The government has termed 2025 as the ”Year of 5G” and has set ambitious targets, including achieving an average broadband speed of 50–100 Mbps and increasing Fiber-to-the-Site (FTTS) coverage to 60 percent.
This was highlighted in the outcome statement presented by Amer Shahzad, Director General (DG) Licensing, at the National Broadband Network Forum 2024, organized by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in collaboration with Huawei.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) declared that it has faced numerous stumbling blocks coming its way during the launch of 5G technology in Pakistan, paying attention to the crucial investment required, the slow return on investment, and the limited availability of compatible devices.
To deploy 5G, telecom companies must make significant investments in upgrading existing infrastructure. This includes expanding networks, installing small cells, advanced antennas, and extensive fiber optic backhaul systems. These upgrades demand large financial commitments, and securing the required capital is often a challenge, especially in a competitive market where consumers are highly price-sensitive. Additionally, the return on investment for such kind of massive infrastructure development may take time, causing telecom operators to proceed cautiously with heavy financial outlays.
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The PTA also urges that government incentives and public-private partnerships (PPPs) could pave paths to resolve this financial burden and encourage the necessary investments in 5G infrastructure. However, another significant hurdle is the digital divide between urban and rural areas. While urban regions may quickly benefit from advanced 5G infrastructure, rural and remote areas face logistical challenges and higher costs, making it more difficult to extend 5G coverage to these less populated regions. This disparity could leave underserved communities behind, further deepening the digital divide in the country.
Another challenge is the limited availability of 5G-compatible handsets. The sweeping acceptance of 5G depends on ensuring that these devices are within the reach of buyers across the country and that consumers can buy them at affordable rates. For 5G to foster inclusive economic growth and development, it is extremely vital they provide nationwide access to the technology.
The next up is a lack of awareness among the masses which is considered to be its major obstacle. Most of the users do not have any knowledge about the advantages of 5g, and misconceptions about its potential health effects may hinder its adoption. To address this, the PTA suggests that the government and telecom operators invest in educating the public about the advantages of 5G. Transparent communication will be vital to building trust and encouraging widespread acceptance.
Efforts toward 5G implementation are already underway, with plans for its successful rollout by mid-2025. The PTA is working closely with telecom operators to ensure the readiness of the backhaul infrastructure, a crucial component for 5G performance. By focusing on high-capacity backhaul and monitoring compliance, the PTA aims to ensure that Pakistan’s telecom sector is fully prepared for the efficient deployment of 5G technology across the country.