The Wait is Finally Over
Let’s be honest, we have all been waiting for this news. For years, we have seen other countries enjoying super-fast internet while we stare at loading circles. But finally, the Pakistani government has confirmed that 5G in Pakistan is not just a dream anymore—it is actually happening.
A major policy directive has just been issued today. This isn’t just a rumor; it is a proper official document that explains exactly how the auction will happen, how much money the telecom companies (like Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone) will have to pay, and most importantly, what kind of speed we are going to get.
If you are frustrated with your current internet speed, this news is for you. But before you get too excited, there are some technical things you need to understand. 5G in Pakistan is coming, but it might not look exactly like what you see in Dubai or the USA right away.
read moreSamsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra 5G Review – Pakistan Edition
The New Government Policy Directive
So, what exactly happened today? The government has released a policy directive that sets the rules for the upcoming 5G auction. Before any company can start offering 5G in Pakistan, they have to buy a “license” from the government.
Think of it like buying a plot of land. The government is selling “airwaves” or frequencies, and the mobile companies have to bid for them. The directive clarifies the pricing and the specific bands (Megahertz) that will be up for sale. This gives us a very clear idea of the quality of the internet we are about to get.
The government is planning to auction frequencies ranging from 700 MHz all the way up to 3500 MHz. Now, I know these numbers sound boring and technical, but stay with me. Understanding this is the key to knowing if your internet will be fast or just “okay.”
Spectrum Wars: 700MHz vs 3500MHz
To understand 5G in Pakistan, you need to understand the difference between these two numbers: 700 MHz and 3500 MHz. I will explain this in the simplest way possible.
- 700 MHz (The Long Ranger): This frequency is lower. In the world of radio waves, a lower number means the signal can travel very far. It can go through walls and cover huge areas. But, it cannot carry a lot of speed.
- 3500 MHz (The Speed Demon): This is a high frequency. It cannot travel very far (maybe just a few blocks), but it can carry a massive amount of data.
Here is the secret: The “Real 5 G” experience that you see in international videos—where movies download in 2 seconds—that happens on the 3500 MHz band.
So, when 5 G in Pakistan launches, if a company uses the 700 MHz band, you will get signals everywhere, but the speed will be just a little better than 4G. But if they use the 3500 MHz band (which is likely in big city centers), that is where the magic happens. Generally, 3500 MHz is the international standard for competitive 5G speed. test speed using https://www.speedtest.net/
Why 5 G in Pakistan Will Be Expensive for Companies
There is a huge confusion regarding the price of these licenses. If you look at the government’s rate list, the price for the 3500 MHz band looks cheaper “per MHz” compared to other bands.
People might think, “Oh wow, 5G in Pakistan is going to be cheap!” But that is wrong.
Here is the reality: Because 3500 MHz has a short range, you need a LOT of it to make it work. You cannot just buy 10 MHz of it; you need to buy a huge chunk (like 100 MHz) to offer decent speeds.
So, even though the “per unit” price is low, the total bill for the mobile companies will be massive. They have to buy a much larger spectrum to make 5 G in Pakistan work effectively. This means the license cost is going to go up, and companies will have to invest millions of dollars just to get started.
The Technical Shift: Paired vs. Unpaired Spectrum
This is a bit technical, but it explains why your current internet upload speed sucks and why 5G in Pakistan will fix it.
In the past (with 3G and 4G), spectrum was always sold in “Paired” blocks.
- Paired: If you bought 15 MHz, you got 15 MHz for downloading and 15 MHz for uploading. It was equal.
But the internet has changed. We don’t upload as much as we download. Think about it: when you watch a 4K movie on Netflix, you are downloading huge data, but you are sending almost nothing back.
That is why, for 5 G in Pakistan, the government is shifting to “Unpaired” spectrum for the higher bands. This allows companies to decide how to use the road. If everyone is downloading movies, they can turn most of the lanes into “Download Lanes.” This makes the network much more efficient for heavy users.
Speed Reality Check: What Will You Actually Get?
I want to give you a realistic estimate. Do not expect 1000 Mbps speeds everywhere instantly. Based on the spectrum being auctioned, here is my honest prediction for 5G in Pakistan.
Currently, on 4G in Pakistan, we usually get speeds between 10 Mbps to 30 Mbps. Companies advertise 150 Mbps, but we rarely see that in real life.
With 5G, here is what will happen:
- In Rural Areas (700 MHz): You will see the “5G” icon on your phone, but the speed will likely be around 30 Mbps to 70 Mbps. It will be stable, but not mind-blowing.
- In Major Cities (3500 MHz): This is where the fun begins. In areas like Liberty Market in Lahore or Clifton in Karachi, you can expect speeds between 150 Mbps to 400 Mbps.
Some companies will definitely advertise “600 Mbps+” speeds, and you might hit that if you are standing right next to the tower. But for a normal user in a city, getting a consistent 200 Mbps on 5G in Pakistan will be a huge upgrade from the 10 Mbps we are used to.
Comparison: Current 4G vs. The New 5G
To make it super clear, let’s compare what you have now vs what is coming.
| Feature | Current 4G Experience | Expected 5G in Pakistan |
| Real World Speed | 10 Mbps – 30 Mbps | 150 Mbps – 400 Mbps (City) |
| Latency (Ping) | High (Laggy for games) | Ultra-Low (Smooth gaming) |
| Congestion | Slows down in crowds | Handles crowds easily |
| Movie Download | 10-15 Minutes | Under 1 Minute |
| Connection Stability | Drops frequently | Very Stable |
As you can see, 5G in Pakistan is going to be a massive jump, especially in stability and gaming.
How 5G in Pakistan Will Change Your Life
It is not just about downloading movies faster. 5G in Pakistan brings three major benefits that will change how we use our phones.
1. The End of “Network Busy”
Have you ever been to a concert, a cricket match, or a political rally? You have full signals, but your internet doesn’t work. That is called “Congestion.” 4G towers can only handle a few users at once. 5G in Pakistan technology is designed to handle thousands of people in a small area without slowing down. So, no more dead internet in crowds.
2. Gaming with Zero Lag (Low Latency)
Gamers, listen up. The biggest issue with 4G is “Ping.” It takes time for your bullet to travel to the server. 5G in Pakistan has incredibly low latency. The connection happens almost instantly. This will make games like PUBG and Call of Duty feel real-time. This low latency is also why 5G allows doctors to perform remote surgeries—there is simply no delay.
3. Real-Time Tracking
Right now, when you order a Careem or Foodpanda, the location jumps around. With 5G in Pakistan, tracking will be pinpoint accurate and real-time. This is huge for safety and logistics apps.
There is a misconception that only flagship phones support 5G in Pakistan. The reality is that globally, even budget phones now come with 5G chips. For example, the Samsung A07 which is sold in Pakistan is a 4G phone, but in other countries, a 5G version of the same phone exists.
The only reason companies like Samsung and Xiaomi haven’t launched cheap 5G phones here yet is that there was no 5G network! Why would you pay for a feature you can’t use?
Once 5G in Pakistan launches, you will see a flood of affordable 5G phones entering the market. You won’t need to spend 1 lakh. You will likely find good 5G options in the 30,000 to 50,000 PKR range. So, if you are planning to buy a phone soon, maybe wait a bit or check if it has 5G support.
The Big Challenge: Will Telenor, Jazz, or Zong Buy It?
The government has set the price, and the policy is out. But here is the million-dollar question: Will the companies actually buy it?
We have to be realistic. The telecom market in Pakistan is tough. Generally, companies here focus on “Cheap Packages” rather than “Quality Service.” They compete on who can give more GBs for fewer Rupees, even if the speed is terrible.
They are happy giving you “Unlimited Internet” because they know their network is so slow you can’t use much of it anyway. Bringing 5G in Pakistan requires a massive investment. They have to buy the expensive license and then install new towers and fiber optics.
The government has said they will set “Quality Baselines” to ensure companies don’t just launch a fake 5G. But we will have to wait and see. My prediction? Jazz (because of Veon group backing) and Zong (because China Mobile is a 5G expert) will be the first ones to bring 5G in Pakistan.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. The policy is here, the prices are set, and the auction is coming soon. 5G in Pakistan is no longer a “maybe”—it is a “when.”
While we shouldn’t expect Dubai-level speeds on day one, the shift from 4G to 5G is going to be a game-changer for gamers, freelancers, and anyone tired of slow internet. The speeds will jump from 30 Mbps to potentially 400 Mbps in cities.
My advice? Start saving up for a 5G-enabled phone, because once 5G in Pakistan goes live, you will not want to be left behind in the slow lane. The future is fast, and it is finally knocking on our door.
1. When will 5G in Pakistan officially launch?
While exact dates depend on the auction, the policy directive has been issued, which means the auction is imminent. We can expect commercial 5G in Pakistan to start rolling out within the next 12-18 months after the auction concludes.
2. Will 5G packages be expensive in Pakistan?
Yes, initially. Since telecom companies have to pay a high price for the spectrum license and infrastructure, the initial data packages in Pakistan will likely be more expensive than current 4G bundles.
3. Do I need a new SIM card for 5G?
Generally, you can use your existing 4G SIM card to access 5G signals, provided you have a 5G-compatible phone. However, some operators might issue specific SIMs for 5G in Pakistan to enable standalone advanced features.
4. Which city will get 5G first?
Major metropolitan cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad will be the first to receive in Pakistan coverage, specifically in high-density areas using the 3500 MHz band.
5. Is 5G safe for health?
Yes, absolutely. Extensive scientific research proves that the radio frequencies used in Pakistan (and globally) are non-ionizing and completely safe for humans, just like radio and TV signals.