5G services have been launched in 22 cities across Pakistan, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The information came from PTA officials, who informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications during a meeting chaired by Syed Amin Ul Haque.
PTA officials said 5G has been activated in four sectors of Islamabad. Speed tests conducted in Sector F-8 recorded internet speeds of around 100 Mbps. They added that the upcoming 5G spectrum auction is expected to improve internet performance and increase average 4G speeds to 40 Mbps.
Despite the rollout, committee members expressed concern over the overall quality of telecom services. Member Sadiq Memon questioned the government’s plan for improving mobile and internet connectivity, stating that the introduction of 5G or future technologies would have a limited impact if service standards remained poor.
PTA officials acknowledged that prolonged electricity load-shedding continued to affect telecom networks. They noted that telecom companies were struggling to cope with power outages lasting up to 10 hours or more in some areas.
The committee also raised concerns regarding customer support standards. Members observed that major telecom operators had reduced their helpline capacities instead of expanding them. The committee chairman urged operators to strengthen customer support systems and questioned why the PTA was not taking tougher action against companies providing substandard services. He called for penalties and show-cause notices against operators that fail to meet service obligations.
The meeting also reviewed PTCL-related matters following the recent merger of two telecom companies. Sadiq Memon sought details about approximately $800 million in government dues allegedly owed by PTCL and questioned the company’s ongoing property transactions.
Ministry officials said information related to the privatization agreement could only be provided by the Privatization Commission. The committee subsequently summoned officials from both the Ministry of IT and the Privatization Commission to attend the next meeting and provide further briefing.
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