By Abdul Ghani

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has set a target for each cellular mobile operator (CMO) to deploy 2,000 5G sites by 2028 as part of the first phase of the country's commercial 5G rollout, according to an official document available to Wealth Pakistan.

The Phase I (2026-2028) of the 5G rollout will span two years. Under the first phase, every licensed operator will be required to establish 2,000 5G sites. In addition, at least 20 percent of the existing 4G sites in the federal and provincial capitals must be upgraded to 5G technology.

The roadmap also requires operators to increase the Fiber-to-the-Tower (FTTS) ratio to 20 percent – a move intended to strengthen network capacity and improve the performance of 5G services.

The Authority has also significantly raised the quality standards for mobile broadband.

According to the document, the existing average 4G throughput of around 4 Mbps is to be enhanced to a median speed of 20 Mbps, while a minimum 5G baseline of 50 Mbps has been introduced with a phased target of reaching 100 Mbps median speeds.

The telecom operators have already started implementing the first phase of the rollout. Current deployment figures show Jazz leading with 176 sites, followed by CMPak (Zong) with 147 sites and Ufone with 22 sites, bringing the total number of deployed sites to 345.

According to the document, the initial rollout has involved extensive procurement and import of telecom equipment, integration of newly assigned spectrum bands, network modernisation, and preparations for compatible 5G handsets. These prerequisites have required considerable time before the commercial launch of 5G services.

The operators are already making 5G services, along with enhanced 4G performance, available in areas where new base transceiver stations (BTS) and network upgrades have been completed.

The roadmap outlines a phased implementation strategy extending beyond 2028, with the PTA expected to monitor operators' compliance with rollout obligations and service quality benchmarks as Pakistan moves towards nationwide commercial 5G deployment.

Credit: INP-WealthPk