Pakistan's 5G Rollout: Feb 2026 Deadline Looms Amid High Mobile Phone Taxes

Pakistan 5G rollout: Pakistan is preparing for a major digital shift with its 5G rollout, as the government has given the Ministry of IT & Telecom and PTA a deadline of February 2026 to auction the 5G spectrum. This crucial move is expected to accelerate mobile-based services and push the market toward 5G-compatible smartphones across the nation.

According to PTA, Pakistan currently has 196 million mobile subscribers, including 148 million broadband users, but less than 5% of all phones are 5G-enabled. The regulator has advised the government to increase the availability of 5G devices before the official 5G rollout—otherwise, users will not be able to fully benefit from the new technology.

Pakistan's 5G Rollout: High Phone Prices & Taxes Are the Biggest Obstacles

Industry experts warn that high smartphone prices in Pakistan, mainly due to heavy taxation on imported components and backend equipment, are significantly slowing down the nation’s digital growth and hindering the 5G rollout in Pakistan.

Manufacturers say:

• 40% of users still rely on basic feature phones
• 10% of the population has no phone at all
• The shift from 4G to 5G chipsets will increase device costs by $30 to $200
• The higher prices may discourage people from upgrading to 5G devices

PTA has recommended the government to reduce or eliminate taxes on:

• Imported mobile components (currently taxed around 19.5%)
• Backend materials used by telecom operators

The regulator believes lowering these mobile phone taxes in Pakistan will increase smartphone penetration, boost internet usage, and ultimately generate more revenue for the government through expanded digital services and a successful 5G rollout.

What 5G Phones Will Offer in Pakistan

As manufacturers update their devices, users can expect features like enhanced speeds, lower latency, and support for advanced applications such as IoT, AI, and augmented reality, transforming the digital landscape of Pakistan. This section will delve into the specific innovations and user experiences that the upcoming 5G devices will bring to the Pakistani market.