ISLAMABAD: The dream of digitalising Pakistan is becoming true as the Government of Pakistan is planning to launch 5G technology commercially by 2023, after the successful trials of the technology by telecom operators in different cities of Pakistan, WealthPK reported.
The 5G is the latest iteration of cellular technology engineered to greatly increase the speed and responsiveness of wireless networks. The world telecom giants are working in full swing for the commercial deployment of 5G networks.
South Korea is the first country that has launched 5G network in the world. According to the report of GSA (Global Mobile Suppliers Association) in June 2021, 58 countries worldwide have launched 5G networks in their countries while others are deploying, as shown in the following map.
According to statistics, more than 90 operators have deployed their 5G networks globally, while more than 300 operators have been investing in it. It is estimated that globally, 5G connections will reach 2.8 billion by 2025.
In Asia, South Korea, Japan, and China are the leading countries in 5G. On the other hand, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Sri Lanka are lagging behind in 5G, 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 China, the 5G network will be spread to all cities and towns, as well as most villages, by 2025.
The 5G is also a global economic drive. The future is all about connectivity. According to a projection made by IHS Markit, the 5G will contribute 13.2 trillion dollars to the global economy in 2035. It will create employment opportunities for 22.8 million people around the globe, WealthPK reported.
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.
According to the IHS Markit, global investment in IT and information services has increased by 6.3 percent globally during the pandemic, as shown in the following graph.
Foreign direct investment in the IT sector of Pakistan has also reached more than $1 billion in the last three years. The IT exports of Pakistan increased by 46 percent during the fiscal year 2020-21.
The telecom operators in Pakistan, including Jazz, PTCL, Telenor Pakistan, and Zong, a Chinese telecom operator, have successfully made trials of 5G in Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan is working to make policy and provide a platform for the commercial launch of 5G in the country.
There is an excellent potential of 5G in Pakistan. The number of smartphone users in Pakistan is about 90 million and growing at a fast pace every year. The internet adaptation rate is 23 percent annually. The 5G technology will revolutionise all the sectors of the economy in Pakistan.
Through modern technology and fast internet, education is being provided remotely. 5G will help the people who belong to far-flung areas. Video animation and lectures would be available online through fast connectivity. In the health sector, 5G will revolutionise medicine.
The doctors from main cities would be able to diagnose patients online through fast connectivity.
Pakistan 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. Every year, 10,000 freelancers join the freelance market from Pakistan. The 5G technology will help them provide their services faster.
The e-commerce industry is growing rapidly in the world, and Pakistan’s e-commerce market also has great potential. Through connectivity, Pakistan can export its products to the world through e-commerce that will boost the economy of the country.
It can be summarised that 5G will revolutionise all the sectors of Pakistan. There is a great potential of 5G in Pakistan as more than 65 percent of people are less than 40 years of age with greater internet adaptation rates. It will help Pakistan digitalise its economy and bring more transparency. -INP
