Pakistan’s nationwide 5G rollout has gathered pace after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) directed mobile operators to accelerate network expansion and strengthen next-generation connectivity across the country.
The regulator has instructed telecom companies to deploy thousands of additional 5G towers, upgrade existing infrastructure and improve both 4G and 5G services to ensure faster and more reliable internet for users.
PTA orders rapid 5G expansion
According to sources, the PTA has asked all mobile network operators to expedite implementation of the national 5G rollout plan.
The regulator has prioritized the expansion of mobile infrastructure in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta, while also directing operators to resolve service issues affecting both 4G and 5G networks.
1,000 new 5G towers per operator
Sources said Pakistan currently has 345 active 5G towers installed by mobile operators.
Under the PTA’s latest directives, each telecom operator will be required to install 1,000 new 5G towers within one year, significantly expanding nationwide coverage.
Mobile companies have also assured the regulator that they aim to migrate a large portion of their existing tower infrastructure to 5G technology by August 14, according to sources.
Karachi to receive priority
The PTA has instructed operators to give special attention to Karachi after concerns were raised by the National Assembly Standing Committee over the city’s comparatively lower number of mobile towers.
The committee noted that Karachi, despite being Pakistan’s largest city, has fewer towers than expected, prompting the regulator to push for faster infrastructure development.
Current 5G tower distribution
According to the latest figures:
- Islamabad: 79 towers
- Lahore: 69 towers
- Karachi: 69 towers
- Faisalabad: 32 towers
- Multan: 28 towers
- Peshawar: 25 towers
- Rawalpindi: 17 towers
- Quetta: 14 towers
- Gujranwala: 7 towers
Other cities include:
- Abbottabad, Hyderabad and Sialkot: 3 towers each
- Kohat, Mardan, Sahiwal, Sukkur and Swabi: 2 towers each
- Attock, Jhelum, Kasur, Rahim Yar Khan and Sheikhupura: 1 tower each
Telecom companies cite rollout challenges
According to sources, telecom operators informed the PTA that the pace of 5G deployment could increase further once outstanding financial and write-off issues affecting the sector are resolved.
The companies expressed confidence that addressing these issues would accelerate investment in network infrastructure and support the nationwide expansion of 5G services.
The PTA’s latest directives reflect the government’s renewed focus on improving digital connectivity, with consumers expected to benefit from wider 5G coverage and enhanced mobile internet performance in the months ahead.
Also read: PTA Imposes Rs740 Million Fine on Mobile Companies
