LAUSR

The use of mobile communication is growing radically with every passing year. The new reality is the fifth-generation (5G) of mobile communication technology. Every generation of mobile communication has its own infrastructural requirements. 5G will require expensive infrastructural adjustment and upgradation. Currently, Pakistan has one the largest number of biometrically verified mobile users. But, at the same time, the country lags incredibly in the field of mobile internet adoption with just half of the mobile device owners avail broadband subscription. It is a viable market with a large segment yet to be tapped. With the advancing progression in Pakistan towards the internet of things (IoT) connectivity, i.e. solar-powered home solutions, smart city projects, and on-board diagnostics (OBD), the urgency for speed, bandwidth and reliability are on the rise. In this paper, the prevalent second, third and fourth generation (2G,3G, and 4G) mobile communication networks in Pakistan were studied and reviewed in the context of the demographics of the country and the challenges faced. The future of 5G in Pakistan was also discussed. The study revealed that non-infrastructural barriers are influencing the low adoption rate which is the main reason behind the spectrum utilization gap i.e. the use of 3G, and 4G spectrum is minimal.