Tech Desk 
Feb 13, 2025
With all eyes set on the impending spectrum auction, slated for April 2025, which is crucial to the rollout of next-generation broadband technology, the government plans to launch 5G internet services across Pakistan by the middle of 2025.
As Parliamentary Secretary for IT Sabreen Ghori revealed on Wednesday, the rollout of 5G services in the country will also end Pakistan's longstanding internet throttling.
Ghori made these remarks while briefing a National Assembly session. "There are several reasons for internet slowdowns," she said while reflecting on possible factors that have been disrupting the connectivity and internet speeds for months.
"No videos can be downloaded, the internet does not work at all at times," said MNA Agha Rafiullah of the Pakistan Peoples Party, The News reported.
The development pointing to the likely launch of 5G services in Pakistan contradicts what the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) recently revealed. In its annual report for 2024, the telecom regulatory authority remarked that despite the notable expansion of broadband, it would be challenging for Pakistan to transition to 5G.
The report explained that notwithstanding the stably growing penetration of telecommunication services, including broadband and mobile, various worrisome aspects, such as budget restraints, are expected to impede Pakistan's transition to 5G wireless technology.
