ISLAMABAD (Zubair Kasuri): Preparations for Pakistan’s 5G network have gathered remarkable momentum, with mobile operators accelerating infrastructure deployment across the country. Responsible sources in the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the telecom industry told The News that work on 5G infrastructure is continuing on an emergency footing, while competition among mobile operators to activate the maximum number of 5G cell sites has reached a critical stage.
According to the sources, telecom operators have set internal targets to complete major phases of their preparations by August 14, with the objective of significantly expanding the country’s readiness for next-generation mobile services.
Based on industry estimates and information shared by responsible sources, Jazz is working to complete approximately 1,000 5G cell sites, Zong is targeting 400 to 500 sites, while PTML (Ufone/Telenor Pakistan), following its merger, is focusing on completing 60 to 100 5G sites during the initial phase of deployment.
Sources said engineering and technical teams are working around the clock in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Hyderabad, Sukkur and other major cities. Installation of advanced radio equipment, fibre backhaul, transmission links and base stations is progressing rapidly.
According to responsible sources, internationally renowned telecom technology company Huawei, along with other global technology partners, is providing advanced equipment and technical support for the project. Engineering teams from these companies are working alongside Pakistani specialists in multiple cities to speed up deployment.
Sources said competition among telecom operators has entered an intense phase, with each company striving to complete as many 5G sites as possible within the targeted timeframe to enhance future network capacity, improve mobile broadband performance and deliver faster connectivity to consumers.
PTA and industry sources further stated that consumers will not require a new SIM card to use 5G services. However, they will need a 5G-compatible smartphone. Sources added that operators are also considering launching initial 5G services through existing data packages to encourage wider adoption during the early phase.
Telecom experts believe that rapid deployment of 5G infrastructure will support Pakistan’s digital economy by creating new opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI), smart cities, e-commerce, telemedicine, online education and industrial automation. They expect the pace of 5G rollout to accelerate further in the coming weeks.
Note: The figures relating to planned 5G cell sites are based on industry estimates and information obtained from responsible sources. Final deployment numbers remain subject to official confirmation by the respective operators and the relevant regulatory authorities.
