Pakistan is on the verge of a digital revolution as the government prepares to auction 7 spectrum bands next month for the official launch of 5G services. Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima, confirmed that this move marks a critical expansion phase for the country’s connectivity landscape.
Key Highlights of the 5G Roadmap
- Expanded Spectrum: Of the 7 bands being auctioned, five are being offered for the first time. This will significantly increase Pakistan’s current capacity of 274 MHz, which has historically been among the lowest in the region.
- Rapid Rollout: Following the auction, 5G services are expected to go live in major cities within 6 to 7 months.
- Infrastructure Boost: The release of nearly 600 MHz of vacated spectrum will not only facilitate 5G but also drastically improve the performance of existing 4G networks.
- Global Connectivity: In the last 18 months, three new submarine cables have landed in Pakistan, strengthening international internet bandwidth and overall reliability.
Lowering Barriers: Affordability & Competition
The government is addressing the two biggest hurdles to 5G adoption: device cost and market competition.
- Smartphone Leasing Policy: To ensure 5G isn’t just for the elite, a new mobile phone leasing policy is being introduced. This will make 5G-compatible handsets accessible to a broader segment of the population through easy installments.
- The Rise of MVNOs: The Federal Cabinet has officially approved the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) policy. By allowing new players to operate without building physical towers, Pakistan aims to break the current three-operator triopoly, fostering competition and attracting foreign investment.
Expert Insight: What This Means for Pakistan
From a tech and economic perspective, this is more than just faster internet. A robust 5G rollout combined with the C-Wise licenses for fiberization in underserved areas creates a massive opportunity for:
- The Freelance Economy: Enhanced stability for Pakistan’s massive remote workforce.
- Tech Startups: Lower latency will enable innovations in IoT, Fintech, and AI-driven services.
- Market Sentiment: As seen in recent PSX trends, telecom and tech sectors often lead market rallies during periods of infrastructure modernization. Increased competition via MVNOs could further stimulate the “Technology & Communication” sector on the KSE-100.