Chinese telecom operator Zong has officially ushered in a new era for Pakistan’s telecommunications sector by launching commercial 5G services across more than 16 cities, immediately following its successful acquisition of the 5G spectrum.
This landmark rollout marks a pivotal milestone in the country’s digital evolution, moving beyond experimental trials to a live, functional network. Currently, the service is operational in key urban centres, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta, providing the high-speed infrastructure necessary to support an increasingly data-driven economy.
The company’s strategy for 2026 involves an aggressive expansion of its network footprint, with plans to deploy and upgrade over 1,000 5G sites nationwide.
This initiative is designed not only to increase high-speed connectivity for individual consumers but also to provide the technological backbone for advanced digital services, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city applications. By focusing on these major metropolitan areas first, Zong is positioning itself as a primary driver of digital transformation, aiming to enhance the overall efficiency and capabilities of Pakistan’s digital landscape.
For the business community and the broader public, this deployment promises a significant leap in performance, offering ultra-low latency and significantly higher download speeds compared to existing 4G LTE systems.
As the rollout continues throughout the year, the focus remains on scaling this technology to meet the growing demand for reliable, high-bandwidth internet. This move is expected to act as a catalyst for innovation across various sectors, from healthcare and education to finance and logistics, ultimately contributing to a more connected and technologically advanced Pakistan.
