The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued 5G licenses to all three major telecom operators, signaling a major step toward the launch of high-speed 5G services in the country.
The licensing process included the submission of bank guarantees by all three telecom operators to meet the conditions of the 5G licenses. PTA’s Director General Licensing, Brigadier (Retired) Aamir Shehzad, signed the licenses alongside the CEOs of the telecom companies.
The licensing ceremony was held at the Prime Minister’s House, attended by Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shiza Fatima Khawaja, PTA Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman, CEOs of the telecom companies, and members of the federal cabinet.
The event was conducted with simplicity due to ongoing energy challenges and government austerity measures.
The PTA recently concluded the 5G spectrum auction, selling 480 MHz out of the total 597 MHz available, generating approximately $510 million in revenue for the government. Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman provided a briefing on the auction process, emphasizing the regulatory framework that will govern the rollout of 5G services across urban centers.
Telecom operators are expected to launch 5G initially in select areas of major cities, with enhancements to existing 4G services also anticipated.
Officials indicated that the rollout will expand gradually, ensuring faster internet speeds and improved connectivity for both individual and business users across Pakistan.
