LAHORE, Feb 3 (ABC): Pakistan’s mobile phone industry is preparing for the launch of next-generation 5G services by the middle of the year, as manufacturers upgrade hardware, software and production plans to meet rising demand.
Local manufacturing gains momentum
Over the past few years, the mobile phone industry in Pakistan has emerged as one of South Asia’s key manufacturing success stories. More than 30 local assembly units now produce nearly 30 million handsets every year.
“Local assembly and manufacturing capabilities have strengthened significantly, and producers of leading brands have already aligned their roadmaps with next-generation technologies,” Zeeshan Mianoor, Chief Executive Officer of Inovi Telecom, told Wealth Pakistan.
Ecosystem must move together
He said 5G readiness requires coordination across the entire ecosystem. Although handset makers appear prepared, the country still needs timely spectrum allocation, a phased network rollout and affordable pricing.
“When these elements move in tandem, Pakistan can fully capitalise on 5G, especially in the mobile phone sector,” he said.
Moreover, many smartphones currently assembled or sold in Pakistan already support key 5G frequency bands expected to operate locally. However, most of these devices fall into the mid- to high-price segment, starting at around Rs75,000.
Adoption to grow gradually
Zeeshan expects demand for 5G phones to grow steadily rather than surge overnight. Early users in large urban centres such as Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad will likely adopt first, as operators plan to introduce coverage there initially.
Later, adoption should expand once consumers experience faster speeds and lower latency. At the same time, cheaper devices and easier financing options will encourage mass uptake. He noted that Pakistan’s young and digital-first population provides strong long-term growth potential.
Hardware upgrades essential
He clarified that 5G cannot run on software updates alone. Instead, manufacturers must install specialised hardware, including 5G-capable chipsets, antennas and radio frequency components.
Therefore, companies will introduce new or upgraded 5G models while continuing to supply 4G devices for price-sensitive buyers.
“This dual strategy ensures inclusion and consumer choice during the transition period,” he said, adding that production volumes will match network rollout timelines and market demand.
Policy clarity remains critical
Zeeshan stressed that widespread 5G adoption depends not only on handset availability but also on regulatory clarity, spectrum readiness and well-defined rollout frameworks. Strong coordination among these areas, he added, will ensure smooth adoption and long-term sustainability.
He also said local production of 5G-capable devices could boost Pakistan’s competitiveness in regional and emerging markets.
“With consistent quality standards, certifications and cost competitiveness, 5G manufacturing can strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global supply chain over time,” he said.
Manufacturers expect gradual gains
However, industry leaders expect benefits to appear in phases. Mian Abdul Rehman, Chairman of the Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association, told Wealth Pakistan that only 20 to 30 percent of manufacturers may initially benefit from the new technology.
He added that 5G-compatible handsets could account for about 20 percent of total sales in the early stage, with the share rising gradually.
Prices will also remain higher at first. According to him, 5G phones may cost Rs5,000 to Rs15,000 more than current models. In some cases, the difference could reach Rs20,000 to Rs30,000.