5G lifts prospects for local handset makers

Pakistan's fast-growing mobile phone industry is preparing to benefit from the expected launch of next-generation 5G services by the middle of the year, as manufacturers step up readiness on both hardware and software fronts.

"Local assembly and manufacturing capabilities have strengthened significantly, and manufacturers, particularly those producing leading brands, have already aligned their roadmaps with next-generation technologies," said Inovi Telecom CEO Zeeshan Mianoor.

He said 5G readiness is a shared responsibility across the ecosystem, noting that while handset manufacturers are largely prepared, full benefits will depend on timely spectrum allocation, phased network rollout and consumer affordability.

Mianoor said many smartphones assembled or sold in Pakistan already support key 5G frequency bands but are largely positioned in the mid- to high-price segment, starting at around Rs75,000.

He said demand for 5G-compatible handsets is likely to grow gradually, with early adoption expected in major urban centres such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. He clarified that 5G cannot be enabled through software updates alone and requires specific hardware, including 5G-capable chipsets and antennas.