A major upgrade in mobile connectivity could soon reach the remote mountain regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where residents have long struggled with slow and unreliable internet services.
Pakistan’s Special Communications Organization (SCO), the main telecom provider in these areas, has announced plans to launch 5G services. The project is currently in its final stages and is expected to be completed by June 2026. If successful, it would mark the first 5G rollout in these regions, even before the technology is introduced nationwide.
For years, people living in the rugged landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir have faced serious communication challenges. Internet services often operate at only 2G or 3G speeds, making it difficult for residents to stay connected with the outside world.
Students frequently struggle to attend online classes due to unstable connections, while freelancers and small business owners find it hard to work with international clients. Even simple tasks such as making phone calls or streaming videos can become frustrating experiences, especially during harsh weather when signals often disappear.
The problem has sparked public anger in recent years. Protests have taken place in several towns, including Gilgit and Muzaffarabad, where residents have criticized telecom services for poor quality and high costs. During major demonstrations in 2024 related to rising electricity prices, mobile and internet services were temporarily shut down, leaving many communities cut off from communication.
Critics have also accused the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) of pressuring companies to limit services during periods of political tension for security reasons. Over the past five years, the regulator has imposed fines totaling about Rs68.9 million on telecom operators for poor service performance.
The planned 5G rollout aims to address these long-standing issues. SCO is currently installing seven new base transceiver station towers across five key cities: Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, Mirpur, Skardu, and Hunza.
Officials say the new technology could transform daily life in the region. Faster internet could support online education, improve access to telemedicine for remote villages, strengthen local businesses, and boost tourism through digital services.
The project also follows recent efforts to expand 4G coverage in 2025 and is linked to a broader plan for future national 5G spectrum auctions.
For many residents of these mountain regions, the arrival of 5G represents more than just faster internet. It offers the possibility of stronger connections to education, economic opportunities, and the wider world beyond the valleys.
