Shams ul Nisa

The introduction of fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology will bring about technological innovation in multiple sectors, positively impacting Pakistan’s economic growth, Raja Noor ul Amin, a representative of Special Communication Organization (SCO) Gilgit, told WealthPK. He said the launch of 5G in Pakistan would have a potential impact on all sectors including education, telecommunication, manufacturing, health, and transportation. The 5G tech would transform the economy in terms of high productivity with cost efficient methods, he added. “5G will advance the digitalization of Pakistan by connecting people with a robust purpose-built technology, creating opportunities for both industries and individuals. It is expected to promote future innovations in areas that will enable easy distance learning, ensure public safety, and facilitate manufacturing, transportation, and health sectors,” he said.

Noor stressed that 5G tech would integrate regions, countries, and businesses sectors. “This would build the confidence of investors and there would be a high inflow of investments in the country. The foreign direct investment (FDI) would generate employment opportunities, adding to the rise in per capita income,” he added. He further highlighted that 5G would transform the country’s remote areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan, and promote both domestic and international tourism, as it was a notable place for visitors. He said under 5G, there would be a better transportation system and water management in Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan as a whole. “5G was launched in 2019 globally. Currently, China, the US, Japan, Russia, India and some European countries have this technology.

It is a misperception that 5G is the upgradation of 4G or 3G, rather it is a completely new eco-system for emerging technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, internet of things, smart homes, smart cities, smart universities, drawn technology, gaming industry, animation, health tech, agri tech and much more,” he explained. As per PTA, it is expected that Pakistan will launch 5G by the end of 2023 or at the start of the next year. The infrastructure is costly, so initially it would be launched in some cities of Pakistan. It is expected that under the SCO, this technology would also be launched in some areas of Gilgit-Baltistan in the first phase. The SCO is currently providing 4G services in Gilgit, and the initial requirements for the 5G tech have been completed.

Credit: INP-WealthPk