Pakistan’s telecom sector is now moving into the next phase of 5G progress. The focus has shifted from approvals to real execution. Work has started on preparing for 5G trials in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Gilgit-Baltistan Council has already approved the policy framework. This clears the path for testing in the region. The case will now move to the telecom regulator for final steps.
Officials say the process is already in motion. Telecom operators and regulators are working together. They are setting up the technical groundwork needed for trials.
Caretaker IT Minister Ghulam Abbas shared key updates. He said the council secretariat has completed a detailed summary. This document outlines the full plan for 5G testing. It has already been reviewed by the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of IT.
The next step is approval from the Prime Minister. Once signed, the summary will be sent to the Ministry of IT. After that, the ministry will issue directions to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
A PTA official confirmed that internal planning has started. The authority is preparing for the next phase. Once approval is final, telecom operators in the region will begin field testing.
The recent 5G spectrum auction took place on March 10. However, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were not included. These regions follow a different regulatory setup.
Pakistan’s telecom sector includes major players like Jazz and Zong. It also includes the merged Ufone-Telenor entity. In Gilgit-Baltistan, the Special Communications Organisation, SCO, plays a key role.
PTA will work closely with all four operators. The goal is to ensure proper preparation before trials begin. Each operator will need to test its network under real conditions.
Gilgit-Baltistan presents unique challenges. The terrain is mountainous and difficult. Network signals often behave differently in such areas. Stability and coverage will be key focus points during testing.
The trials will use several frequency bands. These include 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz. Each band will help test different aspects of network performance.
Operators will study how signals travel in remote areas. They will also review infrastructure needs. This includes towers, equipment, and power support. These insights will guide future rollout plans.
The testing phase will not just focus on speed. It will also look at reliability and consistency. Real-world conditions will play a major role in evaluation.
These trials are important for Pakistan’s 5G future. Results from Gilgit-Baltistan will help shape national strategy. Remote regions need different solutions compared to big cities.
The government and telecom sector both see this as a key step. The outcome will influence how 5G expands across the country.
More updates are expected once approvals are complete. The next few months will be important for progress.
