Pakistan’s 5G rollout attracts $178.6mn investment from telecom operators
- Data shows Jazz invested $59.67 million in 5G rollout up to June 2026, while Zong invested $98.9 million and Ufone an estimated $20 million
Pakistani telecom operators have invested $178.6 million to upgrade 1,136 sites for 5G services, with further investments planned, despite no government-mandated FDI targets.
- Total investment in Pakistan's 5G rollout.
- Individual telecom operator contributions and future plans.
- Government policy regarding 5G foreign direct investment.
ISLAMABAD: Telecom operators have invested around $178.6 million in rolling out 5G services in Pakistan, with 1,136 sites upgraded to 5G across the country, according to data shared by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
The data shows that Jazz invested $59.67 million in 5G rollout up to June 2026, while Zong invested $98.9 million and Ufone an estimated $20 million.
The ministry said the government’s Policy Directive dated January 6, 2026 for the spectrum auction did not set any specific target for telecom companies to bring in foreign direct investment for 5G rollout.
According to investment projections provided by mobile operators, Jazz is expected to invest a further $30.33 million in 5G rollout during fiscal year 2027, while Zong has forecast an investment of $39.9 million during the year.
The ministry said Ufone’s fiscal year 2027 investment data would be shared after completion of merger-related activities.
Meanwhile, mobile operators have upgraded a total of 1,136 sites to 5G across Pakistan.
The development indicates that operators are making substantial investments in expanding next-generation mobile connectivity despite the absence of a specific government-mandated FDI target linked to 5G deployment.
The government had conducted the 5G spectrum auction in March 2026, paving the way for commercial rollout of next-generation mobile services in the country.
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