Telecom

5G Network in Pakistan: When Is It Coming, and What’s the Hold-Up?

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Pakistan is gearing up for a major leap in internet technology with the arrival of 5G network, promising super-fast speeds, smoother connections, and new possibilities for everything from healthcare to education. But when will 5G network in Pakistan actually arrive, are telecom companies ready, and what’s the status of the crucial spectrum auction? Here’s a simple breakdown of where things stand as of September 2025.

When Is 5G Coming to Pakistan?

The Pakistan government has set its sights on launching 5G services in early 2026, with a target commercial rollout around January to March 2026. Earlier plans aimed for August 2024 and then June 2025, but these deadlines were missed due to delays in planning and legal issues.

The latest timeline, shared by the Ministry of Information Technology in August 2025, points to a December 2025 spectrum auction, with services expected to start shortly after. However, ongoing challenges could push this further, so early 2026 is the current best estimate.

Are Any Networks Ready for 5G?

Several telecom operators in Pakistan, including Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone, have been preparing for 5G for years. Here’s a quick look at their readiness:

  • Jazz: Conducted 5G trials in 2019 and has been vocal about needing affordable spectrum prices to make 5G viable. They’re upgrading cell sites and infrastructure but prioritize improving 4G in rural areas.

  • Zong: Ran successful 5G tests as early as 2019 in partnership with Beijing Mobile, positioning itself as a frontrunner. They’re ready to bid for spectrum but face financial hurdles due to high taxes.

  • Telenor and Ufone: Both have tested 5G, but their merger (Telenor being acquired by PTCL-owned Ufone) is pending approval from the Competition Commission of Pakistan. This delay could affect their auction participation.

  • Infrastructure Needs: 5G requires new base stations and more fiber-optic cables, which Pakistan lacks (98% of backhaul is wireless). Operators are investing, but the scale of upgrades needed is massive.

While these companies have the technical know-how from trials, full readiness depends on securing spectrum, resolving legal disputes, and upgrading infrastructure. High taxes (37.4% on telecom services) and costly 5G smartphones also pose challenges for widespread adoption.

When Is the 5G Spectrum Auction Happening?

The 5G spectrum auction is now scheduled for December 2025, as confirmed by the Ministry of Information Technology during a Senate Standing Committee meeting in early September 2025. This follows multiple delays from earlier targets of April and June 2025. The auction will include four key frequency bands: 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz, which are essential for delivering fast and reliable 5G coverage.

Here’s the roadmap leading to the auction:

  • February 2025: Consultants submit recommendations on pricing and auction design to the Spectrum Advisory Committee.

  • March 2025: The committee finalizes policy reforms, including spectrum pricing and tax frameworks.

  • April 2025: The federal government approves the 5G policy directive.

  • May 2025 (Missed): Originally planned for the auction, now rescheduled to December due to legal and regulatory delays.

  • December 2025: Auction takes place, overseen by the Auction Supervisory Committee, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has freed up over 600 MHz of spectrum, including parts of the 700 MHz and 3500 MHz bands, to ensure enough capacity for 5G. However, legal disputes over the 2600 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 1800 MHz bands are still unresolved, tying up 146 MHz of spectrum and complicating plans.

Why the Delays?

Pakistan’s 5G rollout has faced several roadblocks:

  • Legal Disputes: Court cases over spectrum bands (especially 2600 MHz) have frozen 146 MHz of planned spectrum, leaving only 50 MHz immediately available.

  • Telenor-PTCL Merger: The pending merger approval is creating uncertainty about how many operators will bid in the auction, potentially reducing competition.

  • High Costs: Spectrum prices in Pakistan are among the highest globally, eating up 20% of operators’ revenue. The GSMA and telecoms like Jazz are pushing for lower prices, rupee-based fees, and flexible payment terms to make 5G affordable.

  • Infrastructure Gaps: Pakistan’s reliance on wireless backhaul and limited fiber-optic networks makes 5G deployment expensive. Only 274 MHz of spectrum is currently available, far less than regional peers like Saudi Arabia or Bangladesh.

  • Economic Challenges: High taxes, low 5G device penetration, and economic instability (e.g., foreign exchange issues) discourage investment.

Public frustration is evident, with X posts in early September 2025 calling the delays a “national loss” and urging the government to prioritize digital progress over bureaucratic hurdles.

What Will 5G Bring to Pakistan?

Once launched, 5G promises to transform Pakistan’s digital landscape:

  • Faster Speeds: Up to 20 Gbps, compared to 4G’s 10-30 Mbps, enabling seamless streaming and downloads.

  • Lower Latency: Near-instant connections for real-time apps like gaming, IoT, and autonomous systems.

  • Economic Boost: Expected to drive GDP growth, create jobs, and attract foreign investment in sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture.

  • Digital Inclusion: Better connectivity in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, with plans for rural expansion.

Looking Ahead

While Pakistan’s 5G journey has been slow, the December 2025 auction is a critical step. Operators like Jazz and Zong are technically prepared, but success hinges on resolving legal disputes, lowering costs, and upgrading infrastructure.

The government’s push for reforms, including a potential low-cost spectrum model inspired by Saudi Arabia, offers hope for a smoother rollout. Keep an eye on updates from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for the latest on the auction and launch.