Has 4G Passed Away? Lawmakers Question Pakistan’s 5G Rollout Amid Connectivity Problems

Pakistan’s push towards next-generation mobile connectivity is facing renewed scrutiny as lawmakers question whether the country should prioritise expanding 5G while many users continue to experience unreliable mobile internet and weak 4G coverage.

The debate centres on a basic question: can Pakistan benefit fully from faster mobile networks if existing connectivity problems remain unresolved?

Although 5G promises higher speeds, lower latency and improved network capacity, its success will depend on more than the availability of new technology. Network quality, affordable smartphones, reliable electricity, investment in infrastructure and access for ordinary users will all play important roles.

The concerns also reflect a wider challenge for Pakistan’s telecom sector: ensuring that technological progress translates into better everyday connectivity rather than benefiting only a limited segment of consumers.

Why Are Lawmakers Questioning the 5G Rollout?

The concerns arise against a backdrop of complaints about poor mobile signals, slow internet speeds and service disruptions in different parts of Pakistan.

Parliamentary discussions have highlighted the continuing problems faced by consumers, including unreliable voice calls and limited connectivity in some locations. Lawmakers have also questioned whether telecom operators and regulators are doing enough to improve service quality.

At a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication in September 2026, members raised concerns about network disruptions and connectivity problems. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafizur Rehman said the ongoing Ufone-Telenor merger and 5G rollout were among the factors being discussed in relation to service issues.

The committee was also informed that a government-backed effort was under way to improve network availability and reduce the effects of electricity load-shedding on telecom services.

These discussions underline the distinction between introducing a new generation of mobile technology and ensuring that existing networks deliver reliable service.

What Is the Problem With Pakistan’s 4G Services?

4G remains essential for most everyday mobile internet activities in Pakistan, including messaging, video streaming, online education, digital payments, remote work and access to public services.

However, the quality of a mobile connection depends on several factors beyond the advertised technology.

1. Network coverage and congestion

A mobile network may be available in an area without delivering consistently good speeds. Too many users connected to a congested cell site can reduce performance, particularly during busy hours.

2. Electricity and infrastructure problems

Telecom towers require reliable power and functioning backup systems. Load-shedding, fuel shortages or infrastructure faults can affect service availability.

3. Limited connectivity in underserved areas

Some rural communities and smaller towns continue to face weaker coverage than major urban centres. Improving access requires investment in network sites, transmission links and supporting infrastructure.

4. Quality of service

Consumers need reliable calls, stable internet connections and consistent speeds—not simply the presence of a 4G or 5G signal icon on their phones.

Addressing these issues is important because a newer network standard does not automatically solve every problem affecting the existing infrastructure.

Can 5G Work Properly if 4G Is Still Struggling?

The introduction of 5G does not necessarily mean that 4G will disappear. Both technologies can operate alongside one another, and 4G will remain important for users whose devices do not support 5G or who live outside its coverage areas.

A carefully planned 5G deployment can add capacity in busy locations, support demanding applications and improve the overall use of available spectrum.

However, a rollout focused primarily on launch announcements or headline speeds may deliver limited benefits if operators cannot also maintain existing networks and expand affordable access.

The challenge for Pakistan is therefore not simply choosing between 4G and 5G. It is determining how investment should be distributed so that newer technology does not come at the expense of basic service quality.

Pakistan’s 5G Rollout: Progress and Remaining Challenges

Pakistan moved towards commercial 5G services following its spectrum auction in March 2026. The rollout has been planned in phases, beginning with major urban centres before expanding to additional locations.

A ProPakistani report published in August 2026 said 5G services had reached approximately 1.3 million users across 23 cities, with more than 1,200 5G sites activated during the first four months of deployment.

These figures indicate that the rollout is progressing, but they do not establish whether 5G service quality is consistent across all covered areas or whether the wider population can afford compatible devices.

The country must also address the practical requirements of network expansion, including site construction, backhaul capacity, reliable electricity and investment by telecom operators.

The Cost of 5G Smartphones Could Limit Adoption

Device affordability is another major barrier.

In January 2026, the Telecom Operators Association of Pakistan warned the government against rushing into a 5G rollout without first addressing the high cost of compatible smartphones.

The association argued that expensive devices could restrict adoption and leave new networks underused. It also warned that investment in 5G infrastructure could divert resources from improvements to existing connectivity if deployment plans were not aligned with consumer demand.

For many households, the cost of replacing a working 4G smartphone with a 5G-compatible model may be difficult to justify, particularly if current mobile internet services are already unreliable.

Reducing barriers to affordable devices, encouraging suitable financing options and supporting access to locally assembled smartphones could help more consumers benefit from newer networks.

What Should Pakistan Prioritise?

Pakistan does not necessarily need to delay 5G expansion to improve 4G. Instead, the government, PTA and telecom operators can pursue a balanced strategy that addresses both.

Transparent reporting of coverage, speeds, outages and complaint resolution would also help the public evaluate whether network improvements are translating into measurable benefits.

What This Means for Mobile Internet Users

For consumers, the most important measure of progress is whether mobile internet becomes more reliable, affordable and widely available.

A user who cannot maintain a stable 4G connection may see little immediate value in a 5G launch if the new network is unavailable in their neighbourhood or if a compatible handset is beyond their budget.

At the same time, 5G could improve capacity in high-demand areas and support new digital services as coverage expands.

The outcome will depend on how effectively Pakistan balances investment in advanced networks with the everyday needs of existing mobile users.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s 5G rollout represents an important technological development, but the debate over 4G service quality raises valid questions about priorities and execution.

The country does not have to abandon 5G to improve existing networks. It does, however, need a coordinated approach that protects investment in reliable 4G services, improves coverage, addresses electricity-related disruptions and makes compatible devices more accessible.

Ultimately, the success of Pakistan’s digital transition should be measured not only by how quickly a new network is launched, but by whether people across the country can access dependable, affordable mobile connectivity.