Selected cities: Pilot launches of 5G mobile services next week

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will begin pilot launches of fifth-generation (5G) mobile services in selected cities next week, Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced on Thursday, marking the country’s first concrete timeline for introducing next-generation high-speed mobile internet.

The development comes days after Pakistan raised about USD510 million (around Rs142 billion) through a landmark auction of 480 megahertz (MHz) of Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) spectrum, clearing a key regulatory step toward the deployment of 5G networks.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside telecom operators, the IT minister said the pilot phase would start in major cities, while commercial 5G services are expected to be rolled out within six to eight months in the federal capital and the provincial capitals.

“I was very happy to hear the day before yesterday that some of our operators are ready for 5G services,” the minister said, adding that the government views digital connectivity as essential for economic growth, industry and national security.

Pakistan, with more than 190 million mobile phone users, represents one of the world’s largest telecom markets by population. However, the transition to 5G has been delayed for several years due to regulatory hurdles, economic constraints and spectrum-allocation issues.

The multi-band spectrum auction included the 2600 MHz, 3500 MHz and 700 MHz bands, with telecom operators bidding for block positions to optimise network performance and reduce interference.

According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the 700 MHz band was secured solely by Jazz, while the position-assignment process for other bands generated an additional $3 million.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026