ISLAMABAD:
A key decision on whether Pakistan will roll out 5G services by Eid-ul-Fitr is expected today, as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) awaits final approval from the federal government for licence issuance.
Officials said the PTA has finalized all arrangements for granting 5G licences, with a strong संभावना that telecom operators could receive licences as early as tomorrow, subject to regulatory approval.
According to sources, two telecom companies have already submitted the required bank guarantees, while a third operator is in the final stages of compliance. Each company is required to deposit a $15 million bank guarantee under licence conditions.
Once approved by the PTA authority, all three operators will be issued licences simultaneously, with a formal signing ceremony expected to take place in Islamabad, attended by senior government officials.
If the process moves forward without delay, telecom companies may be able to launch 5G services by Eid-ul-Fitr, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Under the licence terms, operators will be обязed to deploy at least 1,000 new telecom sites each, including 200 sites in underserved and low-coverage areas, aimed at improving nationwide connectivity.
The development follows the recent completion of Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction, where the PTA auctioned 480 MHz out of 597 MHz available spectrum, generating an estimated $510 million in government revenue.
Officials say the rollout of 5G will not only enhance connectivity but also support innovation across sectors, though final approval from the government remains the last hurdle before commercial launch.
