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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.
