- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (APP):Parliamentary Secretary for Information Technology Sabeen Ghauri on Thursday said that the government has taken significant steps toward the rollout of 5G services, focusing on infrastructure readiness, spectrum availability, and international collaboration to ensure a smooth nationwide launch.
Responding to a question during the National Assembly’s Question Hour, she said that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has engaged NERA, a U.S.-based consultancy firm, to assist in formulating a comprehensive strategy for spectrum auction and 5G implementation in Pakistan. “Our focus is on working with internationally recognized consultants so that Pakistan’s 5G network matches global benchmarks,” she said.
She explained that while technical and administrative hurdles have caused some delays, the ministry is actively working to resolve pending issues, including infrastructure and spectrum-related challenges. The frequency auction has already been conducted, and further steps are being taken toward implementation.
The Parliamentary Secretary also pointed out that the Right of Way (RoW) Policy has been recently introduced to facilitate smooth installation of telecom infrastructure, while the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) continues to monitor service quality and performance nationwide.
Responding to complaints about slow internet speeds, she clarified that there is no general nationwide connectivity issue, and most disruptions occur due to localized faults or fiber damages. “Our systems are operating across multiple frequency bands — including 3600 MHz, 2500 MHz, and 1800 MHz — to maintain robust internet performance,” she explained.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to the Prime Minister’s Digital Pakistan Vision, Ghauri expressed confidence that the country would be ready to launch 5G services within the next 12 to 18 months, ushering in a new era of digital transformation and economic growth.