Pakistan’s nationwide transition to fifth generation mobile services is facing a significant infrastructure challenge as the country’s average mobile tower fiberization remains below the level required for large scale 5G deployment. According to official documents, only 17.9 percent of mobile network towers across Pakistan are currently connected through fibre, highlighting the need for additional investment in telecommunications infrastructure before operators can deliver reliable nationwide 5G services. Fibre connectivity plays a critical role in carrying high volumes of data between mobile towers and core networks, making it essential for achieving the higher speeds, lower latency and greater network capacity expected from next generation mobile technology.
The latest figures show that Jazz currently leads Pakistan’s telecom sector with 22 percent tower fiberization, making it the only major mobile operator to exceed the initial benchmark established under the country’s Next Generation Mobile Services and 5G licensing framework. Zong follows with 19 percent fibre connected towers, while Telenor has achieved 16 percent connectivity across its network infrastructure. Ufone remains the furthest behind, with only 9 percent of its mobile towers connected through fibre. Under the existing 5G license conditions, all cellular mobile operators are required to increase their Fibre to the Site ratio to at least 20 percent during Phase One, which covers the period from 2026 to 2028. The mandatory requirement will gradually rise to 35 percent by Phase Four between 2032 and 2035. Based on current deployment levels, Zong requires only limited expansion to meet the initial target, while Telenor must improve its fibre coverage by four percentage points. Ufone, however, will need to more than double its current fibre deployment to comply with the first phase requirement.
Industry experts note that installing 5G radio equipment alone is not sufficient to deliver the full benefits of next generation mobile technology. Without adequate fibre based backhaul, mobile towers may struggle to manage increased network traffic, resulting in slower speeds, higher latency and reduced service quality during peak usage periods. The current nationwide average remains 2.1 percentage points below the first phase target, indicating that operators will need to accelerate fibre deployment as commercial 5G services expand. The shortage of fibre infrastructure could also contribute to uneven network availability, with telecom companies prioritizing deployment in densely populated urban centers and commercially attractive locations where fibre networks already exist, while delaying expansion into less developed regions.
To support future network growth, Government of Pakistan has allocated E band spectrum for high capacity wireless backhaul, providing operators with an alternative solution where fibre deployment is technically difficult, expensive or delayed. Wireless backhaul can transfer large volumes of data between mobile towers and network facilities, although it is generally regarded as a complementary technology rather than a long term replacement for fibre, particularly in high traffic urban environments. Authorities are also working to simplify right of way approvals required for laying fibre optic cables across roads, public land and government controlled property. Telecom operators have previously identified lengthy approval processes, inconsistent local charges and coordination challenges among public institutions as major obstacles slowing fibre deployment. The latest infrastructure figures indicate that Pakistan’s successful nationwide 5G rollout will depend not only on spectrum availability and radio network upgrades but also on how quickly operators expand their fibre networks to support reliable, high capacity digital connectivity across the country.
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