Pakistan is set to launch 5G technology in 2025, with the potential to boost the national economy and benefit consumers. However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has highlighted several challenges that must be addressed before the rollout of this high-speed internet service.
The PTA points out that significant investments are needed to upgrade the current network and infrastructure to support 5G. This includes installing expensive fiber optics, small cell sites, and advanced antennas, which will place a considerable financial strain on the telecom sector. Additionally, it will take time for the financial returns on these substantial investments to materialize.
A key hurdle in the rollout is the limited availability of 5G-compatible smartphones in the country, which could slow down the adoption of the technology. The PTA also noted that while urban areas, with their more developed infrastructure, are likely to see the benefits of 5G sooner, rural areas may face delays due to the high costs of logistics and infrastructure development.
To help overcome these challenges, the report suggests that government incentives and public-private partnerships could ease the financial burden and accelerate the deployment of 5G services.
