ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s plan to make 5G smartphones affordable through instalment-based financing has run into delays as authorities continue waiting for formal responses from telecom stakeholders ahead of the country’s upcoming 5G launch.
The proposed policy is aimed at helping consumers — particularly students, low-income users, and first-time smartphone buyers — purchase 5G-enabled devices without paying the full cost upfront.
The issue has gained importance after Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction held on March 10, with officials and telecom operators expecting demand for compatible smartphones to rise significantly once 5G services become available.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, the Ministry of Information Technology and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority are still awaiting formal feedback from some telecom companies despite public support for the initiative.
Telecom operators support instalment-based phone financing
Major telecom companies including Jazz, Ufone, and Zong have publicly backed the proposal, which would allow users to purchase smartphones through monthly instalments.
Industry stakeholders say the move could improve digital access and increase smartphone adoption in remote and underserved areas where demand for mobile internet services is expected to grow after the rollout of 5G technology.
Speaking at a recent media workshop, Zong marketing head Sajid Munir said the company had shared recommendations with the government regarding mobile phone financing.
However, officials told Dawn that regulators are still waiting for Zong’s formal response as part of the consultation process.
A Zong spokesperson said the company supports efforts to improve access to 5G-compatible devices and is working with regulators and industry stakeholders to finalise a workable framework.
Demand for affordable smartphones expected to grow
Jazz President Kazim Mujtaba recently said the initiative is not limited to low-income consumers and could benefit anyone interested in purchasing a 5G smartphone through easier payment options.
He also called for expanded connectivity projects under the Universal Service Fund (USF), especially along motorways where telecom operators face limited commercial incentives for infrastructure investment.
Officials expect smartphone demand to increase sharply after the launch of 5G services across Pakistan, making affordable access to compatible devices a key challenge for the telecom sector.
Also read: Pakistan urged to improve device affordability to accelerate 5G adoption
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