ISLAMABAD: As the mobile network operator Jazz has linked 1,000 cell sites across the country to 5G, it has urged the government to upgrade power infrastructure, stressing that the new technology requires significantly more electricity than existing 4G networks.

Briefing the media on Thursday, Jazz GSM President Kazim Mujtaba said the company planned to increase the number of 5G-enabled sites to 2,500 by the end of this year.

Mr Mujtaba said the immediate benefits of 5G for individual consumers were limited, while its major applications were expected in industrial, corporate and government services.

He said 5G-supported sensor networks could also be used in buildings to detect abnormalities such as overheating or excessive power consumption and send early warnings to relevant authorities.

Citing the example of the recent fire at Pims Hospital in Islamabad, he said sensors installed in equipment such as air-conditioning plants could potentially identify unusual heat or electricity consumption before a serious incident.

Mr Mujtaba said 5G networks consumed about twice as much electricity as 4G networks.

“As a result, we have requested upgrading of grid stations as 5G cell sites need more power. Similarly, battery backup has also been upgraded at these sites,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2026