ISLAMABAD, July 21 (ABC): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has set a target for each cellular mobile operator (CMO) to deploy 2,000 5G sites by 2028 under the first phase of Pakistan’s commercial 5G rollout.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, Phase I of the 5G rollout will run from 2026 to 2028. During this phase, every licensed operator will establish 2,000 5G sites.
Operators must also upgrade at least 20 percent of their existing 4G sites in the federal and provincial capitals to 5G technology.
Network upgrade targets
The roadmap also requires operators to increase the Fiber-to-the-Tower (FTTS) ratio to 20 percent. This step will strengthen network capacity and improve the performance of 5G services.
The PTA has also raised the quality standards for mobile broadband.
According to the document, the current average 4G throughput of around 4 Mbps will increase to a median speed of 20 Mbps. The roadmap also sets a minimum 5G baseline speed of 50 Mbps. Operators will gradually raise the median 5G speed to 100 Mbps.
Infrastructure rollout underway
According to the document, operators have started deploying infrastructure under the first phase of the rollout.
In areas where operators have completed new base transceiver stations (BTS) and network upgrades, they are providing 5G services alongside improved 4G performance.
The initial rollout includes procurement and import of telecom equipment, integration of newly assigned spectrum bands, network modernisation, and preparations for compatible 5G handsets.
Four-phase rollout plan
The document states that Pakistan will implement commercial 5G services in four phases. Phase I is currently underway.
The PTA will monitor operators’ compliance with rollout obligations, coverage targets and quality-of-service requirements throughout the implementation process.
