LAHORE – Pakistan’s early-stage 5G network testing has recorded impressive speeds, with users experiencing an average download speed of 127.74 megabits per second (Mbps) during the second quarter of 2026, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) Mobile Network Experience Benchmarking Report.
However, despite the higher speeds, the report highlighted that 5G availability remains limited as the technology is still in its early deployment phase across the country.
PTA Report Shows Pakistan 5G Speed Results
According to the PTA report, Pakistan’s tested 5G networks delivered an average upload speed of 12.7 Mbps during the evaluation period.
Meanwhile, users recorded a video experience score of 67.33 out of 100, while the average gaming experience score stood at 62.05 out of 100.
The results indicate that 5G technology can offer significantly faster speeds compared with existing mobile networks, although wider availability remains a challenge.
5G Users Connected For Less Than 4% of Time
Despite the higher performance, users spent only 3.95% of measured time connected to 5G networks.
PTA clarified that this measurement does not represent the geographical coverage area of 5G services.
Instead, the time-on-network indicator measures how frequently users have access to a mobile data connection in locations they regularly visit.
The regulator said the limited 5G connection time reflects the current early stage of deployment and the small number of users involved in testing.
PTA Warns Against Treating Results As Final Assessment
PTA said the findings should be considered an indication of early 5G performance rather than a complete evaluation of Pakistan’s future 5G network quality.
The authority explained that deployment remains limited, with restricted coverage and a smaller user base compared with established 4G networks.
Therefore, performance results may change as telecom operators expand infrastructure and more users adopt 5G-enabled devices.
5G Performance Compared With 4G Speeds
The report also compared 5G results with existing 4G network performance in Pakistan.
During the same period, the average national 4G download speed was recorded at 18.9 Mbps across all devices.
For high-end smartphones, the average 4G download speed increased to 31.3 Mbps.
Additionally, the average 4G upload speed was measured at 5.32 Mbps, showing the speed advantage currently offered by 5G technology during testing.
Opensignal Data Used For Benchmarking
The PTA report was based on independent measurements collected by Opensignal using data from real smartphone users.
The company collected performance data over a 90-day period, measuring real-world mobile network experiences rather than controlled laboratory conditions.
Such measurements provide insight into how users experience network performance during everyday usage.
Future of 5G in Pakistan
The latest findings show the potential of 5G technology in Pakistan, particularly in areas requiring faster downloads, smoother video streaming and improved connectivity.
However, expanding coverage, increasing compatible device adoption and strengthening telecom infrastructure will remain key factors in determining how quickly 5G becomes widely available.
As operators continue testing and expanding networks, future reports are expected to provide a clearer picture of Pakistan’s 5G performance and accessibility.
Key Points:
- Pakistan’s early 5G tests recorded an average download speed of 127.74 Mbps.
- Average 5G upload speed reached 12.7 Mbps.
- Users remained connected to 5G networks for only 3.95% of measured time.
- PTA said 5G deployment is still in an early stage with limited coverage.
- 4G average download speed was recorded at 18.9 Mbps nationwide.
- The report used independent Opensignal measurements collected from real users.
- Wider infrastructure rollout will determine the future expansion of 5G in Pakistan.
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