Pakistan is gearing up for the introduction of 5G mobile phone connectivity in the country, with plans for a rollout slated for August 2024, said the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication on Tuesday.

This marks a pivotal moment in technological advancement as Pakistan moves closer to joining the ranks of countries with 5G capabilities.

This announcement comes as a response to the growing demand for faster and more advanced telecommunications services.

Officials, in this regard, have unveiled a comprehensive business plan for the launch of 5G services in the country.

Moreover, the demand of telecom operators for free 5G spectrum allocation has been rejected. Instead, the government has opted to facilitate operators in reducing costs associated with infrastructure development.

To ensure the successful deployment of 5G services, the Ministry of Information Technology has decided to hire an international consultant.

A formal request has been sent to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for the selection of an experienced consultant who can provide valuable insights and guidance for the upcoming project.

The ministry has also sent a summary to the Prime Minister's office for the formation of an Inter-Ministerial Advisory Committee, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of 5G in Pakistan.

In collaboration with the consultant advisory committee, the government also plans to develop an auction policy and business plan. They intend to take inspiration from successful models in countries like Bangladesh and others for the spectrum auction process. Importantly, the plan emphasizes that spectrum allocation will not be granted to any single operator without a competitive process to ensure fairness and promote a competitive environment.

Before the auction of the coveted 600 MHz spectrum, the business plan outlines the need for substantial reforms in the telecom sector. This includes addressing ongoing court cases related to spectrum allocation and creating incentives for telecom operators to participate actively in the auction.

To further encourage the expansion of 5G services, the business plan includes provisions for facilitating the opening of Letter of Credits (LC) and laying fiber optic cables.