Gilgit-Baltistan has taken a step toward introducing next-generation mobile connectivity after authorities approved policy directives for the start of 5G trials in the region, with testing expected to begin soon.
According to the report, the move comes after months of consultations linked to the nationwide 5G spectrum auction process that began in February. That process had not initially covered Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, prompting further discussions on how to extend the framework to the region.
Sources said the relevant council approved the proposal, and the decision was subsequently ratified by the Gilgit-Baltistan governor. With that approval in place, key procedural obstacles to launching 5G trials in the region have been removed.
Consultations followed exclusion from initial process
The report said the policy approval followed a period of deliberations after Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were left out of the initial nationwide 5G spectrum auction process launched in February.
The latest development means Gilgit-Baltistan has moved closer to the rollout of trial services for 5G, the next generation of digital connectivity. Testing is expected to begin shortly following the completion of the policy and approval process.
The approval is being seen as an administrative step that clears the path for trial operations in the region. The report did not specify a date for the start of testing, but said it is expected in the near term.
Procedural hurdles removed
According to sources cited in the report, the combination of the council’s approval and the governor’s ratification has addressed the main procedural requirements that had been standing in the way of the trials.
The development marks progress for Gilgit-Baltistan in joining the broader push toward 5G connectivity. The report said authorities have now cleared the way for the launch of trials after the necessary policy directives were approved.
No further operational details were provided in the report, but it said the decision has brought the region closer to the start of 5G testing after the earlier omission from the national auction framework triggered months of consultations.
The report also noted that Azad Jammu and Kashmir had not been included in the initial nationwide 5G spectrum auction process launched in February. However, the present approval specifically concerns Gilgit-Baltistan and the start of 5G trials there.
Source: Pakistan Today
