Many smartphone users in Pakistan are finding themselves unable to access the next-generation 5G network despite its launch by multiple operators this week.
User reports and official responses indicate that 5G connectivity is currently restricted in Pakistan, not due to hardware limitations but because of software and carrier-level issues.
Why is 5G Restricted in Pakistan?
Apple, Google, and Samsung control the operating systems and the firmware updates. When a local telco launches a 5G network, they must reach out to these manufacturers to get officially certified and whitelisted.
Apple enables 5G through carrier bundles in iOS. If a telecom operator is not approved, the 5G option is hidden, keeping iPhones locked to 4G. The current launch of 5G in Pakistan is in its pilot phase, so iPhones need official carrier support from Apple, which Pakistani telcos have yet to get.
Elsewhere, Google applies a firmware-level whitelist on Pixel devices, where 5G is disabled unless the carrier is explicitly certified for that region.
Samsung uses a Country Specific Code (CSC) system. If you connect a Samsung device to an uncertified network, or if you are using an imported device, the phone’s firmware can restrict 5G access.
Since the 5G auction and launch happened so close, the network operators reportedly did not have enough time to get certifications from phone manufacturers like Samsung, Apple and Google.
Other manufacturers like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo are less restrictive.
Top telcos Jazz, Zong and Ufone have yet to fully roll out these updates for all devices. In fact, Jazz has acknowledged in a public response that 5G is currently not supported on iPhones, adding that efforts are underway to expand compatibility to more handsets.
When to Expect 5G Compatibility?
The situation has sparked frustration among premium handset owners, especially given that a significant share of 5G-capable users in Pakistan rely on Apple devices. While telecom companies have indicated that broader support is in development, there is no confirmed timeline for when full compatibility will be introduced.
Until then, most users will continue to rely on 4G/LTE services, even as 5G infrastructure begins to take shape across the country.
ProPakistani has reached out to Samsung Pakistan for an official comment, which will be shared here once received.