Pakistan finally entered the 5G era in 2026. After the PTA spectrum auction in March, Jazz and Zong launched commercial 5G, and Ufone followed with its own rollout. Here is a clear, up-to-date look at where each operator stands, which cities have 5G, and what you need to use it.
The 5G spectrum auction
PTA concluded the 5G spectrum auction on March 10, 2026. A total of 480 MHz was sold for $507 million, out of nearly 600 MHz on offer (Express Tribune). Licences were handed over on March 19, 2026 (Dawn).
| Operator | Spectrum won | Bands |
|---|---|---|
| Jazz | 190 MHz | 700, 2300, 2600 and 3500 MHz |
| Ufone | 180 MHz | 2600 and 3500 MHz (largest 3500 MHz share, 120 MHz) |
| Zong | 110 MHz | Mid-band |
Jazz was the only operator to win spectrum in all four bands. Ufone said that after completing its merger with Telenor Pakistan, the combined company would hold around 292 MHz in total.
Jazz 5G: cities and progress
Jazz launched 5G on March 19, 2026 with about 180 sites in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan and Faisalabad. By September 2026, Jazz said it had crossed 1,000 live 5G sites and added Sialkot and Gujranwala, bringing it to 10 cities. Its target is 2,500 sites by the end of 2026 (TelecomTV).
Zong 5G: cities and plans
Zong launched commercial 5G on the same day as Jazz in more than 16 cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta. The company said it plans to deploy or upgrade over 1,000 5G sites across Pakistan during 2026.
Ufone 5G: current status
PTA issued Ufone its commencement letter on April 20, 2026. By late June, Ufone 5G was showing up across many sectors of Islamabad, including F-6 to F-10, G-5 to G-9 and Blue Area, with test download speeds above 300 Mbps (ProPakistani). Coverage in other cities is expected to grow gradually.
How to use 5G in Pakistan
- Have a 5G phone that supports the bands your operator uses (mainly n41/2600 MHz and n78/3500 MHz). Most recent 5G phones from Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo and Apple support these.
- Make sure the phone is PTA approved. Non-registered phones are blocked. See our PTA tax guide.
- Update your phone’s software and turn on 5G in network settings.
- Be in a covered area. 5G is currently limited to selected sites in major cities.
- Check SIM and package requirements with your operator; some may ask you to replace an old SIM.
What 5G means for users
In covered areas, users can expect much faster downloads and lower latency than 4G, which helps with video streaming, cloud work and online gaming. Coverage is still limited, and indoor signal can be weaker because higher frequency bands do not travel as far. For home internet, fibre is still the more reliable option; compare PTCL Flash Fiber vs StormFiber.
Frequently asked questions
Which companies offer 5G in Pakistan?
Jazz, Zong and Ufone hold 5G licences and have started services.
Which cities have 5G in Pakistan?
Major cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Gujranwala, depending on the operator and exact location.
Do I need a new SIM for 5G?
Some older SIMs may need to be replaced. Check with your operator’s customer service.
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