Explore the latest updates on Pakistan’s 5G Revolution Launches in August 2024.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, Pakistan is gearing up for a groundbreaking move – the launch of 5G services by August 2024. The anticipation was revealed by Dr. Umar Saif, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, during the inaugural Pakistan Mobile Summit.
The minister outlined the comprehensive plan, indicating that a 300MHz spectrum would be auctioned to facilitate the 5G rollout. However, he emphasized the need for strengthening the optic fiber network before the grand unveiling. Presently, only 6,000 mobile towers are connected to optic fiber cables out of the 56,000 towers nationwide, highlighting the infrastructure upgrades required.
One of the key strategies to promote the local mobile industry involves granting a 3% Research and Development (R&D) allowance to mobile manufacturers. Dr. Umar Saif disclosed that this decision would be implemented in the next fiscal year, with plans to increase the R&D allowance to 8% in the coming years. The move aims to encourage innovation and support local manufacturers’ research endeavors.
Reflecting on recent achievements, Dr. Saif shared that Pakistan had assembled approximately 9 million mobile phones valued at around $1.5 billion over the last two years. Impressively, the country exported nearly 250,000 mobile phones, generating around $200 million in foreign exchange. The minister acknowledged the contributions of about 35 different mobile phone brands actively participating in the local mobile phone manufacturing industry.
Pakistan, the 7th largest market for cellular users globally with 191 million cellular connections, faces the challenge of predominantly importing mobile phones. Dr. Umar Saif emphasized the need for local manufacturing to meet domestic demand and explore international markets. He underscored the government’s role in supporting industry growth through various incentives.
In tandem with the 5G rollout, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications is working on enhancing the telecom sector’s overall infrastructure. This includes addressing judicial challenges related to spectrum distribution, incentivizing telecom operators to participate in the auction, and streamlining processes for opening Letters of Credit (LC) and laying fiber optic lines.
The upcoming 5G launch is not merely a technological advancement; it’s a strategic move that will revolutionize communication and internet usage in Pakistan. The Ministry’s meticulous planning, from spectrum auctions to infrastructure enhancements, sets the stage for a transformative era in telecommunications.
As Pakistan readies itself for the 5G era, this initiative is poised to usher in new possibilities across various sectors. From healthcare and education to transportation, the 5G rollout is expected to catalyze innovation and positively change the country’s technological landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates on this transformative journey as Pakistan prepares to unveil 5G services, marking a significant leap forward in the nation’s technological evolution.
Also, see WhatsApp Unveils User-Friendly Feature to Curb Annoyance
