Federal government has announced plans to launch 5G technology in the country next year while this high-speed internet service is expected to benefit the national economy and consumers, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has identified several challenges ahead.
According to the PTA, before launching 5G technology, significant investments are needed to upgrade the current network and infrastructure.
Expensive fiber optics, small cell sites, and advanced antennas will have to be installed, placing a heavy financial burden on the telecom sector. Moreover, it will take time before the financial benefits of such large investments are realized.
Another challenge identified is the lack of 5G-supporting smartphones in the country, further hindering the adoption of the technology. The PTA also noted that while urban areas, with their better infrastructure, are likely to benefit from 5G services quickly, rural areas may experience delays due to the high costs associated with logistics and infrastructure development.
The report also suggested that government incentives and public-private partnerships could help alleviate some of the financial pressure.
