PTA directs telecom companies to fast-track 5G rollout across Pakistan
Muhammad Naeem:
Islamabad: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has instructed mobile network operators to accelerate the nationwide rollout of 5G services by expanding network infrastructure, increasing the number of mobile towers and enhancing the quality of existing 4G and future 5G services, according to sources.
The regulator has directed all telecom companies to expedite implementation of Pakistan’s national 5G strategy, with priority given to strengthening network coverage in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta.
According to sources, the PTA has also ordered operators to resolve persistent service issues affecting mobile users and ensure faster, more reliable connectivity as demand for high-speed internet continues to grow.
Each operator to deploy 1,000 additional 5G towers
Sources said Pakistan currently has a total of 345 operational 5G towers installed by mobile operators.
To accelerate nationwide coverage, the PTA has directed each telecom operator to deploy 1,000 new 5G towers within the next year.
Operators have also assured the regulator that a large share of their existing mobile tower infrastructure will be upgraded to support 5G technology by August 14, sources added.
Karachi to receive priority in expansion
The PTA has placed special emphasis on expanding telecom infrastructure in Karachi after concerns were raised over the city’s comparatively lower number of mobile towers.
The move follows observations by the National Assembly Standing Committee, which urged greater investment in network infrastructure to improve mobile services in the country’s commercial hub.
Capital leads in 5G infrastructure
According to official figures, Islamabad currently has the largest concentration of active 5G towers in Pakistan with 79 sites, followed by Lahore and Karachi with 69 towers each.
Other cities include:
- Faisalabad – 32
- Multan – 28
- Peshawar – 25
- Rawalpindi – 17
- Quetta – 14
- Gujranwala – 7
Abbottabad, Hyderabad and Sialkot each have three active towers, while Kohat, Mardan, Sahiwal, Sukkur and Swabi each have two. Attock, Jhelum, Kasur, Rahim Yar Khan and Sheikhupura currently have one active 5G tower each.
Industry seeks resolution of pending issues
According to sources, telecom operators told the PTA that the pace of 5G deployment would increase significantly once the sector’s pending write-off issue is resolved.
The companies said resolving the matter would encourage greater investment in infrastructure and support the rapid expansion of next-generation mobile services across the country.
The PTA’s latest directives reflect a renewed government push to modernise Pakistan’s telecommunications sector. As operators expand tower deployment and upgrade existing infrastructure, consumers are expected to benefit from wider 5G availability, improved coverage and faster mobile internet speeds.
