PTA accelerates Pakistan’s 5G rollout, orders telecom operators to expand network infrastructure
Naveed Babar Dar:
Lahore: Pakistan’s transition to nationwide 5G services has gathered pace after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) directed mobile network operators to fast-track the country’s 5G rollout by expanding infrastructure, increasing tower deployments and improving service quality.
According to sources, the telecom regulator has instructed all mobile operators to accelerate work on the national 5G implementation plan, with a particular focus on deploying more 5G towers and strengthening existing 4G and future 5G networks.
The PTA has asked operators to prioritise infrastructure expansion in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta to improve next-generation mobile connectivity and meet growing demand for high-speed internet services.
The regulator has also directed telecom companies to address network issues affecting both 4G and 5G services to provide users with faster, more reliable mobile connectivity.
Operators to install 1,000 new 5G towers each
Sources said telecom operators have so far deployed a combined total of 345 active 5G towers across Pakistan.
Under the PTA’s latest directive, each mobile operator will be required to install 1,000 additional 5G towers over the next year, significantly expanding the country’s next-generation mobile network.
Operators have also assured the regulator that a substantial portion of their existing mobile tower infrastructure will be upgraded to 5G technology by August 14, according to sources.
Karachi identified as expansion priority
The PTA has instructed telecom companies to accelerate network expansion in Karachi following concerns over the city’s comparatively lower number of mobile towers.
The move comes after the National Assembly Standing Committee highlighted the need for greater investment in telecom infrastructure in Karachi, prompting the regulator to prioritise the country’s largest metropolitan area.
Islamabad tops 5G tower deployment
According to the latest available figures, Islamabad has the highest number of active 5G towers in Pakistan, followed by Lahore and Karachi.
Active 5G towers by city:
- Islamabad: 79
- Lahore: 69
- Karachi: 69
- Faisalabad: 32
- Multan: 28
- Peshawar: 25
- Rawalpindi: 17
- Quetta: 14
- Gujranwala: 7
Meanwhile, Abbottabad, Hyderabad and Sialkot each have three active 5G towers, while Kohat, Mardan, Sahiwal, Sukkur and Swabi have two each. Attock, Jhelum, Kasur, Rahim Yar Khan and Sheikhupura currently have one active 5G tower each.
Operators cite policy issues affecting rollout
Sources said telecom operators informed the PTA that the pace of 5G deployment could accelerate further once the sector’s outstanding write-off issue is resolved.
According to the companies, addressing the matter would unlock additional investment, enabling faster infrastructure development and broader nationwide deployment of 5G services.
The PTA’s latest directives underscore the government’s renewed push to modernise Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. With operators now tasked with installing thousands of additional towers and upgrading existing networks, 5G coverage and overall mobile internet performance are expected to improve significantly in the coming months.
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