5G Pilot Services Confirmed to Begin in Major Cities Next Week
Intelligence report synthesized for precision. Verified source updates below.
Detailed Report
Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima announced that 5G pilot services will begin in major cities next week, while full 5G services are expected to launch in major urban areas within the next few months.
The announcement comes after Pakistan successfully completed the second phase of its 5G spectrum auction, with telecom operators bidding for positioning in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the auction process concluded successfully, with a total of 480 MHz of spectrum sold. The government expects to generate $510 million in revenue, equivalent to Rs. 142 billion, from the auction.
According to officials, the bidding for positioning in the 2600 MHz band was completed in three rounds, while the 3500 MHz band positioning was finalized after five rounds.
The minister said the development was made possible through the efforts of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Frequency Allocation Board, and other institutions. She added that the total available spectrum in Pakistan has now increased to more than 7,500 MHz, tripling the country’s capacity.
The minister also thanked Pakistan’s field marshal and said court cases related to the process were expedited. She added that the Pakistan Armed Forces vacated the spectrum required for the rollout, while the government also landed three new submarine cables to strengthen connectivity.
She said the auction marked a historic moment for the country, noting that such days are remembered in a nation’s history. According to the minister, 4G services will improve from today, while 5G rollout preparations are underway.
The PTA chairman said the government has completed its role in the process, and it is now up to telecom companies to move forward with network deployment. He added that Pakistan’s position in global spectrum availability will improve significantly after the auction, describing the scale of the auction as among the largest ever conducted at one time.
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