Tech Desk 
Dec 17, 2024
As Pakistan is bracing for the launch of 5G, the next-tier broadband technology, slated to be observed sometime next year, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz and chairman of the Telecom Operators Association of Pakistan (TOA), urged the government to introduce reforms crucial for an expeditious 5G rollout.
Critical reforms must be undertaken to address challenges faced by the telecom sector, remarked the Jazz CEO while speaking at the National Broadband Network Forum in Islamabad, as noted by ProPakistani.
Stressing the urgency to draft the reforms under consideration, the Jazz higher-up noted these reforms will expedite the process of a smoother transition to next-generation connectivity, a key step which could accelarate Pakistan’s digital transformation while driving economic growth.
5G technology is vital for the upgradation of industries like e-commerce, healthtech, and agritech, maintained Aamir, adding that while 4G serves fine in applications like streaming and e-commerce, emerging technologies like immersive gaming, health wearables, and the internet of things (IoT) necessitate the speed and low latency of 5G to be leveraged at their best.
While reflecting on the telecom sector's role in sustaining the country's economy, particularly platforms like JazzCash that have transformed fintech, he outlined the obstacles on the way to wider adoption of 5G, including the scarcity and affordability of 5G-enabled phones and other devices.
“While over 50% of Pakistanis own smartphones, only 1% are 5G-enabled, with affordable models starting at approximately Rs60,000. This is a significant barrier in a country where more than 50% of the population still uses 2G phones,” he said.
Touching upon the economic factors like the devaluation of the Pakistani Rupee against the US Dollar since 2021, Aamir mentioned that given the rising costs for telecom operators, especially since telecom fees are paid in USD, immediate reforms should be considered to speed up the 5G rollout.
