ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has announced plans to accelerate its long-awaited 5G spectrum auction, pledging to remove legal and technical obstacles and align with global standards for digital connectivity. The move underscores the country’s ambition to modernize its telecommunications infrastructure and expand economic opportunities.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Spectrum Auction Advisory Committee on Monday, chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb. The session was attended by IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at the GSM Association (GSMA), representatives of mobile operators, and senior officials from relevant ministries and regulatory bodies.
Officials emphasized the need for a clear and timely spectrum policy to strengthen mobile and internet services, introduce new technologies, and create avenues for exports and job creation. Minister Aurangzeb highlighted the government’s commitment to adopting global best practices in shaping Pakistan’s spectrum roadmap, while Ministers Khawaja and Tarar reaffirmed the focus on inclusive, affordable, and high-quality connectivity for all citizens.
The GSMA and the Telecom Operators Association of Pakistan have warned that delays in spectrum release could result in economic losses ranging from $1.8 billion to $4.3 billion over the next five years. In response, the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has harmonized frequency bands with global 5G standards, including the clearance of 30 MHz and identification of other millimeter-wave bands in the 3 GHz and 24 GHz ranges.
Despite progress, challenges remain, including ongoing litigation over prime frequency bands and broader economic uncertainties. Nevertheless, officials remain committed to meeting the December 2025 deadline for the auction, aiming to bolster Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and position the country as a regional leader in connectivity, it said.
“The accelerated 5G rollout is crucial for Pakistan’s technological and economic future,” a senior government official said. “It will not only modernize our telecom sector but also create significant opportunities for innovation, investment, and employment.”
As Pakistan prepares for the auction, industry observers say the successful launch could transform the nation’s digital landscape, paving the way for faster mobile networks, enhanced services, and closer integration with global digital economies.
