5G Rollout Set for June Launch

Pakistan is poised to take a significant leap in its telecommunications sector with the planned launch of 5G services by June this year, following the completion of policy reforms and spectrum auctions scheduled for May.

The Ministry of IT and Telecom has been working diligently to finalize policy reforms, which include crucial aspects such as spectrum pricing, trading conditions, and taxation frameworks. These reforms are expected to be completed by March, after which the federal government will approve the policy directive in April. This will pave the way for the auction of 3500 MHz, 2600 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 700 MHz spectrum bands in May, a key step towards the rollout of 5G services.

The auction process is designed to be completed in five phases, with the Ministry of Information Technology having developed a roadmap for the rollout of 5G technology nationwide. The four 5G spectrum bands to be offered in the auction are 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz, which will facilitate the widespread implementation of 5G across the country. This strategic plan for telecommunication transformation aims to ensure uninterrupted internet services, a crucial goal especially highlighted by recent disruptions such as the fault in the AAEE-1 submarine cable that affected PTCL's internet services, now restored.

As Pakistan prepares for the introduction of 5G services, the country is on the verge of a significant technological advancement. The rollout of 5G is expected to revolutionize the telecommunications sector, offering faster data speeds, lower latency, and greater connectivity. With the Ministry of IT and Telecom's planned launch of 5G services in June, Pakistan is set to join the ranks of countries embracing this cutting-edge technology.