5G in Pakistan: Ready to Roll or Facing Roadblocks?
Pakistan’s busy cities and rural landscapes are buzzing with the question: When will 5G in Pakistan arrive? The world is entering a new era of biometrics, in which distinct physical and behavioral characteristics such as fingerprints and iris scans are employed for identification and security. This next-generation cellular network is set to transform everything from transportation and communication to healthcare and education.
However, the road to 5G in Pakistan hasn’t been paved. Let’s look at the current state of 5G implementation and the potential barriers that are on the way to a hyper-connected future.
The Glimmer of Hope for 5G in Pakistan:
There is wonderful news! Here’s what signals Pakistan is moving to 5G:
Trial Runs:
Major cities like Islamabad and Karachi have already completed successful 5-G experiments. According to the IT and Telecommunications Minister, the federal government has agreed to award mobile manufacturers a (3%) Research and Development (R&D) allowance to support the local mobile industry.
Government Commitment:
The government is actively working on a statewide deployment to bridge the digital divide and strengthen the economy. The Pakistani government has played an important role in promoting the growth of this business by providing various incentives.
Telecom Operator Investment:
Telecom businesses are investing in infrastructure upgrades, preparing for a prospective launch. According to the IT and Telecommunications Ministry, Pakistan has 191 million cellular connections, making it the world’s seventh-largest market. “We import the majority of our mobile phones. “We need to manufacture them locally and build an industry to export made-in-Pakistan phones,” he said.
The Roadblocks for 5G in Pakistan:
ISLAMABAD: To implement 5G in Pakistan, several hurdles and obstructions must be overcome, including poor handset and optic fibre cable (OFC) penetration, growing inflation, low average revenue per user (ARPU), and rising operating expenses (OPEX), as well as high taxes.
“Before the launch of 5G services, the optical fibre network must be upgraded. Currently, only 6,000 mobile towers are connected to optic fibre cables (OFC), out of about 56,000 towers across the country,” he added.
The Wildcard: The Impact of Global Factors
The worldwide chip shortage combined with current geopolitical tensions, poses further hurdles. The availability of needed equipment, as well as the ever-changing technical landscape, can have an impact on Pakistan’s 5G implementation schedule.
So, When Can We Expect 5G in Pakistan?
ISLAMABAD: Dr. Umar Saif, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, stated that 5G in Pakistan would be available by July-August 2024.
Addressing the Pakistan Mobile Summit, the country’s inaugural mobile conference, Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Dr. Umar Saif announced that a 300MHz spectrum would be auctioned up.
“Before the launch of 5G services, the optical fibre network must be upgraded. Currently, only 6,000 mobile towers are connected to optic fibre cables (OFC), out of about 56,000 towers across the country,” he added.
The Takeaway: A Connected Future Awaits.
The road to 5G in Pakistan may have challenges, but the potential rewards are enormous. With continuing growth and collaboration, Pakistan may achieve a future of super-fast connection, innovation, and a more inclusive digital environment. So, get ready for the 5G revolution!
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