Fibre Shortage Slows 5G Rollout in Pakistan

Introduction

Pakistan’s journey toward fast and reliable 5G internet is facing a serious hurdle — a lack of optical fibre infrastructure. While 5G services have started rolling out, users across major cities are still struggling with slow internet speeds, raising concerns about the country’s digital future.

Slow Internet Despite 5G Launch

According to Beyond Time News, internet users in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and even Islamabad continue to experience sluggish connectivity despite the introduction of 5G services. The situation is even more challenging in remote areas such as Azad Kashmir and Balochistan, where high-speed internet remains largely unavailable.

Currently, Pakistan’s average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, placing it far behind many countries globally.

Fibre Deficit: The Core Problem

The biggest issue holding back 5G performance is the lack of fibre-connected cell towers. As of June 2025, only 18% of Pakistan’s 58,423 cell sites are linked with optical fibre networks.

This means most telecom towers still rely on outdated microwave links, which cannot handle the high-speed, low-latency demands of 5G technology. Experts believe that without strong fibre backhaul, true 5G performance is simply not possible.

Telecom Operators and 5G Progress

The government has already auctioned 5G licences to major telecom operators, including Jazz, Ufone, and Zong. While these companies have conducted limited trials, a full-scale commercial rollout is still a work in progress due to infrastructure gaps.

Expanding fibre networks remains essential for these operators to deliver consistent and high-quality 5G services.

Key Challenges Slowing Fibre Expansion

Several obstacles are preventing rapid deployment of optical fibre across Pakistan:

• Lengthy approvals: Right-of-way permissions involve multiple authorities, causing delays of up to 12–18 months
• High costs: Inflation, taxes, and low average revenue per user (ARPU) discourage investment
• Infrastructure challenges: Urban congestion, rural distances, and difficult terrain slow progress
• Skill shortage: Lack of trained professionals for fibre installation and maintenance

Although the government has removed some right-of-way charges on key routes, more reforms are needed to speed up development.

Investment and Government Support

To tackle the issue, the government has allocated Rs35.7 billion under the Universal Service Fund (USF) to support fibre expansion. Telecom operators are also investing heavily to connect more towers to fibre networks.

Pakistan currently has over 234,000 km of optical fibre installed, but experts say this is still not enough to meet growing digital demands.

Read more:Pakistan Targets 60% Fiberisation to Boost Digital Connectivity

Why Fibre Matters for Pakistan’s Future

Industry experts stress that improving fibre infrastructure is critical for:

• Delivering high-speed, reliable 5G internet
• Supporting IT exports and freelancing growth
• Attracting foreign investment in the tech sector
• Accelerating digital transformation across industries

Slow internet speeds are already affecting IT companies, making it harder to deliver projects to international clients on time.

The Way Forward

Experts recommend a unified national strategy that includes faster approvals, public-private partnerships, and incentives for telecom companies. Increasing fibre connectivity to at least 60% of cell sites is seen as essential for unlocking the full potential of 5G.

With better coordination between regulators, telecom operators, and the government, Pakistan can overcome these challenges and build a stronger digital economy.

Final Thoughts

Pakistan’s 5G ambitions are promising, but without urgent investment in optical fibre infrastructure, progress will remain limited. Bridging this gap is not just about faster internet — it’s about securing the country’s digital future and global competitiveness.