Pakistan’s telecom operators have cautioned policymakers against accelerating the rollout of 5G services without first ensuring the availability of affordable and compatible mobile devices for consumers. The Telecom Operators Association of Pakistan has raised concerns that pushing ahead with next generation networks under current market conditions could place pressure on foreign exchange reserves and divert limited investment away from strengthening existing infrastructure. The warning comes as authorities prepare for the country’s 5G spectrum sale, more than a decade after the first 4G auction, while a significant portion of mobile users still remains offline.
Aamir Ibrahim, chairperson of Telecom Operators Association of Pakistan, stressed that the real measure of progress lies not in the speed of launching new technology but in how widely it is adopted and used. He noted that technology alone does not transform societies unless people can afford to access and apply it in daily life. While public discussion around 5G has largely focused on competitiveness and future readiness, Ibrahim argued that there has been little attention on whether the average Pakistani consumer is in a position to benefit from it. According to industry estimates, only around 2 percent of mobile users currently own a 5G enabled handset, a figure that reflects the high cost of devices relative to income levels in the country.
The pricing gap remains one of the biggest barriers. Entry level 5G smartphones are priced around Rs. 90,000, while premium models can cost several hundred thousand rupees. With most subscribers relying on prepaid connections and limited disposable income, these prices place 5G devices out of reach for the majority of users. Local manufacturing data further highlights the challenge. From 2019 to late 2025, about 152 million mobile devices were assembled in Pakistan, nearly 60 percent of which were basic 2G feature phones. Even among smartphones, production has largely focused on affordable 4G models, with almost no local assembly of 5G handsets. Ibrahim pointed out that adding 5G capability significantly increases production costs due to advanced components, making it harder for manufacturers to cater to a price sensitive market. Retooling assembly lines also requires time, limiting how quickly local production can shift even with supportive policies.
Financing constraints add to the problem. Unlike developed markets where operators often bundle devices with service plans or offer installment options, Pakistan lacks a widespread consumer credit system for handset purchases. Most buyers must pay the full amount upfront, which further restricts adoption of high cost smartphones. Ibrahim warned that if spectrum policy focuses mainly on rollout timelines and coverage targets without addressing these demand side realities, operators could end up with expensive but underutilized networks. He also highlighted a broader usability gap, noting that millions of users remain offline due to limited digital skills, lack of relevant local content, and low trust in digital services. More than ten years after the launch of 4G, roughly one quarter of mobile customers still do not use mobile broadband.
Without addressing these structural challenges, telecom operators fear that 5G could deepen existing digital divides rather than bridge them. Ibrahim urged regulators and the government to adopt a balanced approach that includes reducing taxes on devices, enabling handset financing mechanisms, and aligning spectrum policy with consumer affordability. He emphasized that the success of 5G in Pakistan should be measured by meaningful participation in the digital economy rather than auction proceeds or coverage statisti
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