Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif, has announced the launch of 5G services in Pakistan by July-August 2024.
Speaking at the Pakistan Mobile Summit, the minister revealed plans to auction a 300MHz spectrum and emphasized the need to enhance the optic fibre network before the 5G launch.
Dr. Umar Saif also shared that the government aims to promote the local mobile industry by granting a 3% Research and Development (R&D) allowance to mobile manufacturers, with an increase to 8% in the coming years.
This initiative aligns with broader strategies to boost the technology sector and achieve self-sufficiency in electronic device production within Pakistan.
The minister highlighted the country's recent achievements in mobile phone manufacturing, including assembling 9 million phones worth $1.5 billion and exporting 250,000 phones, earning $200 million in foreign exchange.
Dr. Umar Saif stressed the importance of developing a local industry for mobile phone manufacturing to meet domestic demand and explore international markets.
