Pakistan Okays Spectrum Auction to Roll Out 5G

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Tuesday announced the approval of a long-anticipated spectrum auction, a key step aimed at enhancing internet speeds and enabling the rollout of 5G services across Pakistan.

Speaking at a joint news conference in Islamabad, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had approved the auction as part of efforts to accelerate the Digital Pakistan programme. He added that the decision would help bring Pakistan’s internet infrastructure in line with international standards.

Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima highlighted that slow internet speeds in the country were largely due to a shortage of available spectrum. She said the Spectrum Advisory Committee’s recommendations would soon be presented to the federal cabinet for final approval.

The IT minister emphasized that consultations with telecom operators and other stakeholders would be held to ensure a transparent and inclusive auction process. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving structural issues in the telecom sector, noting that the internet serves as the backbone of the digital ecosystem.

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Shaza Fatima also confirmed that the introduction of 5G services is expected soon, describing the spectrum auction as a crucial step toward modernizing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and improving connectivity for both consumers and businesses. The auction will involve 600 megahertz of spectrum, with the entire process expected to be completed within four to six months.

The 600 MHz spectrum is valued for its excellent signal penetration and wide coverage, making it ideal for 5G mobile broadband, indoor connectivity, IoT, and smart city applications. While it also supports existing uses such as digital TV broadcasting, many countries are repurposing it for mobile broadband. Its strong coverage, especially in rural areas and buildings, complements higher frequency bands, ensuring more comprehensive network connectivity.