Pakistan is set to take a key step toward next-generation mobile connectivity with a 5G spectrum auction scheduled for March 10, highlighting the country’s entry into a global technology race that many regional peers have already begun.
The auction, organized by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), is expected to pave the way for faster mobile internet, improved digital services, and new technology-driven industries.
Globally, the rollout of 5G technology has accelerated rapidly in recent years, with countries such as South Korea, China, the United States and Japan emerging as leaders in next-generation connectivity. South Korea was among the first to launch a full commercial 5G network in 2019, marking the beginning of widespread global adoption.
Maldives: South Asia’s First 5G Network
Within South Asia, the first commercial 5G service was launched by the island nation of Maldives rather than a major economy.
In July 2019, telecom operator Dhiraagu introduced 5G services in selected areas including Malé, Hulhumalé and Velana International Airport, making Maldives the region’s first country to deploy the technology. By 2025, more than 70 percent of the population had access to the operator’s expanding 5G network.
India’s Rapid Expansion
India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing 5G markets in the region. The country officially launched commercial 5G services on October 1, 2022 during the Indian Mobile Congress.
Since then, the rollout has expanded at remarkable speed. By 2025, 5G services had reached around 99.6 percent of districts, supported by more than 469,000 base stations nationwide.
Major telecom companies including Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have invested heavily in expanding infrastructure. Within just a few years, India’s 5G subscriber base has surpassed 400 million users, making it one of the world’s largest markets for the technology.
China’s Global Lead
Pakistan’s northern neighbor China has built the world’s largest 5G network since launching commercial services in October 2019 through major telecom operators China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom.
The expansion has been massive. By 2025, China had deployed more than 4.8 million 5G base stations and recorded over 1.1 billion 5G users.
The technology is now widely integrated into industries such as smart manufacturing, logistics, transportation and digital healthcare.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka Join the 5G Era
Bangladesh officially launched commercial 5G services on September 1, 2025 when telecom operators began deploying the technology.
Robi Axiata PLC initially activated its 5G network in parts of Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet, followed by Grameenphone, which expanded services across all eight divisional cities. Notably, the operators introduced 5G at prices comparable to existing 4G packages.
Sri Lanka has also moved into the commercial 5G phase after conducting pilot projects since 2019. Following spectrum allocations by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka in late 2025, operators including Dialog Axiata have begun offering public 5G services.
Pakistan’s Next Step
Although Pakistan is entering the 5G era later than many neighboring countries, the upcoming spectrum auction could mark a major milestone in the country’s digital development.
Experts say faster connectivity could boost the technology sector, enable new digital industries and improve online services for millions of users.
However, questions remain over how quickly the benefits will reach ordinary consumers and whether next-generation connectivity will extend beyond major cities to smaller towns and rural areas.
