Aitizaz Hassan

Every sector of Pakistan’s economy, particularly the tech industry, will see a big boost once the 5G technology is rolled out, which is expected to be introduced in the country from next year (2023). The 5G technology, which comes with extremely high bandwidth, will also enable opening up of a new industry, called the metaverse, which makes the virtual features look absolutely real by combining the aspects of both the digital and physical worlds.

“Voice messaging is the primary data channel of communication in media in Pakistan at present. The 5G technology will replace the voice messaging with video calling thanks to improved bandwidth,” said Imran Jattala, a well-known startup consultant and innovation ecosystem builder.

Talking to WealthPK, he said that technological advancements always created new spaces for business opportunities to thrive. He said that 5G technology would open a new industry, called metaverse, which works only in 5G environment.

“Metaverse makes the virtual features look so real. A zoom meeting on 5G will give a feeling of physical presence of people. Besides, the new technology will translate an unknown language into the one you understand and communicate in,” Imran Jattala added.

He said the 4G technology had also made immense contribution to Pakistan’s economy, especially the growth of gig economy and ride-hailing services like Creem, Uber, Bykea and increasing use of navigation map. “The speedy smartphone penetration is because of 4G-enabled internet,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a statement, federal Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication Syed Aminul Haque said that a strategic plan and roadmap for 5G technology in Pakistan was being formulated.

“We are working to improve the 4G network across the country, while next year we are going to start 5G technology in three big cities of Pakistan,” Haque said.

The minister said that 5G technology would be introduced after reviewing the aspects of spectrum management, infrastructure development, telecom regulations, 5G applications/use cases and First Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy.

According to Pakistan National ICT whitepaper released by the ministry of IT and telecom, as of 2020, 92 countries/regions have released 5G development strategy or plan. Some countries conducted 5G spectrum auction, while few others decided 5G spectrum auction/allocation timetable.

About 135 operators in 52 countries/regions have launched commercial 5G services. In the coming years, there will be more widespread deployment and adoption of the technology around the world, including in lower middle-income countries.

Pakistan National ICT whitepaper said that the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) had projected that more than 50% of users will have a 4G connection in Pakistan by 2022. Compared with world average, the percentage of 4G connection in Pakistan is significantly smaller, but it is expected to grow at a faster pace beyond 2023.

The 5G technology is projected to pick up from 2023, but will continue to account for a very small proportion of connections in the following years.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk