Karachi Adds 189 New 5G Sites as Network Rollout Accelerates

Karachi has recorded a sharp expansion in its 5G infrastructure, with the number of operational 5G sites rising from 90 to 279 in July 2026, according to documents from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The increase of 189 new sites reflects the rapid expansion of next-generation mobile services in the country’s largest city, as operators continue the first phase of Pakistan’s 5G rollout.

Among the operators, Jazz has deployed the highest number of 5G sites in Karachi at 130, followed by Zong with 122 and Ufone with 27.

PTA said the growth in 5G sites shows that operators are accelerating network upgrades in major urban centers. Mobile companies have so far launched 5G services in 23 cities across Pakistan, with Karachi receiving the largest number of sites.

Karachi Targeted for At Least 1,000 5G Sites

Karachi currently has around 5,000 LTE and 4G sites, according to the documents. By the end of the first phase of the rollout, operators will be required to deploy at least 1,000 5G sites in Karachi.

The 1,000-site target is a minimum licensing obligation, meaning the final number of sites could go higher depending on network demand and operator investment.

Under the broader rollout framework, each mobile operator is required to deploy 2,000 5G sites during the first phase.

Operators must also upgrade at least 20% of their existing 4G sites to 5G in federal and provincial capitals.

The rollout requirements also include stronger fiber connectivity. Mobile operators will be required to increase the fiber-to-the-tower ratio to at least 20% during the first phase.

PTA has set a median 5G speed benchmark of 50 Mbps initially, with a phased target to raise the median speed to 100 Mbps.

The regulator said it is continuing to monitor operators’ 5G deployment plans to ensure licensing obligations, speed targets, and infrastructure requirements are being met.

The latest expansion in Karachi suggests the city will remain a major focus of Pakistan’s 5G rollout as operators scale up coverage, capacity, and network performance.