Pakistan has taken another important step toward next-generation connectivity, with 449 active 5G telecom tower sites now operational across 22 cities. The latest update was shared by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) during a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology, highlighting the country’s ongoing efforts to accelerate digital transformation.
While the expansion marks steady progress, officials cautioned that the current pace of deployment remains too slow to achieve nationwide 5G coverage in the near future.
PTA Monitors 5G Network Performance Around the Clock
According to PTA officials, the regulator is collecting network data from telecom operators every 24 hours to monitor service quality and identify tower sites that go offline. Continuous monitoring is aimed at improving network reliability and ensuring that operators maintain high service standards as the 5G infrastructure expands.
The real-time tracking system is expected to help telecom companies address technical issues more efficiently while supporting a smoother rollout of next-generation mobile services.
Uneven 5G Deployment Across Pakistan
Despite the growing number of active sites, the distribution of 5G infrastructure remains uneven. Karachi currently has around 50 operational 5G tower sites, while Hyderabad has only three, highlighting the significant gap in network availability between major urban centers.
PTA officials warned that if deployment continues at its current pace, Pakistan may not achieve nationwide 5G coverage until 2035. This timeline has raised concerns among policymakers and industry stakeholders, who believe faster infrastructure development is essential for the country’s digital future.
Government Pushes Telecom Operators to Accelerate Rollout
The government has urged telecom operators to speed up the installation of 5G infrastructure, particularly in large metropolitan areas where demand for high-speed mobile connectivity continues to grow.
Expanding network coverage in densely populated cities is expected to improve internet performance for consumers while supporting businesses that rely on cloud computing, digital services, artificial intelligence, and data-driven technologies.
Why 5G Matters for Pakistan’s Digital Economy
The expansion of 5G networks is expected to unlock new opportunities across multiple industries. Faster mobile internet, lower latency, and improved network capacity can support innovations in smart cities, fintech, e-commerce, healthcare, education technology (EdTech), Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing.
For Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, improved connectivity can accelerate digital innovation, enable remote collaboration, and strengthen technology-driven businesses competing in regional and global markets.
Challenges Ahead
Although the number of active 5G sites continues to grow, industry experts believe Pakistan must significantly increase investment in telecom infrastructure, spectrum deployment, and network expansion to meet future demand.
Close collaboration between regulators, telecom operators, and government institutions will be essential to ensure faster implementation and wider accessibility across urban and rural areas.
Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s activation of 449 live 5G tower sites across 22 cities represents meaningful progress toward a digitally connected future. However, the current rollout speed highlights the need for faster infrastructure development to avoid delays in nationwide adoption.
As 5G becomes the foundation for emerging technologies and digital businesses, accelerating deployment will be critical for strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy, attracting technology investment, and enabling startups and enterprises to thrive in an increasingly connected world. The Source of this news is TechinPakistan.