India vs Pakistan Internet: India has the 2nd largest 5G subscriber base, only second to China, and is among the fastest adopters of the technology in the world, says India's Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia. While India achieved a new height around four years ago, its neighbour, Pakistan, is yet to officially roll out 5G services.

5G speeds in India vary but average 150-300 Mbps, with leaders like Jio and Airtel showing median download speeds in the 200-400 Mbps range.

According to the data published by the Indian Ministry of Communications in December 2025, since its launch in 2022, 5G services are now available across the country, with a major base of 99.6 per cent and with a population coverage of 85 per cent in the country.

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As of March 2025, 4.69 lakhs 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) have been installed by the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) across the country, which is one of the fastest rollout of 5G networks.

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The ministry also stated that since the launch of 5G, around 25 crores mobile users have started using the 5G services, and 4.69 lakhs 5G BTSs have been installed across the country.

Talking about remote area connectivity, the ministry pointed out that rural telephone connections grew 42.9 per cent.

Pathetic condition of internet in Pakistan

According to Voice.pk.net, just a few years ago, there wasn’t even a mobile cellular network in many parts of the country, and people were compelled to depend on public call offices (PCOs). However, the conditions were improved slightly, but still no concept of 3G or 4G internet. Almost the same situation exists in the remote districts of Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Currently, the highest speed of internet in Pakistan’s national capital is nearly 20 Mbps— nearly one tenth of what Indians are getting for the past four years.

Pakistani cannot afford 5G handsets: Telecom industry

Earlier this month, Pakistan's telecom industry cautioned the government against fast-tracking the launch of next-generation mobile networks without addressing fundamental affordability issues, warning that an ill-timed 5G rollout could consume limited foreign exchange and divert crucial investment from improving basic connectivity.

According to Dawn, the TOA stated that Pakistan's digital trajectory will not be shaped by how rapidly 5G technology is deployed but by whether ordinary users can afford compatible smartphones and find meaningful everyday value in staying connected.

5G smartphones start at PKR 90,000 in Pakistan

The association pointed out that entry-level 5G smartphones begin at roughly PKR 90,000, while premium models such as iPhones can cost up to PKR 700,000, amounts well beyond the reach of most citizens in a low-income, prepaid-driven market. It added that 5G support requires more advanced modems and radio components, which increase manufacturing costs and further push devices out of mass-market affordability.

(With inputs from agencies)