Pakistan admits slow 4G speeds, eyes 5G rollout to boost connectivity

Pakistan’s government has acknowledged that 4G internet speeds across much of the country remain below international standards, but says comprehensive measures - including the release of additional spectrum and the launch of 5G technology - are underway to enhance nationwide connectivity and digital performance.

The admission came in a written reply submitted by the Cabinet Division during the National Assembly’s Question Hour, in response to a query from lawmaker Dr. Nafisa Shah.

“Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) are issued nationwide licenses, which include obligations related to implementation and quality of service (QoS). CMOs are required to maintain uniform service standards across both urban and rural areas,” the division said.

“In 2021, keeping in view the growing data demand, the data speed targets for 3G and 4G services were enhanced.”

Government acknowledges service gaps

According to the document, minimum download speed requirements were upgraded in 2021 - from 256 Kbps to 1 Mbps for 3G and from 2 Mbps to 4 Mbps for 4G - to meet modern data usage needs.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) continues to monitor compliance through both field and system-based evaluations.

“PTA conducts on-ground surveys and system-based performance evaluations (OSS and KPI analysis) to assess the quality of service provided by telecom operators. Over the past three years, a total of 438 surveys have been conducted, including 232 planned quarterly surveys,” the reply added.

Over the last five years, 39 show-cause notices were issued to telecom operators for poor service quality, resulting in fines totaling PKR 68.9 million, with several cases still under litigation.

The Cabinet Division admitted that while overall performance largely meets 4G benchmarks, some regions continue to face persistent speed and connectivity issues.

“Extended and unannounced power outages, limited backhaul capacity (especially where microwave links are used instead of fiber), spectrum scarcity, network congestion in urban areas, delays in obtaining Right of Way (RoW) and security challenges in remote regions are among the primary causes of slower 4G performance,” it said.

Information on underserved areas, it added, is regularly shared with the Universal Service Fund (USF) to prioritize inclusion in future digital expansion projects.

5G launch preparations and spectrum expansion plans

The government confirmed that Pakistan has begun preparing for 5G deployment, noting that over 100 countries have already launched next-generation services.

“The Government of Pakistan formed an Advisory Committee under the chairmanship of the Minister for Finance on November 6, 2023, to review the upcoming spectrum auction process,” the statement said.

The Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has identified multiple frequency bands - including 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz - totaling 606 MHz of new spectrum, representing a 200% increase over the currently available bandwidth.

To guide the process, Islamabad has engaged NERA, a U.S.-based consultancy, to design a strategy for spectrum valuation, encourage foreign investment, and ensure a smooth 5G rollout.

The Cabinet Division noted that while the policy directive for the auction is still pending, spectrum licensing could be completed within three to four months once it is issued.

“The spectrum auction is tentatively scheduled for late 2025 or the first quarter of 2026,” it added. “However, two key issues must be resolved before the process proceeds - finalization of the PTCL-Telenor merger and the availability of prime spectrum in the 2600 MHz band, where 140 MHz out of 194 MHz remains sub judice.”

Despite these hurdles, the division expressed confidence that the upcoming spectrum auction and 5G rollout will mark a turning point for Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.

“With the availability of additional spectrum, CMOs will be able to deliver next-generation mobile broadband services more effectively, providing consumers with faster internet and an enhanced digital experience,” the statement added.