5G launch timeline confirmed in Pakistan – check date

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shiza Fatima Khawaja has announced that the long-awaited launch process for 5G services in Pakistan is moving forward. She said the spectrum auction is expected to take place between February 26 and February 28, 2026, which will be a major step toward launching 5G in the country.

After the auction, people are expected to notice a clear change in Pakistan’s digital environment. The minister explained that 5G will not only offer ultra-fast internet speeds but will also improve the performance of existing 4G services.

Timeline for 5G Launch

The spectrum auction is planned for the last week of February (Feb 26–28). According to the minister, users may start feeling improvements in internet speed and quality within a few months after the rollout begins.

The additional spectrum will reduce pressure on mobile networks. This will help fix congestion problems and make current 4G connections faster and more stable. The government is also changing its policy focus from “one-time revenue” to “long-term digital growth,” considering affordable and high-speed internet essential for a modern economy.

Technical Infrastructure Upgrades

Shiza Fatima said that slow internet speeds are mainly caused by a lack of spectrum and heavy mobile congestion. At present, Pakistan serves its large population with only 274 MHz of spectrum.

The upcoming auction will release nearly 600 MHz, which will greatly improve network capacity. She compared this expansion to upgrading from a “two-lane road” to an “eight-lane highway,” allowing digital traffic to move smoothly.

Initial Cities and Expansion Plan

In the beginning, 5G services are expected to launch in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta. The government aims to start full commercial services in these cities within six months after the auction.

After that, 5G will gradually expand to other regions and major highways across the country.