Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the lack of significant improvement in mobile internet speed despite the 5G spectrum auction, and has sought a detailed report from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Following the request, the PTA chairman briefed the prime minister on the matter. The briefing stated that telecom operators are in the process of importing 4G and 5G equipment to improve network infrastructure.
The prime minister was informed that installation will begin once the equipment is received, a process expected to take several months.
The PTA chairman said that improvement in telecom infrastructure would lead to a clear increase in internet speed. In the first phase, 5G services will be launched in Islamabad and all four provincial capitals, while 4G internet speed will also improve significantly alongside 5G.
Moreover, the prime minister directed that provision of high-speed internet to the public must be ensured at all costs, stating that ultra-fast internet is essential for the vision of a Digital Nation Pakistan. The PTA was also instructed to ensure implementation of targets set for telecom operators.
The PTA chairman assured that an effective system of checks and balances would be maintained while fulfilling the regulatory role.
