This could be the year in which Pakistan starts to roll out 5G, according to documents cited this week in the local press relating to a 5G service launch schedule.
According to a number of news outlets, the Ministry of IT and Telecom has presented a comprehensive schedule for 5G network rollout in Pakistan to the country’s parliament, detailing key steps leading up to a 5G launch in June this year.
The timeline for implementation begins in a month. In February this year recommendations from the consultant chosen to advise on rollout will be submitted to the Spectrum Advisory Committee.
In March 2025 the Spectrum Advisory Committee will finalise policy reforms, including spectrum pricing, trading conditions, and taxation. One month later the federal government will approve the policy directive for 5G deployment. Then, in May 2025, there will be an auction of 3500MHz, 2600MHz, 2300MHz, and 700MHz spectrum bands.
In June 2025 5G services will be launched by telecom operators. The process and timelines have not yet been clearly defined – nor do we know whether coverage obligations will be involved.
However, the Ministry of IT and Telecom has accentuated the positive side of the process, emphasising that the launch of 5G represents a significant milestone in the country’s strategic telecommunication transformation aimed at ensuring uninterrupted, high-speed internet services nationwide.
According to its website, the Ministry of IT and Telecom established an Advisory Committee for 5G Planning in Pakistan as long ago as January 2020. Its remit was to define a roadmap and finalise recommendations for 5G technology readiness in Pakistan, though it appears to be behind its original target date for launching 5G services in Pakistan of August 2024.
