ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has cleared the way for the official launch of modern 5G internet services after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued licenses to three major telecom companies.
Services will begin rolling out in phases starting today.
The PTA has granted 5G spectrum licenses to Zong, Jazz, and Ufone. Following the signing of agreements between the PTA and the telecom operators, all three companies are now authorized to officially commence 5G services across the country, enabling users to access significantly faster internet speeds and advanced digital facilities.
Speaking at the license award ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the promotion of cutting-edge technology as a milestone for industry, agriculture, and the IT sector.
He highlighted that the 5G spectrum auction was conducted with complete transparency.
The Prime Minister congratulated the entire team for successfully resolving legal challenges in a smooth manner and appreciated the cooperation of Zong and other telecom partners.
He expressed confidence that the youth would leverage this modern technology to bring global recognition to Pakistan’s IT sector.
He also noted that Pak-China friendship is reflected in unique and important ways through such advanced technology initiatives, with partners now providing state-of-the-art facilities across the length and breadth of the country.
Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated that the program was kept concise in view of the prevailing circumstances, marking the first introduction of 5G services in Pakistan.
She credited the success to complete teamwork under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
She added that steps are being taken to improve 4G services for citizens, and overall internet quality is expected to enhance significantly in the coming months.
Addressing the ceremony, PTA Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeez ur Rehman said that mobile technology development in Pakistan began in the early 1990s, with four spectrum auctions held between 2004 and 2025.
He announced that 480 MHz of spectrum was auctioned and licensed in a fully transparent process, positioning Pakistan at the top in the region in terms of spectrum capacity.
According to the PTA, the major telecom companies are rolling out services in phases: Zong and Jazz are starting 5G services today, while Ufone will introduce them in the next few days.
Sources indicate that telecom operators are in contact with mobile manufacturers, and users will soon receive software update notifications on their phones to enable 5G compatibility.
In the initial phase, 5G services will be available in key locations of major cities including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, and Peshawar.
Experts believe that the launch of 5G technology will bring a noticeable increase in internet speeds, boosting digital services, businesses, and the online economy.
