Islamabad
Pakistan is preparing to launch 5G services in major cities within the coming months, Federal IT and Telecom Minister Shiza Fatima announced, highlighting a dramatic increase in the country’s spectrum capacity.
Speaking at a press briefing, Minister Fatima credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for taking “difficult decisions” that paved the way for Pakistan’s digital transformation. She added that thanks to the efforts of PTA, the Frequency Allocation Board, and other agencies, the total available spectrum has now increased from 7,500 MHz to over 7,500 MHz, effectively tripling Pakistan’s telecom capacity.
The minister confirmed that a 5G pilot will begin in major cities next week, and noted that Pakistan’s internet infrastructure is now a “basic necessity” for citizens and businesses. She also acknowledged the support of the Pakistan Armed Forces, which freed up spectrum for civilian use, and highlighted the landing of three new submarine cables, further strengthening the country’s digital backbone.
Minister Fatima added that Pakistan’s efforts to accelerate 5G have drawn attention at the Barcelona Mobile World Congress, where multiple countries inquired about the nation’s rollout plans.
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