Introduction: 5G Rollout in Pakistan and Growing Industry Concerns

The 5G rollout in Pakistan has become a major topic of discussion as the government prepares for next-generation mobile services. While policymakers highlight innovation and global competitiveness, telecom operators argue that basic issues of affordability and usability are being overlooked. Industry leaders believe that launching 5G too quickly could repeat past mistakes seen during the 4G era.

The Telecom Operators Association of Pakistan (TOA) has cautioned that technology alone does not guarantee digital progress. Without affordable devices and practical use cases, advanced networks may fail to benefit ordinary citizens. The focus, they say, should be on people’s ability to adopt and use the technology rather than symbolic milestones.

• Rapid rollout without demand planning
• Risk of repeating 4G adoption gaps
• Need for consumer-focused digital policy

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Lessons from 4G Adoption in Pakistan

More than ten years after Pakistan’s first 4G auction, a significant portion of the population still does not use mobile broadband. This slow adoption highlights structural problems such as affordability, digital skills, and limited trust in online services. Telecom operators believe these unresolved issues weaken the case for rushing into 5G.

The 5G rollout in Pakistan, if pursued without addressing these gaps, may result in expensive networks with low usage. Industry leaders stress that upgrading existing infrastructure and improving access should come before investing heavily in new spectrum and technologies.

• One in four users still offline
• Limited broadband usage despite coverage
• Infrastructure upgrades still incomplete

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Device Affordability and Consumer Readiness

One of the biggest challenges facing the 5G rollout in Pakistan is handset affordability. Industry estimates show that only about 2% of mobile users currently own a 5G-enabled device. Entry-level models are priced far above what most consumers can afford, effectively limiting access to a small segment of society.

With most mobile subscribers using prepaid services and lacking access to consumer credit, purchasing a 5G smartphone requires full upfront payment. This reality makes mass adoption unlikely and raises concerns about whether 5G networks will see meaningful usage in the near future.

• Entry-level 5G phones start around Rs. 90,000
• Premium models cost several hundred thousand rupees
• Prepaid users dominate the market

Local Manufacturing and Investment Challenges

Pakistan’s local mobile manufacturing sector has largely focused on affordable devices. Between 2019 and 2025, most assembled phones were basic 2G models, while smartphones were mainly low-cost 4G variants. Very few locally produced devices support 5G technology.

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Adding 5G capability significantly increases production costs due to advanced components and longer retooling timelines. In a price-sensitive market, these higher costs discourage manufacturers from shifting quickly, even if policy incentives improve.

• Majority of locally assembled phones are 2G
• Limited domestic 5G production capacity
• Higher costs for advanced components

Policy Risks and the Digital Divide

Telecom operators warn that spectrum policies focused only on rollout deadlines could result in underused infrastructure. An expensive network with few users would strain financial resources and fail to deliver social or economic value. Aligning policy with consumer realities is seen as critical.

Beyond infrastructure, Pakistan faces a broader usability gap. Limited digital skills, lack of relevant content, and low trust in digital services already keep millions offline. Without fixing these issues, the 5G rollout in Pakistan may deepen inequality rather than promote inclusion.

• Risk of underutilized 5G networks
• Digital skills gap remains wide
• Urban-rural divide could increase

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FAQs

What is the main concern about the 5G rollout in Pakistan?
The main concern is that high device costs and low consumer readiness could limit adoption and waste investment.

Why are 5G smartphones not widely used in Pakistan?
Most 5G devices are expensive, and users lack financing options, making them unaffordable for the majority.

How does local manufacturing affect 5G adoption?
Local manufacturers mainly produce 2G and 4G phones, with limited capacity to shift quickly to 5G devices.

What do telecom operators recommend instead of a rapid rollout?
They suggest lowering device taxes, enabling financing, improving digital skills, and upgrading existing networks first.

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