A final decision is expected today on whether 5G services will begin on Eid, as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) waits for approval from the federal government to issue 5G licenses.
Officials said all preparations have been completed, and only formal permission is needed before the process can move forward.
According to PTA officials, there is a strong chance that telecom companies could receive their 5G licenses tomorrow. Two companies have already submitted their required bank guarantees, while a third is in the final stage of submission.
Officials said the licenses will be issued after approval from the PTA Authority, and if tomorrow is not declared a non-working day, the process could be completed without delay.
Authorities confirmed that all three telecom companies will receive their licenses at the same time. A signing ceremony is expected to be held in Islamabad, where key government officials are likely to attend. Each company buying 5G spectrum is required to submit a bank guarantee of 15 million US dollars to meet the licensing requirements.
Under the license conditions, each telecom company must install at least 1,000 new network sites across the country. They are also required to set up 200 sites in remote and low-coverage areas to improve services in underserved regions. These requirements aim to ensure that 5G benefits both cities and rural areas.
The PTA recently completed the 5G spectrum auction, selling 480 megahertz out of a total of 597 megahertz available. The auction is expected to generate around 510 million US dollars for the government.
If the licenses are issued as planned, telecom companies will be able to start 5G services on Eid-ul-Fitr, marking a major development in Pakistan’s telecom sector.