Ufone 5G

Pakistan 5G services are expected to launch commercially across the country by mid-August this year as telecom companies accelerate preparations for next-generation internet services. The move aims to provide users with faster internet speeds, better streaming quality, and improved digital connectivity. However, the telecom sector faces a major challenge due to the low availability of 5G-enabled smartphones in Pakistan. Industry officials say only around 5% of mobile handsets currently in use support 5G technology. Despite the challenge, telecom operators have already started installing infrastructure and importing equipment to prepare for the nationwide rollout. Telecom Operators Prepare for Commercial Launch Pakistan conducted a major 5G spectrum auction in March this year and generated nearly $507 million in revenue. The government sold 480 MHz spectrum to telecom companies for next-generation mobile services. Three major telecom operators — Jazz, Zong, and Ufone — secured frequencies during the auction to expand 5G operations. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the government sold two lots in the 700 MHz band, all five lots in the 2,300 MHz band, all 19 lots in the 2,600 MHz band, and 22 out of 28 lots in the 3,500 MHz band. Jazz emerged as the biggest buyer in the auction. The company acquired 190 MHz spectrum, including frequencies in multiple bands needed for faster and wider 5G coverage. Telecom industry officials confirmed that all operators had already placed orders for 5G equipment and network infrastructure. Some telecom companies have also started testing 5G internet services at selected sites where equipment installation has been completed. Jazz Plans Rapid Expansion of 5G Sites Jazz officials say the company has already launched 5G services at nearly 150 testing sites. The operator now plans aggressive expansion in the coming months. A senior Jazz official said the company aims to install equipment at 1,000 sites during the initial rollout phase. The number may increase to 2,500 sites by December this year. Kazim Mujtaba, President Jazz GSM, said the company wants a phased and disciplined rollout instead of rushing for publicity. “We are deliberately piloting with around 180 sites today and scaling from July as the ecosystem matures,” Mujtaba said. He added that the company would continue expanding where 5G services provide meaningful value to consumers and businesses. iPhone Users May Not Get 5G Until 2027 While Android users may start using Pakistan 5G services later this year, iPhone users are likely to face delays. Officials from the IT and telecom ministry said Apple has informed Pakistani authorities that it may enable 5G services for iPhones in Pakistan only after evaluating the market size in 2027. Currently, Apple does not support 5G connectivity for Pakistani users even though the technology works in many other countries. Industry experts believe high import taxes on iPhones and other premium devices have significantly reduced Apple’s market share in Pakistan. As a result, Apple sees limited commercial incentive to activate 5G services immediately. In contrast, Samsung handsets already support 5G services in Pakistan. Telecom Industry Demands Tax Relief Telecom officials argue that heavy taxation remains one of the biggest obstacles to digital growth in Pakistan. Industry representatives say the telecom sector ranks among the highest taxed industries in the country, especially on mobile recharge services and imported devices. Kazim Mujtaba said telecom companies should be treated as critical infrastructure providers rather than revenue-generating sectors. “At nearly 45%, telecom is among the most heavily taxed sectors. You cannot build a future-ready Pakistan on yesterday’s tax model,” he said. Officials believe reducing taxes on smartphones and telecom services could accelerate the Digital Pakistan vision and increase internet usage nationwide. They also expect internet consumption to rise sharply over the next few years due to growing use of platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Low Availability of 5G Phones Remains a Challenge The shortage of affordable 5G-enabled devices remains a serious hurdle for telecom operators. Industry officials say local manufacturers have started producing 5G smartphones, but supply remains limited compared to demand. Telecom companies are now pushing for a mobile phone installment scheme to increase access to 5G devices. Under the proposal, consumers would buy smartphones through monthly installments. However, telecom companies want strict measures against defaulters. Officials proposed that users who fail to pay installments should face a ban on obtaining SIM cards from any telecom operator in Pakistan. The telecom industry had introduced installment-based mobile financing in the past, but companies faced default rates between 30% and 40%. Zong has reportedly opposed the latest proposal. The company argues that competitors like Jazz and Ufone have associated banking networks that could give them an unfair advantage in financing mobile phones. Despite these concerns, telecom companies remain optimistic that Pakistan 5G services will improve internet quality, support digital businesses, and strengthen the country’s technology sector in the coming years.