Pakistan is finalising policy guidelines to launch 5G

The government intends to introduce 5G across the country, despite the fact that widespread 4G coverage is viewed as a major requirement before its launch. Also, 5G services can be offered in locations where 4G services are already available.

Although all telcos in Pakistan have switched to 4G or LTE networks, a few companies are still unable to provide stable connectivity in a number of locations. Also, network providers frequently fail to deliver an acceptable, 4G standard connection speed despite hefty mobile data charges.

To meet license requirements for the 5G network, cellular operators are forced to extend 4G coverage.

According to Brecorder, the government of Pakistan is intending to introduce 5G in the country, according to official documents, and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOIT&T) is in the phase of finalising policies for 5G in consultation with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and relevant authorities.

The former administration intended to offer 5G services in the country in the first quarter of 2023. Unfortunately, no consulting assistance has been utilised for this purpose thus far. The reports also revealed that the PTA spent no expenses as no consultancy services had been obtained for its deployment.

The MOIT&T has analysed seven bands for the implementation of 5G services. As per official documents, the government is currently reviewing the possibilities available for the prompt deployment of 5G services in the ccountry.

The following bands are being considered for 5G service adoption as low, mid and high bands:

700 MHz; 2.3 GHz; 2.6 GHz; 3.5 GHz; MiIIimeter wavebands; C-Band (3.6-4.2) GHz; and Unlicensed Backhaul Frequency bands (P2P & P2MP).

In light of these bands, the ministry has requested that the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) share the present status and availability of all 5G spectrum in the above-mentioned frequency bands.

Network providers are actively extending their infrastructures. Pakistan presently has 90 per cent teledensity and 89 per cent mobile penetration. The total number of cellphone consumers is 193.4 million. These figures are steadily rising. According to license terms, all CMOs are working to expand 4G coverage nationally.

Approximately 60 per cent of the populace has access to 4G coverage. New rollout criteria have been imposed on operator licenses in order to accelerate 4G implementation in Pakistan.

Furthermore, population-based rollout obligations are being implemented in order to give 4G coverage to the greatest number of Pakistanis.