Pakistan Launches 5G Spectrum Auction to Boost Digital Connectivity
By Tanveer Ahmed :
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has described the country’s latest spectrum auction as a historic move aimed at strengthening digital connectivity and supporting the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Spectrum Auction for Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS)/5G, the minister said Pakistan had experienced several technological shifts in the past, but the current phase of digital transformation was particularly significant.
The event was attended by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Hafeez Ur Rehman, and several members of parliament.
Improving internet services
Ms Khawaja said Pakistan entered the era of 3G and 4G mobile services during the tenure of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif between 2014 and 2016. However, she noted that no major spectrum auction had taken place since then, contributing to challenges in internet quality and user experience.
She said the new auction would pave the way for the introduction of 5G services while also enhancing the capacity and performance of existing 4G networks.
The minister stressed that fast and reliable internet had become a basic necessity, playing a vital role in areas such as the economy, agriculture, industry and national security.
Expansion of fibre networks
Ms Khawaja also announced that the government had removed right-of-way charges for telecom infrastructure to accelerate the expansion of fibre optic networks across the country.
She said a national fibreisation plan would soon be introduced to support telecom operators as they expand their infrastructure after acquiring new spectrum.
According to the minister, Pakistan’s auction framework has received positive feedback from international telecom organisations. She said discussions held during Mobile World Congress indicated that several countries appreciated the structure and planning of the process.
Timeline for improved services
The minister said consumers could begin to see noticeable improvements in 4G services within four to five months after the auction.
Initial 5G services are expected to be introduced in Islamabad and the provincial capitals within five to six months.
She also acknowledged the contribution of former IT minister Aminul Haq, government institutions and the armed forces for helping make additional spectrum available for commercial use.
Ms Khawaja said the development forms part of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s broader “Digital Nation Pakistan” vision, which aims to promote digitalisation, train young people in technology skills, increase IT exports and move the country towards a cashless economy.
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