Pakistan has emerged as a regional leader in 5G rollout, with the global organization GSMA calling its recent spectrum auction a benchmark for emerging markets.

The country jumped from last place to eighth in the new Asia-Pacific 5G ranking, surpassing neighbors like India and Bangladesh.

The GSMA report praised Pakistan’s strategy in the successful 5G spectrum auction:

Three telecom operators acquired 480 MHz of spectrum for Rs 142 billion.
Total spectrum availability increased 2.8 times to 750 MHz, addressing Pakistan’s previous status as having the lowest spectrum globally.
The auction featured multiple bands and reasonable reserve prices, contributing to its success.
Payment in Pakistani rupees instead of dollars was also appreciated as a strategic move.

The organization called the auction a milestone for Digital Pakistan, noting that it sets an example for other emerging markets in the region.

Asia-pacific 5G ranking

Pakistan’s rise in the new GSMA ranking reflects its growing digital influence:

Japan – First
China – Second
Australia – Third
Philippines – Ahead of Pakistan
Malaysia
New Zealand
Singapore
Pakistan

Countries such as India, Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Indonesia now rank below Pakistan, signaling a major regional achievement.

Despite the success, GSMA highlighted several challenges:

Mobile devices and internet services must be made affordable for broader adoption.
Policy consistency and long-term planning are crucial to accelerate digital transformation.

The report emphasized that Pakistan’s 5G development will create new opportunities for citizens, boosting innovation and economic growth.