The launch of Pakistan's much-anticipated 5G spectrum within a mere ten-month timeframe is a feat that appears to be increasingly improbable, owing to certain significant challenges. This revelation emerged recently, shedding light on the reluctance of local mobile operators to invest in 5G licenses, primarily due to the nation's precarious economic situation. Initially, the Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif, had optimistically announced a 10-month timeline for the introduction of 5G services in Pakistan.
This development came to the fore following a pivotal meeting between Dr. Saif and Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Maj Gen (R) Hafeezur Rehman. During their discussions, various intricate aspects of telecommunications were scrutinized, including the impending 5G auction and spectrum allocation.
However, inside sources from the telecom industry have revealed a stark reality: local mobile operators are hesitant to procure 5G licenses due to the continuous depreciation of the Rupee against the Dollar and the inadequacy of technological infrastructure to support 5G spectrum deployment within the nation.
Adding to these woes, a lack of purchasing power among consumers is evident, as they struggle to afford 5G-compatible handsets due to the burden of higher taxes and import restrictions. Furthermore, the federal Ministry of IT and Telecommunications has thus far failed to introduce a concrete 5G policy for the auctioning of licenses essential for the utilization of this spectrum.
Notably, Pakistan has lagged behind many other countries in the global race to launch 5G services, amplifying the urgency of addressing these multifaceted challenges.
Ironically, the Ministry of IT and Telecom had previously announced its intention to unveil 5G services by mid-2023, even as it sought to attract foreign investors. Nonetheless, the daunting economic realities and technological deficiencies cast a shadow over this ambitious timeline, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and timely resolution to these issues