Islamabad

Pakistan’s much-anticipated 5G rollout is facing early challenges, as the majority of smartphones in the country have yet to receive the required network configuration updates (patches) to fully support the next-generation service.

Limited Compatibility So Far

Industry sources confirm that only a handful of devices from Samsung — around six models — have received the necessary update patches, and even those are currently functional on just one telecom network.

The updates are reportedly limited to the network of Jazz, restricting wider 5G usability across other operators.

Other Networks Still Facing Issues

Telecom operators beyond Jazz are still encountering technical and compatibility challenges, delaying the broader deployment of 5G services across different networks.

Most Samsung devices in Pakistan remain in line for pending updates, awaiting further software and network configuration approvals.

Uneven Rollout Across Brands

Interestingly, the patch-related issues appear to be concentrated among a limited number of major brands, while several Chinese smartphone manufacturers have already rolled out 5G compatibility across their devices.

This has created an uneven ecosystem where some users can access early 5G services, while others remain restricted despite having capable hardware.

Industry Concerns

Experts say the delay highlights the complexity of 5G implementation, which requires close coordination between:

• Smartphone manufacturers
• Telecom operators
• Regulatory bodies

Without synchronized updates, even 5G-enabled devices may fail to connect to the new network.

Path Ahead

Analysts believe that resolving these patch and compatibility issues will be critical for ensuring a smooth nationwide 5G rollout, as Pakistan moves toward next-generation connectivity.

Until then, users may continue to face limited access and inconsistent performance, despite the official launch of 5G services.