The Pakistani government appears determined to launch 5G technology, driven by efforts to address connectivity issues and the passage of digitalisation-friendly legislation. However, the country's economic struggles raise concerns about its readiness for this technological leap.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) 2024 annual report highlights significant hurdles in adopting 5G.
Despite the growing availability of mobile and broadband services, investment in the telecom sector has declined sharply—from $1.6 billion in 2021-22 to $765 million in 2023-24.
Shahzad Arshad, Chairman of the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (Wispap), noted that the telecom market is highly price-sensitive.
While data usage is increasing, operators face challenges in monetising it effectively. This limits their ability to fund massive projects like 5G, which demand substantial capital investment.
Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim also pointed to the lack of affordable 5G-compatible devices as another obstacle to widespread adoption.
The PTA report also acknowledged the financial burden on telecom operators, citing the upfront costs of deploying next-generation broadband technology. It warns that these investments will take time to yield returns, potentially straining operators' resources.
While the launch of 5G could address connectivity issues, the challenges of affordability, infrastructure, and investment must be resolved for Pakistan to benefit from this technological transformation truly.
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