Pakistan is set to begin commercial rollout of 5G services across the country by mid August this year, even as availability of 5G enabled smartphones remains limited in the local market. Telecom companies are moving ahead with network deployment plans aimed at offering high speed internet services to users, while industry discussions continue around device accessibility and affordability challenges. The rollout is expected to mark a new phase in mobile connectivity, although widespread adoption may depend on handset availability and consumer readiness.
Mobile phone operators have also proposed that the government consider introducing an installment based scheme for mobile phones to improve access to 5G devices. Under this proposal, users would be able to purchase smartphones in installments, with a condition that defaulters would be restricted from obtaining mobile SIM services from any telecom company. The proposal is aimed at addressing affordability barriers while also ensuring accountability in payment structures for handset financing. Industry officials have noted that device availability remains a key challenge, with only around 5 percent of 5G handsets currently available in Pakistan, although local manufacturing of 5G mobiles has begun to develop.
At present, 5G services are not expected to be immediately available for iPhone users in Pakistan, as Apple is reported to be planning activation of 5G support for Pakistani users in 2027. IT and telecom ministry officials have indicated that Apple has communicated its intention to enable 5G functionality on iPhones after assessing market conditions and demand levels. Meanwhile, imported smartphones, particularly iPhones, face heavy taxation, which has reduced market penetration. In contrast, Samsung devices currently support 5G services in the local market, allowing early adoption among compatible users.
The government previously conducted a 5G spectrum auction in March this year, generating $507 million aimed at improving internet speed and service quality across the country. A total of 480 MHz spectrum was sold, although the initial target was 597 MHz. Three major telecom operators, Jazz, Zong, and Ufone, secured spectrum allocations to support next generation mobile services. According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the auction included allocations across multiple frequency bands, including 700 MHz, 2,300 MHz, 2,600 MHz, and 3,500 MHz bands, with Jazz emerging as the largest buyer securing 190 MHz of spectrum across multiple segments.
Telecom industry officials stated that operators have already placed orders for 5G network equipment and are preparing phased rollouts. Jazz has launched 5G services at 150 sites and plans to expand infrastructure gradually, targeting 1,000 sites in the initial phase and 2,500 sites by December. Company leadership emphasized that expansion will be conducted in stages based on ecosystem readiness, focusing on practical deployment rather than rapid scale up. Officials also highlighted that Pakistan currently has relatively low internet usage compared to regional markets, but expect increased consumption over the next three to four years driven by platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.
Industry representatives further noted that telecom services remain among the most heavily taxed sectors, with nearly 45 percent tax burden, and have urged policy adjustments to support long term digital growth. They emphasized that telecom infrastructure functions as a core component of the digital economy and requires supportive fiscal policies. In addition, challenges related to handset financing remain unresolved, as earlier installment based phone schemes faced high default rates. Operators have proposed a revised government backed model with restrictions on SIM issuance for defaulters, aiming to improve repayment discipline while expanding access to 5G devices.
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