IT Minister Aminul Haq recently announced that the adoption of 5G technology is crucial for Pakistan to keep up with the global tech competition.
5G, the latest iteration of cellular technology, is designed to increase the speed and responsiveness of wireless networks.
Telecom giants are working towards the commercial deployment of the latest networks.
According to a June 2021 report of the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), 58 countries have launched 5G networks in their countries while others are deploying.
More than 90 operators have already deployed 5G networks globally, and it is estimated that 5G connections will reach 2.8 billion by 2025.
Pakistan’s economy has been positively impacted by the IT and telecom industry. While rice and textile exports registered a decline, IT exports grew by 3.5% in the July-January period of the current fiscal year.
Foreign direct investment in the technology sector of Pakistan has also reached more than $1 billion in the last three years.
The telecom operators, including Jazz, PTCL, Telenor Pakistan, and Zong, have successfully made trials of 5G in Pakistan.
The government is working to make policy and provide a platform for the commercial launch of 5G in the country.
Pakistan has great potential for 5G. The number of smartphone users is about 90 million and growing at a fast pace every year, and the internet adaptation rate is 23 percent annually.
Through modern technology and fast internet, education is being provided remotely. 5G will help people who belong to far-flung areas, and video animation and lectures would be available online through fast connectivity.
In the health sector, 5G will revolutionize medicine as doctors from the main cities would be able to diagnose patients online through fast connectivity.
Pakistan also has the second-largest number of freelancers in the world. People from Pakistan are providing their services online and earning foreign reserves for the country. The 5G technology will help them provide their services faster.
The e-commerce industry is proliferating worldwide, and the e-commerce market also has great potential.
Through connectivity, Pakistan can export its products to the world through e-commerce, which will boost the economy of the country.
In Asia, South Korea, Japan, and China are leading the race in 5G technology. On the other hand, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka are lagging as they have not yet implemented a 5G policy.
China is spreading a vast network of 5G across the country. According to a plan issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of that country, the web will be spread to all cities and towns, as well as most villages, by 2025.
Covid-19 has negatively affected all sectors of life globally except information technology.
This is the only sector where investment did not decline due to the pandemic. The 5G technology will revolutionize all sectors of the economy in Pakistan.
In conclusion, the adoption of 5G technology is crucial for Pakistan to keep up with the global tech competition. The IT and telecom industry is not just an industry but a catalyst for growth and beneficial for the country’s economy.
Pakistan has excellent potential for 5G in various sectors such as education, health, freelancers, and e-commerce. By implementing 5G, Pakistan can boost its economy, provide remote education and healthcare, and export its products to the world.
