Introduction
5G is the 5th generation mobile network. 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect everyone virtually. Everything together including machines, objects, and devices.
Higher performance and improved efficiency empower new user experiences. Connects new industries.
By December 2022, Pakistan is set to launch 5G mobile phone connectivity in the country. It was followed by a strong test call between Islamabad and Beijing earlier this month.
On Sunday, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Syed Aminul Haque told Arab News that the test call on Nov 4 had been “a wonderful experience. The voice was loud and clear. And the video (quality) was also excellent.
“I think December 2022 is the ideal date (to launch the 5G service). It would take one to two years to improve infrastructure, and increase optic fiber penetration across the country”, he said.
It will place Pakistan among several emerging market countries. Such as Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, India, and Sri Lanka. It is to launch the ultra-fast mobile internet service in the next two years.
5G in Pakistan
According to a June report by the GSM Association (GSMA). An industry body representing mobile network operators from throughout the world. 5G services are forecast to grow from zero connections in 2018 to 2.8 billion in 2025.
Around $67 billion will be spent on mobile networks in South Asia. Between 2021 and 2025. According to the GSMA report, $3.5 billion in Pakistan.
Haque said that since 5G connectivity works on fiber-optic networks. The government was working on this basic requirement to facilitate the process.
“We are in touch with relevant stakeholders to improve and modernize the infrastructure. We will launch 5G in 2022. And prepare for its (spectrum) auctions”, he said.
The NSA setup allows operators to leverage their existing network investments. In communications and mobile core. Rather than using a replacement core for 5G.
Chairman and CEO of Zong, Wang Hua, said:
“5G is on the brink of being deployed on an outsized scale globally. And its commercialization is steadily advancing. Our 5G test call, takes Pakistan one step closer to the 5G period. Here opportunities are endless for the users.”
More about 5G…
There are 169 million mobile users within the country. With 85 million subscribed to 3G/4G services. Consistent with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
The leading players include Jazz, Telenor Pakistan, Zong, and Ufone.
The GSMA estimates that by 2023, the economic contribution of the mobile industry in Pakistan will reach $24 billion. It will contribute 6.6 percent to the entire gross domestic product.
What Maheen Akhtar Have to Say
Meanwhile, mobile operators say that the 5G service would “revolutionize” Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape. Maheen Akhtar, head of PR at Zong, told Arab News, 4G changes life and 5G changes society. It’ll stimulate social-economic growth. Promote smart connectivity and cloud-network synergy. It will support the networked, digital, and intelligent transformation of traditional industries.
“It will also create new opportunities for social development. Promote the open sharing. Overall utilization of resources, rational allocation, and efficient collaboration”, she said.
Haque said that with, “4G penetrating at a rate of two million users per month.” It had been expected to require the lead in Pakistan by 2022. Reaching 129 million connections by 2025.
While the launch of 5G, connectivity could spell greater success for Pakistan’s telecoms sector. It could also become a price concern for several within the country. It has the very best tax payments. And costs for mobile consumers. And operators among developing nations in Asia.
Consumers pay around six sorts of taxes while operators pay 11. Including a 30 percent corporate tax. A tax directory issued by the Federal Board of Revenue for the tax year 2017 listed Telenor and Jazz. Among the country’s top corporate taxpayers.
Haque, however, acknowledged that, “taxes would be traversing policy measures” within the next few weeks.
“Definitely I feel the taxes should be minimum”, he said. Adding that the ministry. In consultation with all stakeholders, had made a policy that has been gone by the ECC (economic coordinator committee). And then, it’ll attend the cupboard.
“You will see within the next few weeks a transparent taxation policy will begin. Through which the taxes are being reduced”, he said.
Also Read: https://techx.pk/this-is-the-find-x3-pro-oppos-2021-flagship-5g-phone/
