ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in Pakistan on Tuesday announced it’s all set to launch 5G mobile phone connectivity in the country, with a targeted rollout scheduled for August 2024.
This development signifies a significant step forward in Pakistan’s technological landscape as it moves closer to joining the ranks of nations with 5G capabilities.
The decision to embrace 5G technology comes in response to the increasing demand for faster and more advanced telecommunications services. To facilitate this transition, officials have unveiled a comprehensive business plan to launch 5G services in Pakistan.
Notably, the government has chosen not to allocate free 5G spectrum to telecom operators but, instead, aims to assist them in reducing infrastructure development costs.
To ensure the successful deployment of 5G services, the Ministry of Information Technology has initiated hiring an international consultant. A formal request has been made to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to select an experienced consultant who can provide valuable insights and guidance for this ambitious project.
Additionally, the ministry has forwarded a proposal to the Prime Minister’s office to form an Inter-Ministerial Advisory Committee. This committee is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of 5G technology in Pakistan.
Collaborating closely with the consultant advisory committee, the government intends to develop an auction policy and business plan. Inspiration will be drawn from successful models in countries like Bangladesh and others for the spectrum auction process.
Notably, the plan emphasizes that spectrum allocation will be subject to a competitive process to ensure fairness and foster a competitive environment rather than being granted to a single operator without competition.
In preparation for auctioning the sought-after 600 MHz spectrum, the business plan highlights the necessity for substantial reforms within the telecom sector. This includes addressing ongoing court cases related to spectrum allocation and creating incentives for telecom operators to participate in the auction actively.
Moreover, the plan incorporates provisions to facilitate the opening of Letter of Credits (LC) and the expansion of fiber optic cable infrastructure to encourage the growth of 5G services in Pakistan.
