federal Approval of Policy Directives
The federal government’s approval of a formal policy directive is scheduled for April 2025. This directive will provide a clear and actionable framework for telecom operators, ensuring transparency and consistency in the 5G deployment process.
In May 2025, the government will auction key spectrum bands, including the 3500 MHz, 2600 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 700 MHz frequencies.
These bands are considered critical for the successful implementation of 5G technology, offering the capacity and speed necessary to support high-quality mobile broadband services.
Boosting Foreign Investments
The successful implementation of 5G is expected to attract significant foreign investments in Pakistan’s telecom and tech sectors.
Multinational corporations will likely see this development as a signal of the country’s commitment to digital transformation, fostering new partnerships and ventures.
As telecom operators and technology providers expand their infrastructure to accommodate 5G, thousands of new jobs will be created across various sectors, including engineering, IT, and logistics.
While the roadmap for 5G deployment in Pakistan is promising, there are several challenges that must be addressed to ensure its success:
The high cost of spectrum allocation has historically been a bottleneck for telecom operators. Ensuring affordability will be key to fostering widespread adoption of 5G technology.
Developing the necessary infrastructure, such as 5G towers and data centers, requires significant investment and planning.
Ensuring a Successful Rollout
- Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between the government and private entities to share resources and expertise.
- Capacity Building: Training programs for engineers and technicians to build a skilled workforce capable of managing 5G infrastructure.
- Consumer Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about the benefits of 5G to drive adoption and maximize its impact.
