ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan mobile phone users will get access to 5G networks because the authorities plan to start new telecom services before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holiday.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is working to grant telecom operators new licenses after the recent 5G spectrum auction it conducted. The regulator has completed the license preparation work, according to sources, which will enable telecom companies to receive their licenses next week.
Telecom companies are getting ready to start their launch activities. The authorities have ordered telecom operators who received 5G spectrum to complete their legal obligations as soon as possible, which will enable the licensing process to proceed without interruptions.
All three operators will receive their licenses at once, which will allow them to provide services throughout the nation from the start. According to industry sources, telecom operators have started their technical work for service deployment, which will start after they receive their licenses.
Bank guarantees are required for licenses. The telecom operators must present a $15 million bank guarantee to the regulator before they can obtain their 5G licenses. One company has already passed the requirement, according to PTA officials, while two other companies will submit their bank guarantees shortly.
Formal license ceremony planned
The authorities plan to conduct an official licensing ceremony at PTA headquarters in Islamabad when the licenses are granted. The event will signal the telecom companies to start building their new network infrastructure.
Govt targeting the Eid-ul-Fitr launch
The government wants to launch 5G services before the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, according to officials. If the licensing process happens without delays, Pakistan will enter the 5G era in its telecom industry.
