Pakistan’s nationwide 5G rollout is set to accelerate after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) directed mobile network operators to speed up infrastructure development, expand coverage, and improve the quality of both 4G and 5G services across the country.
The regulator has instructed telecom companies to deploy more 5G towers, strengthen network performance in major cities, and prepare existing infrastructure for next-generation mobile connectivity.
PTA Pushes Faster 5G Expansion
According to sources, the PTA has asked all mobile operators to expedite work on the national 5G rollout plan.
The regulator has identified Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta as priority cities for rapid expansion, with operators directed to increase the number of mobile towers and address network performance issues affecting users.
The initiative aims to deliver faster internet speeds, improve network reliability, and enhance mobile connectivity as Pakistan prepares for wider 5G adoption.
Operators Required to Install 1,000 New 5G Towers
Sources said Pakistan currently has 345 active 5G mobile towers installed by all mobile operators combined.
Under the PTA’s latest directive, each telecom operator must install 1,000 additional 5G towers within the next year, significantly expanding nationwide coverage.
Mobile companies have also assured the regulator that a large portion of their existing tower infrastructure will be upgraded to support 5G technology by August 14, according to sources.
Karachi Becomes a Priority
The PTA has instructed operators to give special attention to Karachi after concerns were raised about the city’s comparatively lower number of mobile towers.
The issue was highlighted by the National Assembly Standing Committee, which noted that Karachi has fewer towers than Islamabad and Lahore despite being Pakistan’s largest city.
Following those concerns, telecom companies have been directed to accelerate network expansion across the metropolitan area.
Cities With Active 5G Towers
According to the latest available figures, active 5G towers are distributed across Pakistan as follows.
- Islamabad – 79 towers
- Lahore – 69 towers
- Karachi – 69 towers
- Faisalabad – 32 towers
- Multan – 28 towers
- Peshawar – 25 towers
- Rawalpindi – 17 towers
- Quetta – 14 towers
- Gujranwala – 7 towers
- Abbottabad – 3 towers
- Hyderabad – 3 towers
- Sialkot – 3 towers
- Kohat – 2 towers
- Mardan – 2 towers
- Sahiwal – 2 towers
- Sukkur – 2 towers
- Swabi – 2 towers
- Attock – 1 tower
- Jhelum – 1 tower
- Kasur – 1 tower
- Rahim Yar Khan – 1 tower
- Sheikhupura – 1 tower
Telecom Companies Highlight Challenges
Mobile operators informed the PTA that the pace of 5G deployment could increase further once outstanding financial and regulatory issues affecting the sector are resolved.
According to sources, the companies believe that resolving the write-off issue would facilitate additional investment, accelerate infrastructure upgrades, and support broader nationwide deployment.
What It Means for Consumers
The PTA’s latest directives reflect the government’s renewed focus on expanding high-speed mobile connectivity throughout Pakistan.
If operators meet the new targets, users can expect wider 5G availability, improved network coverage, faster mobile internet speeds, lower latency, and better overall performance for both 4G and 5G services in the coming months.
