5G is knocking in Pakistan, but how ready is the country compared to India? | World News

New Delhi: Pakistan is preparing to take its first steps into the 5G era, and regulators say a launch window could open in the coming months. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has said that a majority of smartphones currently in use can technically support 5G networks, but the claim continues to face scrutiny from industry watchdogs.

Regulatory estimates show that close to 80 percent of smartphones in the country are compatible with the frequency bands required for 5G services. This evaluation is largely based on the phone’s features rather than field performance. Telecom analysts remain cautious and argue that real readiness will become clear only after spectrum is allocated and live networks start operating. Compatibility on paper doesn’t always mean perfect user experience.

The next major milestone is the long-awaited 5G spectrum auction, which Islamabad expects to hold by the end of February. Authorities declared 2025-26 as the country’s national 5G operational phase. A policy framework already exists and telecom operators are preparing both financial and technical proposals. The outcome of the auction will determine how quickly 5G moves from announcement to daily use.

The auction process began with an information note published on January 9, 2026. Spectrum bands ranging from 700 MHz to 3500 MHz are offered, each designed to serve a specific role. While lower frequency bands promise wider coverage across regions, mid-band spectrum aims to support high data demand in urban areas.

Regulators have stated that users’ minimum download speed should be around 50 megabits per second when 5G services begin. For Pakistan, this will mean a noticeable improvement over current mobile internet performance. Average mobile speeds in the country are low, especially outside major cities.

Mid-band frequencies such as 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz are expected to play a central role in strengthening city networks. These bands can handle heavy data usage and will likely be deployed first in dense urban centres. Telecom planners see the cities as testing grounds before a broader national expansion.

Officials also foresee indirect benefits for existing 4G users. Additional spectrum capacity can reduce congestion on existing networks. Average 4G speeds can increase noticeably as load decreases. Pakistan’s current average 4G speed hovers around four megabits per second, and internal estimates suggest it could go as high as 20 or even 25 megabits per second once 5G is rolled out.

Infrastructure preparation is one of the biggest challenges. Officials expect the first 5G services to begin in major cities within six to seven months. Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta are among the first locations identified. Auction terms require telecom operators to upgrade fiber-to-field infrastructure and increase coverage from 20 percent to 60 percent. Strong fiber backbones are essential for stable and fast mobile broadband.

The regional contrast becomes even clearer when viewed alongside India’s progress. Beyond the border, India has already moved into the 5G phase. Official data from the telecom regulator and the communications ministry shows that the country is approaching 40 crore 5G users by January 2026. This scale places India among the largest 5G markets in the world. It is driven by rapid network expansion and aggressive consumer adoption.

India also benefits from a strong 4G base. An estimated 70 to 80 crore users continue to rely on 4G networks. Many are slowly switching to 5G as coverage expands. The transition is broad-based and is occurring gradually in urban and semi-urban areas.

In comparison, Pakistan is firmly in the pre-launch stage. PTA data shows that the country is almost entirely dependent on 4G and the number of broadband users is around 13.8 billion. Commercial 5G services have not yet launched and the focus is on completing the auction process and determining rollout timelines.

Speed ​​comparisons underline the gap between the two neighbours. Global network reports for 2025-26 show India’s average 4G speed is between 15 and 25 megabits per second, while Pakistan’s average is between 5 and 15 megabits per second. On 5G, Indian users are currently experiencing average speeds of 250 to 300 megabits per second. Official estimates point to speeds of up to 50 megabits per second once services launch.

Pakistan’s 5G journey has reached a decisive point. Policy commitments are in place and timelines are now visible. What comes after the spectrum auction will be far more important than the announcements. Network structure, infrastructure quality and implementation on the ground will decide whether 5G will be a promise on paper or a reliable daily service for users across the country.