Jazz has urged the government to strengthen the country’s power infrastructure as the telecom operator expands its 5G network, warning that the new technology requires considerably more electricity than existing 4G services.
Jazz GSM President Kazim Mujtaba told the media on Thursday that the company had connected around 1,000 cell sites to 5G across Pakistan and plans to increase the number to 2,500 by the end of 2026.
Mujtaba said 5G would offer limited immediate benefits to individual consumers, while industries, businesses and government institutions could gain more from the technology’s advanced capabilities.
He highlighted the potential of 5G-powered sensor networks to improve safety in buildings and industrial facilities. Such sensors could monitor equipment for unusual heat, excessive electricity consumption and other warning signs, allowing authorities to respond before a serious incident occurs.
Referring to the recent fire at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad, Mujtaba said sensors installed around critical equipment, including air-conditioning systems, could detect abnormal temperatures or unusual power usage and provide an early warning.
He said 5G sites consume roughly twice as much electricity as 4G sites, creating additional pressure on the existing power infrastructure.
“We have therefore requested upgrades to grid stations because 5G cell sites require more power,” Mujtaba said, adding that Jazz had also strengthened battery backup systems at its 5G sites.
The telecom operator believes reliable electricity infrastructure will remain essential for the wider expansion and stable operation of 5G services across the country.
