According to Dr. Umar Saif, the acting federal minister for information technology and telecommunications, Pakistan is getting ready to introduce 5G services in July or August of 2024. The minister made this remark during the Pakistan Mobile Summit, where he also disclosed intentions to sell off 300 MHz of spectrum in preparation for the rollout of 5G.
But before 5G is implemented, Dr. Saif emphasises how crucial it is to strengthen the optic fibre network. He pointed out that only roughly 6,000 of the nation’s 56,000 mobile towers are now wired with optic fibre cables.
The federal government has agreed to provide mobile manufacturers with a 3% Research and Development (R&D) allowance, starting in the next fiscal year, in an effort to support the local mobile sector. According to Dr. Umar Saif, this allowance will rise from three to eight percent over the course of the next several years, encouraging local industries to engage in R&D.
This programme fits in with the larger government plan to develop the technology industry and make Pakistan self-sufficient in the manufacture of electronic devices.
Dr. Saif also emphasised the noteworthy advancements in domestic smartphone production, noting that during the previous 24 months, about 9 million smartphones valued at around $1.5 billion were put together in the nation.
At the moment, 35 distinct mobile phone brands actively support the regional manufacturing sector. Apart from that, preparations are being made locally for the components, with the eventual objective of producing fully completed phones in Pakistan.
