Published on, Aug. 26 -- August 26, 2025 11:21 AM

Over 1.5 billion people - more than one in every four mobile subscribers globally - use the fifth-generation technology standard for cellular networks, widely known as 5G.

But for Pakistan, the launch of this technology, which promises faster speeds and broader connectivity capabilities, remains a far cry.

The primary reason behind this issue is Southern Networks Ltd. (SNL) - 140 MHz spectrum case that's blocking most of the 2,600 MHz band in Pakistan:

According to reports, SNL was issued rights for spectrum in the 2,600 MHz band years ago, but it failed to commercially utilize it according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)'s licensing requirements.

The authority later...