5G service likely to start in Pakistan by August, big challenges ahead

Preparations for the launch of 5G internet services in Pakistan have accelerated and it is expected that these services will be launched by mid-August. The government raised $507 million from the 5G spectrum auction in March, in which Jazz, Zong and Ufone bought different frequency bands. According to the PTA, a total of 480 MHz of spectrum was sold, of which Jazz was the largest buyer and acquired 190 MHz of spectrum.

The service will start from limited locations and will be expanded in phases. According to Jazz, the service will be provided in 1000 sites in the initial phase, which will be increased to 2500 by the end of the year.

However, there are several major challenges in the path of this project. The most important problem is the low availability of 5G phones and heavy import taxes. The telecom sector is taxed at about 45 percent, which is a major obstacle in the way of digital development. iPhone users will have to wait until 2027 as Apple is expected to get 5G permission in Pakistan in 2027, while 5G phones from other companies including Samsung are already available.

Telecom companies have suggested to the government to introduce a scheme to provide 5G phones to the public on installments so that more people can benefit from this service. However, a condition has also been laid down that no SIMs should be issued to loan defaulters. Experts say that due to the increasing popularity of platforms like YouTube and TikTok, internet usage is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, which will make 5G service even more important.