Govt Plans to Launch 5G by Mid-2025: IT Secretary
Financial constraints remain a major hurdle, even as broadband and mobile service penetration continues to rise.
The government aims to introduce 5G services in Pakistan by mid-2025, announced Parliamentary Secretary for IT Sabreen Ghori on Wednesday.
Speaking at the National Assembly session, Ghori assured lawmakers that ongoing internet speed issues would be resolved soon, with noticeable improvements expected by the middle of the year.
She attributed slow internet speeds to multiple factors, impacting users nationwide.
Lawmakers also raised concerns over connectivity issues, with PPP’s Agha Rafiullah highlighting frequent service disruptions.
MPA Shagufta Jumani echoed PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto’s remarks, questioning persistent damage to Pakistan’s internet infrastructure.
Despite the promise of 5G, a Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) report from December 2024 warned of challenges in the transition.
Financial constraints remain a major hurdle, even as broadband and mobile service penetration continues to rise.
Telecom sector investments have fallen from $1.6 billion in 2021–22 to $765 million in 2023–24, partly due to global shifts toward 5G.
Additionally, while revenue per user has increased in rupee terms, it has declined in dollar terms compared to other countries.
The PTA report also noted that the high costs of 5G deployment could lead to cautious investment from telecom operators, as returns on capital expenditure may take time to materialize.