5G Internet Service Launch in Pakistan can Take Four to Five Years

The Senate’s Standing Committee on Information Technology was briefed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) that it will take four to five years to launch 5G services in Pakistan.

Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar, a PTA member said that he needs at least two months to make a detailed report on the 5G plan.

Dr. Khawar informed the committee regarding the 5G plan history in Pakistan that started back in 2017.

He revealed that many cellular companies asked for permission for a trial that was granted by PTA.

Adding, “Although we allowed Zong to conduct a test, we never gave them permission to test it on a commercial level. They were granted very basic and limited permission for three months.”

Senator Shahzad Waseem said that all the companies that wish to test 5G must be provided equal opportunity. Also, PTA needs to make sure that there is transparency in its operations.

On the other hand, Senator Kulsoom Parveen maintained that Zong has misused the 5G testing permission.

Must read: PTA reveals a complete framework to test and develop 5G in Pakistan

Regarding a question about the role of PTA in testing the 5G technology, an official said that globally the mobile and internet service providers make individual preparations to get a license for new, latest service. And the regulatory authority has no part to play in this.