Pakistan is set to launch commercial 5G services in seven major cities by 2025, with the government planning a spectrum auction during Ramadan 2026 to allocate the necessary frequencies. The selected hubs—Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Peshawar and Multan—already have fiber backbones, positioning the country to accelerate digital growth and close the broadband gap.
Key Cities and Deployment Timeline
Cities Selected for Initial Deployment
- Karachi
- Lahore
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi
- Faisalabad
- Peshawar
- Multan
These seven economic hubs were chosen because they meet the regulatory minimum speed of 50 Mbps and possess existing fiber‑optic infrastructure, allowing operators to install 5G small cells quickly.
Ramadan 2026 Spectrum Auction Details
The government will conduct the 5G spectrum auction during the holy month of Ramadan 2026, aiming to finalize allocations by the end of the month. This timing is intended to give mobile operators sufficient lead time to upgrade network equipment and launch services in the pilot cities.
Why the Rollout Matters
- Economic boost: Faster mobile data speeds will enhance productivity in e‑commerce, fintech, logistics and other high‑growth sectors.
- Digital inclusion: Although the first phase targets well‑connected urban areas, the plan includes future expansion to secondary cities and rural regions, narrowing the digital divide.
- Competitive landscape: The auction is expected to attract both domestic operators—Jazz, Telenor Pakistan, Zong, Ufone—and international investors, driving competition and potentially lowering consumer prices.
- Regulatory and security considerations: Spectrum allocation will undergo security vetting and must comply with national cybersecurity standards to protect critical infrastructure.
- Infrastructure challenges: Deploying dense small‑cell networks requires additional site acquisition, power solutions and backhaul capacity beyond the existing fiber backbone.
Future Outlook
If the announced schedule holds, Pakistan will join a growing list of emerging economies offering commercial 5G, positioning itself as a regional leader in mobile connectivity. Success will depend on the efficiency of the Ramadan 2026 auction, rapid network upgrades by operators, and sustained government policies that foster digital innovation.
