The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has informed lawmakers that 5G services have been activated in 22 cities across the country.

The update was shared during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, chaired by Syed Amin Ul Haque.

PTA officials said 5G has already been enabled in four sectors of Islamabad. They added that speed tests conducted in Sector F-8 showed internet speeds of around 100 Mbps.

Officials further said that the upcoming 5G spectrum auction is expected to enhance network performance and could raise average 4G speeds to around 40 Mbps.

However, committee members raised concerns over the overall quality of telecom services, questioning whether new technologies alone would improve user experience without addressing existing service gaps.

Lawmakers also pointed out that frequent power outages—lasting up to 10 hours in some areas—continue to disrupt telecom networks, putting pressure on service providers.

The committee expressed dissatisfaction over customer support systems, noting that major telecom operators have reportedly reduced helpline capacity instead of improving it. Members urged the PTA to take stricter action, including penalties and show-cause notices against underperforming operators.

The meeting also discussed matters related to PTCL following recent sector consolidation. Concerns were raised over alleged outstanding dues of around $800 million and ongoing property transactions linked to the company.

Officials from the Ministry of IT said details regarding the privatization framework fall under the Privatization Commission’s domain. The committee later summoned both IT and Privatization Commission officials for further briefing in the next session.