Islamabad: Pakistan has fallen significantly behind almost all countries in the region in the launch of 5G services, leaving the country deprived of the benefits of modern digital technology.
Globally, 5G technology was introduced in 2019; however, due to a severe shortage of mobile spectrum, Pakistan has so far been unable to roll out this advanced service. Apart from Afghanistan, there is no country in the region where progress on 5G has not been made, highlighting Pakistan’s lag in this area.
According to sources in the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, the country is currently operating on only 274 megahertz of mobile spectrum, which is considered the lowest in the region. Limited spectrum availability has become a major obstacle to the deployment of advanced technologies, including 5G.
The situation becomes even more concerning given that Pakistan is the world’s fifth most populous country, with more than 200 million broadband users who require faster and more advanced internet services.
Sources explained that the spectrum allocated by the PTA is technology-neutral and can be used for 2G through 5G and future technologies as well. However, limited spectrum availability and a shortage of 5G-compatible devices have significantly slowed progress.
Experts note that 5G is not limited to smartphones alone, as it enables the development of the Internet of Things, smart cities, automated systems, and advanced industrial applications, all of which can play a crucial role in economic growth and development.
