Telecom companies are expected to commercially launch 5G services in Pakistan by mid-August this year following the completion of the country’s 5G spectrum auction earlier in 2026.
Industry officials said operators have already started installing equipment and testing services at selected locations, with phased expansion planned in major cities during the initial rollout.
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The government auctioned 480 MHz of spectrum for $507 million in March, with Jazz, Zong and Ufone securing frequencies for next-generation mobile services.
Officials said 5G services will initially face limitations due to the low availability of compatible handsets in Pakistan. Industry representatives have proposed an installment scheme for mobile phones to improve access, suggesting that defaulters could face restrictions on obtaining SIM cards from telecom operators.
Meanwhile, iPhone users in Pakistan are unlikely to receive 5G support before 2027, as Apple has reportedly informed authorities that it plans to enable the feature after reviewing Pakistan’s market size.
Telecom officials said high taxes on imported smartphones, particularly iPhones, have negatively affected the local market, while Samsung devices already support 5G services in Pakistan.
Industry representatives also urged the government to reduce taxes on the telecom sector, arguing that high taxation remains a major obstacle to the country’s Digital Pakistan goals and wider internet adoption.
