Pakistan to Roll Out 5G in 7 Major Cities Soon

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You've probably been hearing whispers and rumors about 5G in Pakistan for years. It can be super confusing trying to figure out what's actually happening and when you can finally get those super-fast speeds on your phone. It feels like it's always 'coming soon,' right?

Well, there's some exciting news! According to a recent announcement, the government has confirmed that Pakistan is to roll out 5G in 7 major cities soon. We've got the latest details on which cities are getting it, what's causing the delays, and what you can do to get ready.

First Things First: What is 5G Anyway?

Before we dive in, let's quickly break down what 5G is. You don't need to be a tech genius to get it.

Think of 4G as a busy two-lane highway. It works, but during rush hour, everything slows down to a crawl. 5G is like a brand new, 10-lane superhighway built just for data. It's way wider and faster, meaning you can download movies in seconds, play games without lag, and connect lots of devices without any traffic jams.

The Big News: 5G is Officially on the Way

At the ITCN Asia Expo in Karachi in late September 2025, the Federal Minister for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, made it official. The plan is to bring 5G services to seven major cities in the coming months. This is a huge step forward for the "Digital Pakistan" vision, which aims to use technology to boost the economy.

Here are the key things you should know:

• Which Cities Are on the List? While not set in stone, the rollout will focus on major hubs. The likely cities are: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, and Multan.
• Why is this a Big Deal? This isn't just about faster downloads. 5G will help build smart cities, improve digital banking, and power new AI industries, creating lots of new opportunities.
• Better Internet for Everyone: The government is also working on fixing the internet problems we all face by upgrading submarine cables and fiber networks to make our connection more reliable.

A Very Important Note: Let's Talk About the Delays

Now, you might be thinking, "I've heard this before." And you're right. The launch has been delayed a few times, and it's important to know why so you can have realistic expectations.

The main holdup is a business deal. Two big mobile companies, Ufone and Telenor, are in the process of merging. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has said it needs this merger to be completely finished before it can hold the "5G spectrum auction."

Think of the spectrum auction as selling tickets to use the new 5G superhighway. The government can't sell the tickets until it knows exactly how many companies will be driving on it. This merger has been in its final stages for a while, but until it's done, the auction has to wait.

There are also some financial challenges, as building this new 5G network costs billions of rupees, and telecom companies are facing high costs.

How to Get Ready for 5G

Even with the delays, 5G is on the horizon. Getting set up is super simple. Here's what you'll need to do when it finally arrives in your city.

Step 1: Check Your Device

First, you'll need a phone that is 5G-compatible. Most new smartphones being sold today already support 5G. Still, it's a good idea to check your phone's specifications to be sure.

Step 2: Pick Your Provider

Once 5G launches, mobile network providers will start offering 5G plans. You'll need to be subscribed to a company that has rolled out the service.

Step 3: Be in a 5G Zone

Finally, you have to be in one of the cities where the 5G network is active. The service will expand over time, but it will start in those seven major metropolitan areas first.

Quick FAQs

• So, what is the exact launch date? There is no official, confirmed date yet. The government said "within the coming months," but it all depends on the Ufone-Telenor merger being finalized.
• Will 4G stop working? Not at all! 4G will continue to work just fine. In fact, some experts believe we should focus on getting good "4G for all" across the country before making a complete switch.
• Is 5G safe? Yes. 5G uses the same kind of radio waves as 4G and has been proven to be safe and meets all international safety guidelines.

The Bottom Line

So, there you have it. The news is official: 5G in Pakistan is moving from a dream to a reality, starting with seven big cities. While there are still a few hurdles to cross, especially with the company merger, the government is pushing hard to make it happen.

This is a massive step forward that will change how we connect, work, and play online. It's definitely something to get excited about!

Stay tuned, and get ready for a much faster future!