5G Expansion Gets a Boost as Operators Gain Access to E-Band Spectrum
The government has allocated E-band spectrum to cellular mobile operators to support high-capacity wireless backhaul, a move expected to speed up the expansion of 5G networks across Pakistan, where tower fibre connectivity remains limited.
According to official data, the overall tower fiberization rate in the mobile sector currently stands at approximately 17.9%. Jazz leads with 22%, followed by Zong at 19%, Telenor at 16%, and Ufone at 9%.
The relatively low level of fibre connectivity is considered a major challenge for the rollout of advanced mobile networks, as 5G requires significantly higher backhaul capacity to handle greater data traffic, faster speeds, and lower latency.
Under the NGMS and 5G license conditions, all cellular mobile operators will be required to achieve a minimum Fibre-to-the-Site ratio of 20% during Phase I, covering 2026 to 2028.
The target will increase gradually in subsequent phases, reaching 35% by Phase IV between 2032 and 2035.
The policy is aimed at ensuring that a larger number of mobile towers are directly connected through fibre, improving network capacity and supporting the wider deployment of 5G services.
E-band to serve areas without fibre
Where laying fiber is difficult, costly, or time-consuming, operators will be allowed to use E-band spectrum as an alternative.
E-band technology provides high-capacity wireless backhaul and can connect mobile towers over short distances at very high speeds. It is particularly useful in urban areas, difficult terrain, or locations where fibre infrastructure is not readily available.
PTA officials said mobile operators will decide independently where fibre deployment is more suitable and where E-band connectivity should be used.
The operators will also be responsible for importing the advanced equipment required to deploy E-band-based wireless backhaul links.
No additional spectrum charges
In a significant relief for the telecom industry, mobile operators will not be required to pay additional spectrum charges for the use of E-band frequencies.
The measure is expected to reduce deployment costs and encourage operators to invest more quickly in network expansion.
By removing extra spectrum fees, the government appears to be treating E-band as supporting infrastructure rather than a separate commercial mobile service.
The government is also working to facilitate right-of-way approvals to make it easier for operators to install fibre and expand telecom infrastructure.
Right-of-way delays have historically slowed the deployment of underground fibre and mobile towers, particularly in densely populated urban areas.
Policy and administrative measures are being introduced to improve the ease of doing business and accelerate network rollout across the country.
Officials believe that a combination of tower fibreisation and E-band wireless backhaul will play a central role in improving the speed, capacity and reliability of Pakistan’s future 5G services.
Fibre remains the preferred option for long-term, high-capacity connectivity. However, E-band can provide a faster alternative where fibre deployment is not immediately possible.
This hybrid approach may allow operators to expand 5G coverage more quickly while gradually increasing the number of towers connected through fibre.
5G rollout gains momentum after spectrum auction
The decision follows the auction of 480MHz spectrum in March, which created additional capacity for next-generation mobile services.
While the auction provided operators with access to the airwaves needed for 5G, the success of the rollout will also depend on supporting infrastructure, including fibre-connected towers, reliable power supply and high-capacity backhaul.
The allocation of E-band spectrum is therefore expected to become a key part of Pakistan’s 5G deployment strategy.
However, with overall tower fiberization still below 18%, operators will need substantial investment over the coming years to meet the government’s targets and deliver consistent high-speed services nationwide.
