MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The process of providing 4G service in remote areas under the Special Communication Organization (SCO) is progressing rapidly.
The SCO is installing a total of 47 new 4G towers in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, out of which 11 towers have already been activated. In addition, 53 out of 87 sites have been upgraded to improve 4G service.
Officials say that the work to simplify the connectivity system in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will be completed by December 2026. This project aims to provide modern digital facilities in remote areas and make the communication system more effective.
Improved digital connectivity will create new opportunities for education, business, and employment in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. SCO is committed to providing modern facilities across the country under the vision of Digital Pakistan.
Consultations begin for 5G trial framework in AJK
Earlier, Initial consultations began between the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Ministry of Information Technology, and the Azad Kashmir government on the 5G trial framework in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The government sources said that 5G will be trialed in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan in the initial stages. While the process of 5G spectrum will be completed in the next 6 months.
Sources said that the governments will finalize the framework of the 5G trial in Azad Kashmir in mutual consultation, adding that the availability of spectrum in the region is not an issue.
5G spectrum auction for AJK
According to the reports, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will hold a separate auction of the 5G spectrum for Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The auction will depend on the demand of telecom operators after the trial, sources said.
The move aims to bring next-generation connectivity to these regions, starting with trial services, while addressing unique local challenges in infrastructure and governance.
The Ministry of Information and Telecom will issue a policy directive in the next one to two weeks for auction, sources said.
Reports alleged that the three major mobile companies, Zong, Jazz, and Ufone, will participate in the spectrum action, and the Frequency Allocation Board will take the final decision regarding the bands.
Official sources said that the same procedure will be adopted for the spectrum auction in Azad Kashmir as was adopted earlier in Pakistan.
For this purpose, a new Spectrum Advisory Committee will be formed, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will hire a new international consultant after the policy directive is issued by the IT ministry.
