5G is the next generation of mobile internet connectivity offering faster speeds and more reliable connections than previous standards. It is expected to launch globally by 2020. 5G will provide average download speeds of 1GBps, allowing users to download films in seconds. It will require new network infrastructure using higher frequency bands and multiple antennas to transmit signals further. Pakistan is preparing to introduce 5G, with the government approving trials by telecom companies. Pakistan aims to be the first country in South Asia to launch a 5G network by 2020.

1. The 5th Generation
(5G)

2. Short History
 The “G” in 5G stands for “generation.” Wireless phone
technology technically started with 1G, and in the early 1990s,
and it expanded to 2G when companies first started enabling
people to send text messages between two cellular devices.
 Eventually the world moved on to 3G, which gave people the
ability to make phone calls, send text messages, and browse the
internet. 4G enhanced many of the capabilities that were made
possible with the third generation of wireless. People could even
download and upload large video files without any issues.

3. Continued…
 Then companies added LTE, short for “long term evolution,” to
4G connectivity. LTE became the fastest and most consistent
variety of 4G compared to competing technologies like WiMax.
The difference between WiMax and LTE is similar to the
difference between Blu-Ray and HD DVDs: Both technologies
achieved similar outcomes, but it was important to create a
standard for everyone to use. LTE did just that, and it made 4G
technology even faster.
 5G will build on the foundation created by 4G LTE.

4. What is 5G
 5G networks are the next generation of mobile internet
connectivity, offering faster speeds and more reliable
connections on smartphones and other devices than ever before.
 Combining cutting-edge network technology and the very latest
research, 5G should offer connections that are multitudes faster
than current connections, with average download speeds of
around 1GBps expected to soon be the norm.
 5G networks are expected to launch across the world by 2020,
working alongside existing 3G and 4G technology to provide
speedier connections that stay online no matter where you are.

5. What will 5G networks mean for
 Faster download and upload speeds
 Smoother streaming of online content
 Higher-quality voice and video calls
 More reliable mobile connections
 Greater number of connected IOT devices
 An expansion of advanced technologies - including self-driving
cars and smart cities.

6. How fast will 5G be
 It’s still not exactly known how much faster 5G will be than 4G,
as much of the technology is still under development.
 That being said, the networks should provide a significant
upgrade to current download and upload speeds - with the
GSMA proposing minimum download speeds of around 1GBps.
 Most estimates expect the average speed of 5G networks to
reach 10Gb/s, and some even think transfer rates could reach a
whopping 800Gb/s.
 This would mean that users could download a full-length HD
quality film in a matter of seconds, and that downloading and
installing software upgrades would be completed much faster
than today.

7. What will a 5G network need
 The GSMA has outlined eight criteria for 5G networks, with a
connection needing meet a majority of these in order to qualify
as 5G:
 1-10Gbps connections to end points in the field (i.e. not
theoretical maximum)
 1 millisecond end-to-end round trip delay (latency)
 1000x bandwidth per unit area
 10-100x number of connected devices
 99.999 per cent availability and 100 per cent coverage
 90 per cent reduction in network energy usage
 Up to 10 year battery life for low power, machine-type devices

8. How does it work
There are already huge consortiums of major global telecoms
working to create worldwide standards around 5G. Although most
of those standards haven’t been solidified, experts expect it to be
backwards compatible (with 4G and 3G) in addition to having some
interoperability across the world.
In their most basic form, cell phones are basically two-way radios.
When you call someone, your phone converts your voice into an
electrical signal. It transmits that electrical signal to the nearest cell
tower using radio wave. The cell tower bounces the radio wave
through a network of cell towers and eventually to your friend’s
phone. The same thing is happening when you send other forms of
data (like photos and video) across the network.

9. Continued…
 Typically when a new mobile wireless technology comes along
(like 5G), it’s assigned a higher radio frequency. For instance, 4G
occupied the frequency bands up to 20 MHz. In the case of 5G, it
will likely sit on the frequency band up to 6GHz. The reason new
wireless technologies occupy higher frequencies is because they
typically aren’t in use and move information at a much faster
speed. The problem is that higher frequency signals don’t travel
as far as lower frequencies, so multiple input and output
antennas (MIMOs) will probably be used to boost signals
anywhere 5G is offered.

10. 5G in Pakistan
Report of PTA

11. Pakistan set to outdo India in
introducing 5G internet: PTA
 Pakistan, a fast growing digital nation, will emerge as the first
nation in South Asia to introduce 5G internet services, stated the
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in its annual report.
 It said that Pakistan would even beat the largest regional nation,
India, on this front as the neighboring country is also in the run
for introducing the most advanced internet service.
 Pakistan has set its eyes on launching 5G technology by 2020 and
preparations have begun to test 5G cellular connectivity, the first
of its kind in South Asia, according to the PTA’s annual report for
2017.

12. PTA Allowed to Offer Pakistani Telcos
to Conduct 5G Trials
 Federal Cabinet approved the issuance of Policy Directive to the
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) under Section 8 of
the PTA (Re-Organization) Act, 1996 to enable testing of 5G
technology in Pakistan while remaining within the regulatory
environment.
 Decision was taken in a meeting that held under the headship
of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at the Prime Minister’s
Office in Islamabad.
 After this approval, PTA is going to make a framework and allow
Pakistani operators to test 5G in Pakistan before its commercially
auctioned in the country.

13. Zong 5G in Pakistan
 Anusha Rehman, Minister for IT and Telecom, has already
indicated that ”Pakistan will be auctioning 5G spectrum in 2021”.
 Zong has said in the past that it will “test 5G technology in
Pakistan”, if it is allowed to do so.
 It must be noted that 5G as a network technology is still evolving
and internationally recognized standards are yet to be
determined. Meanwhile, various lab and field tests are being
conducted by network and cellular companies to prepare
themselves for the launch of 5G technology when its ready.