Pakistan is entering into the era of 5G mobile phone connectivity, with plans set for a rollout in August 2024, as announced by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
This development signals a significant rise in technological progress as Pakistan inches closer to becoming one of the nations equipped with 5G capabilities.
The decision to introduce 5G services in Pakistan stems from the rolling demand for faster and more advanced telecommunications services, which have become crucial in today’s digital age. To facilitate this transition, government officials have exposed a comprehensive business plan, outlining the key steps for the launch of 5G services in the country.
One notable aspect of this plan is the rejection of telecom operators’ requests for free 5G spectrum allocation. Instead, the government aims to assist operators in reducing costs associated with the development of essential infrastructure.
In a bid to ensure the successful deployment of 5G services, the Ministry of Information Technology has taken the proactive step of seeking an international consultant. A formal request has been forwarded to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to select an experienced consultant who can offer valuable insights and guidance for the impending project.
Furthermore, the ministry has initiated records to establish an Inter-Ministerial Advisory Committee, a critical body that will play a central role in shaping the future of 5G technology in Pakistan. Collaborating with the consultant advisory committee, the government intends to formulate an auction policy and business plan. Inspiration will be drawn from successful models implemented in countries like Bangladesh and others when designing the spectrum auction process. Importantly, the plan underscores the commitment to fairness and competition by ensuring that spectrum allocation occurs through a competitive process rather than favoring any single operator.
Before the desirable 600 MHz spectrum auction takes place, the business plan underscores the necessity for substantial reforms within the telecom sector. This includes addressing ongoing court cases related to spectrum allocation and creating incentives to encourage active participation from telecom operators in the auction process. Furthermore, the business plan emphasizes the importance of facilitating the expansion of 5G services through measures such as enabling the opening of Letters of Credit (LC) and the establishment of fiber optic cable networks. These initiatives collectively aim to pave the way for Pakistan’s successful transition into the field of 5G connectivity.
