5G to be Allowed on iPhones in Pakistan Next Year

5G services will reportedly remain unavailable for iPhone users in Pakistan, as Apple is expected to enable 5G support for iPhones in the country in 2027, according to Tribune.

As per officials from the Ministry of IT and Telecom, Apple has informed authorities that it plans to activate the 5G option for Pakistani iPhone users after assessing the market size in 2027.

At present, Apple is not prepared to immediately allow 5G services for users in Pakistan. Officials said the company is evaluating the local market before making the feature available.

The government’s heavy taxes on imported mobile phones, particularly iPhones, have significantly reduced Apple’s market size in Pakistan. However, 5G services are already available on Samsung smartphones.

Earlier this year, the government auctioned 5G spectrum worth $507 million in March to improve internet speed and service quality across the country. Some telecom operators have already launched 5G internet services in selected areas where testing equipment has been installed.

Overall, the government sold 480 MHz of spectrum, despite originally targeting 597 MHz. Three telecom operators,  Jazz, Zong, and Ufone, secured frequencies for the rollout of next-generation mobile services.

According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the auction included the sale of two lots in the 700 MHz band, all five lots in the 2,300 MHz band, all 19 lots in the 2,600 MHz band, and 22 out of 28 lots in the 3,500 MHz band. This brought the total spectrum sold to 480 MHz.

Jazz emerged as the largest buyer in the auction, securing 190 MHz of spectrum. Its allocation included 50 MHz in the 3,500 MHz band, 70 MHz in the 2,600 MHz band, 50 MHz in the 2,300 MHz band, and 20 MHz in the 700 MHz band.

Telecom industry officials also said that all telecom operators have placed orders for equipment needed to launch 5G services in Pakistan.