PAA says newly launched 5G services will improve passengers’ travel experience with high-speed connectivity
LAHORE:
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Thursday announced that 5G services have been launched at Islamabad International Airport, making it the first airport in Pakistan to offer such services.
In a statement issued by the PAA, the launch of 5G connectivity at the airport was facilitated in collaboration with a private telecommunications company, providing passengers with super-fast internet and modern digital facilities.
“The newly launched 5G services will enhance passengers’ travel experience through high-speed connectivity and advanced digital amenities,” the PAA statement said.
Pakistan recently sold 5G spectrum worth $507 million in an auction aimed at boosting internet speeds. After the launch, the telecom operators announced that they would initially launch 5G services in Islamabad and provincial capitals, with plans to later expand them to other parts of the country.
In total, the government sold 480 MHz of spectrum, although it had initially targeted 597 MHz. Three telecommunications operators – Jazz, Zong and Ufone – have obtained frequencies to deploy next-generation mobile services.
Read: Government borrows Rs801.7 billion in auction
According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the auction resulted in the sale of two lots in the 700 MHz band, all five lots in the 2300 MHz band, all 19 lots in the 2600 MHz band and 22 out of 28 lots in the 3500 MHz band, bringing the total spectrum sold to 480 MHz.
The day before, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government was offering “all possible facilities” to investors in the digital and telecommunications sectors, citing the recent 5G spectrum auction, during a meeting with VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu.
Terzioglu also appreciated the government’s efforts to increase transparency and improve the investment climate, saying Pakistan had moved “rapidly” towards achieving a digital economy and deploying 5G services.
