Pakistan is preparing to roll out 5G mobile services around Eid al-Fitr, following the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) completion of licensing preparations. This move clears the way for telecom operators to deploy next-generation networks.

Telecom companies that secured 5G spectrum will be formally granted licenses tomorrow in a special ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House. Invitations have been sent to the leadership of all companies that participated in the auction.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the event as the chief guest. Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the PTA chairman, and other senior officials, along with cabinet members including Federal Ministers for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb and Information Attaullah Tarar, are also expected to be present.

All three telecom operators have submitted $15 million each in bank guarantees to meet license requirements. Technical preparations for the 5G rollout have already been completed, allowing services to begin immediately after licenses are issued.

The first phase of 5G deployment will target Islamabad and major urban centers, with coverage gradually expanding to other regions. Under license conditions, each company must establish 1,000 new telecom sites, including at least 200 in remote or underserved areas.

The PTA recently completed the 5G spectrum auction, selling 480 MHz out of a total 597 MHz available, generating an estimated $510 million in revenue for the government.