ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s transition toward next-generation connectivity must ensure that millions of citizens are not left behind, according to JazzWorld CEO Aamir Ibrahim, who said expanding nationwide mobile broadband access remains as important as enabling the country’s transition to 5G.
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In Pakistan’s latest spectrum auction, Jazz emerged as the largest acquirer of additional spectrum, securing 190 MHz across all four newly introduced bands including 700, 2300, 2600 and 3500 MHz. The acquisition positions Jazz as the only operator with strategic spectrum holdings across all available frequency ranges, enabling a comprehensive approach to network development that balances coverage, capacity and future technologies.
While investments in mid and high bands strengthen network capacity and support the gradual rollout of 5G services, Jazz’s acquisition of the 700 MHz band, for which it was the sole bidder, highlights a parallel focus on expanding wide-area coverage and improving connectivity in underserved regions.
The 700 MHz band is widely regarded as one of the most effective frequencies for extending mobile broadband coverage due to its superior propagation characteristics. Signals in this band travel longer distances and penetrate buildings more effectively, making it particularly well suited for expanding connectivity in rural and remote communities.
Speaking after the spectrum auction, Ibrahim said that while 5G represents an important technological milestone, the country’s digital progress must remain grounded in inclusion by continuing to extend reliable mobile broadband to communities that still lack access to high-speed connectivity.
“Pakistan’s digital future must be both forward-looking and inclusive,” Ibrahim said. “As we move toward 5G, we must also ensure that millions of Pakistanis who remain outside the digital connectivity layer are brought online. Connectivity should expand opportunity, not deepen the divide.”
Despite rapid growth in mobile data usage, Pakistan continues to face significant connectivity gaps. Industry estimates indicate that around 40 percent of mobile subscribers still lack access to 4G services, while nearly a quarter remain outside mobile broadband altogether.
Ibrahim said addressing these gaps requires a strategic mix of spectrum resources that allows operators to extend coverage while strengthening network capacity.
“Higher-capacity spectrum enables the evolution toward 5G, while low-band spectrum plays a critical role in expanding nationwide coverage,” he said. “Using the right mix of frequencies allows operators to improve connectivity while extending mobile broadband to communities that might otherwise remain outside the reach of high-speed networks.”
He added that continued investment in network infrastructure will be essential to support Pakistan’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem, where mobile connectivity increasingly underpins services ranging from digital payments and online commerce to enterprise cloud platforms and digital entertainment.
On Tuesday, Jazz also announced plans to invest $1 billion over the next three years to support the rollout of 5G services, strengthen its network and digital infrastructure, and meet the country’s rapidly growing demand for data and digital services.