Pakistan has fallen behind all regional countries in the launch of 5G services, except Afghanistan, placing the country deep into a delayed technology cycle.
Officials of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that 5G was launched globally in 2019, while Pakistan remains constrained by severe spectrum shortages despite being the world’s fifth-most populous country, with over 200 million broadband users.
Pakistan currently operates with only 274 MHz of mobile spectrum, making it the most spectrum-starved country in the region. They stressed that the spectrum allocated by the PTA is technology-neutral, meaning it can be used for both existing and future technologies. However, limited spectrum availability and a shortage of compatible devices have collectively slowed progress toward next-generation networks.
Officials said 5G is not limited to smartphones alone, but also supports IoT networks, smart cities, and industrial use cases through features such as network slicing, which allows customized network segments to be created for different applications. They said Pakistan is already seven years late in adopting 5G, while countries like the United States have begun identifying spectrum bands for 6G development.
Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s forthcoming spectrum auction is being positioned as a potential turning point for improving mobile network quality. Government officials and analysts said the auction will be technology-neutral, allowing operators to deploy spectrum across 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and future technologies.
Currently operating with around 274 MHz, Pakistan is expected to receive nearly 600 MHz of additional spectrum, which could significantly ease network congestion and improve service quality.
Officials added that concerns over low 5G handset penetration will not delay the auction, as steps are underway to rationalize mobile device taxes and promote local manufacturing. Pakistan already has 37 local mobile manufacturers, and the PTA is engaging with them to initiate production of 5G-enabled devices.
Authorities believe that once the spectrum is auctioned, 5G rollout in major cities could begin within six months, while expanded spectrum use will immediately strengthen existing 4G and 3G networks across the country.
Not only in 5G implementation, but become 50 years behind in economy with BANGLA DESH.