What's Happening?
China Mobile Pakistan, operating as Zong 4G, has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ZTE and its local distributor Siccotel to introduce affordable 5G smartphones in Pakistan. This initiative is in anticipation of the upcoming 5G spectrum
auction scheduled for February 26. The agreement, signed last Wednesday, will see ZTE offering a range of 5G smartphones, including entry-level and mid-to-high tier models, as well as devices tailored for gaming enthusiasts and the youth market. To facilitate consumer access, the partnership will implement Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes, allowing customers to purchase these advanced smartphones through flexible payment options. The devices will be competitively priced and bundled with Zong's packages, which include gaming, esports, entertainment, and data services.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of affordable 5G devices by ZTE and Zong is a significant step towards enhancing digital connectivity in Pakistan. As the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) prepares for the long-awaited 5G spectrum auction, this move could accelerate the adoption of 5G technology across the country. The auction will offer 15 MHz of paired spectrum in the 700 MHz band and 50 MHz of unpaired spectrum in the 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz bands. The rollout of 5G is expected to require substantial investment from telecom operators, with directives to establish 1,000 new sites annually and upgrade 10% of existing towers to 5G. This development could potentially transform Pakistan's telecommunications landscape, offering faster internet speeds and improved connectivity, which are crucial for economic growth and technological advancement.
What's Next?
With the 5G spectrum auction set for February 26, telecom operators in Pakistan are likely to intensify their preparations to meet the regulatory requirements and financial commitments associated with the rollout. The auction's outcome will determine the allocation of spectrum and set the stage for the deployment of 5G infrastructure. Operators will need to balance the financial viability of rapid 5G deployment with the need to meet government directives. The success of this initiative could influence future investments in Pakistan's telecom sector and potentially attract more international partnerships and collaborations.
