ISLAMABAD – Imagine surfing internet with lightning-fast 5G internet, and that future is closer than you think Pakistan’s government has just approved a nationwide mobile upgrade initiative to make phones ready for 5G connectivity.
Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima revealed that Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction is set to take place next month, promising “the best possible conditions” for the sale. The auction will cover seven bands, of which five are being auctioned in Pakistan for the first time, while two bands have already been sold.
She stressed that 5G-supported mobile phones are currently limited in Pakistan, and the government is actively working on mobile device upgrades to prepare the nation for the next-generation network. She assured that six months after the auction, citizens will notice a significant improvement in internet services across the country.
Citing telecom sector’s evolving landscape, Shaza noted that after Ufone-Telenor merger, only three mobile companies remain. However, the introduction of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) is expected to bring new players, attract investment, and expand the market, integrating Pakistan into the global MVNO network.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) also approved district-level fiberization, allowing cable operators to provide internet to homes via a CVAS license—a move that promises faster connectivity nationwide.
She also pointed out that three submarine cables have been introduced in recent years, further boosting Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and laying the foundation for a next-generation, high-speed internet ecosystem.
With 5G on the horizon and investments set to pour in, Pakistan is poised for a digital revolution, promising faster internet, upgraded mobile devices, and a competitive telecom market that could transform the way millions connect and communicate.
