Only 13.5 percent of the existing cell sites in Pakistan are fiber-connected, while international standards recommend that 40 percent of towers should have fiber connectivity for a widespread 5G launch, according to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) Annual Report 2023.
The Authority has recommended that substantial efforts and investment are required to upgrade the infrastructure for the proliferation of high-speed connectivity, including 5G.
The government is preparing to launch 5G services in Pakistan next year. A draft policy guideline designed to facilitate the deployment of 5G and advanced technologies is already in place, along with the identification of spectrum for 5G. However, to introduce 5G services in an effective and efficient manner, the government must prioritize the development of the requisite infrastructure, the report says.
5G is opening up unparalleled opportunities for both individuals and businesses, transcending the confines of the ICT sector. The cultivation of robust partnerships among enterprises, mobile operators, governments, academia, and civil service organizations can stimulate new business models and converged services that require diverse expertise.
PTA took all stakeholders on board to assess the market readiness and successful launch of 5G in Pakistan and shared a comprehensive market readiness report with MoITT. To this end, FAB has already identified a spectrum mix of low, mid, and millimeter wave bands. All CMOs conducted 5G trials as per PTA framework.
PTA, under the directions of MoITT, evaluated market readiness through a series of consultations held at the PTA Headquarters. These consultations were attended by all stakeholders including PTA licensees, telecom vendors, and academia, whose feedback was shared with MoITT. Importantly, the government has constituted an advisory committee to review and approve 5G policy guidelines for the timely award of available spectrum.
Plans are afoot for launch of 5G services in Pakistan within a year. Based on these policy guidelines, PTA will devise comprehensive recommendations encompassing all facets of 5G, ranging from a thorough market assessment to devising incentives for potential investors.
The recommendations will include details of the spectrum auction process and the strategic rollout of 5G services. The advisory committee will review PTA’s recommendations and finalise the way forward to steering Pakistan into the era of 5G technology. The advisory committee will also provide necessary support to provide additional spectrum in bands under litigation. This effort signifies a leap forward in shaping the future of telecommunications in the country.
What a joke 5g technology first expensive not even 4g is widely spread in Pakistan and this mad interim government is living in their fantasy bubbles wake up to reality we can’t be able to get 5g for the next decade and here our interm Government is ridiculing People???!!!!…