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By Sabeeh Zanair :
Mobile phone users in Pakistan are not expected to pay higher data charges when commercial 5G services are introduced, with telecom operators planning to offer next-generation connectivity through existing data packages during the initial rollout.
According to documents released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), customers with 5G-compatible smartphones in areas covered by 5G networks will be able to access the new service using their current prepaid or postpaid data bundles. The regulator said users will not need to purchase separate 5G packages during the early stages of deployment.
The approach is intended to encourage wider adoption of 5G technology by allowing subscribers to experience faster mobile internet speeds without facing additional costs immediately after the commercial launch.
PTA said mobile network operators are expected to introduce 5G services under their existing pricing structures before considering premium plans at a later stage. The regulator noted that specialised 5G packages could eventually be introduced as operators recover investments in spectrum licences, network upgrades and infrastructure expansion.
Telecom companies have informed the PTA that maintaining current broadband pricing during the initial phase will help accelerate the adoption of 5G and encourage more customers to upgrade to compatible devices.
The regulator also confirmed that existing 4G SIM cards will remain compatible with 5G services, meaning customers will not need to replace their SIMs. Users will only require a 5G-enabled smartphone and access to an area where the new network is available.
PTA said recent network testing indicates that Pakistan’s mobile infrastructure is capable of supporting next-generation broadband services. Quality-of-service tests recorded average download speeds of 135.42 Mbps on Ufone, 133.65 Mbps on Jazz and 108.66 Mbps on Zong, based on monitoring conducted using Rohde & Schwarz testing equipment.
While commercial 5G deployment is approaching, officials say the availability of affordable smartphones will be critical to ensuring widespread adoption. The authority has urged the government to review taxes and import duties on mobile handsets, arguing that high prices continue to limit smartphone ownership, particularly in rural and lower-income communities.
Industry analysts say reducing the cost of compatible devices will be as important as expanding network coverage if Pakistan is to maximise the economic benefits of 5G technology.
The rollout of 5G is expected to deliver faster internet speeds, lower latency and improved network capacity, supporting applications such as high-definition streaming, cloud gaming, smart cities, industrial automation and advanced digital services.
Pakistan has been conducting 5G trials and network readiness assessments over the past several years, while telecom operators have continued upgrading infrastructure in preparation for commercial deployment. The country is also witnessing growth in the local assembly of 5G-enabled smartphones, which could help make compatible devices more affordable.
With operators preparing their networks and regulators finalising the framework, Pakistan’s telecom sector is moving closer to launching commercial 5G services, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation.
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