ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s internet services are expected to improve gradually over the coming months following the expansion of available spectrum for 5G, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology on Tuesday.
The meeting, chaired by Syed Aminul Haque, expressed concern over poor internet performance, slow broadband speeds and the increasing number of dropped mobile calls across the country.
During the briefing, the PTA said the country’s available spectrum had increased from 274 MHz to 754 MHz following the 5G spectrum auction, significantly enhancing network capacity and paving the way for improved internet services.
PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman told the committee that 5G services have been launched in 22 cities in the first phase using existing mobile towers.
He said internet speeds would improve further over the next six to eight months after dedicated 5G infrastructure is installed.
The PTA chief also attributed disruptions in telecom services to prolonged power outages, noting that electricity cuts of up to 10 hours in some areas affect the performance of mobile networks.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the formation of a high-level committee to ensure uninterrupted power supply to telecom towers.
The committee has recommended shifting towers to solar and wind energy to reduce reliance on diesel and encourage investment in the telecom sector.
The PTA further informed lawmakers that 92 per cent of smartphones used in Pakistan are locally manufactured or assembled, while only 8pc are imported, mainly Apple iPhones and Google Pixel devices.
The authority clarified that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is responsible for collecting taxes on imported mobile phones, while the PTA’s role is limited to registering and whitelisting devices under the DIRBS system.
During the meeting, the committee also proposed inviting Apple and other global technology companies to establish smartphone manufacturing or assembly plants in Pakistan, saying the move could reduce handset prices, create employment opportunities and attract investment.
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