GSM Association (GSMA) has raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s spectrum policy, warning that the increasing cost of spectrum is unsustainable and threatens the future of mobile services in the country. In a recent report, GSMA criticized the policy framework, arguing that it hampers digital growth and puts Pakistan at a disadvantage compared to regional counterparts. The report underscores the vital role of mobile network infrastructure in driving digital transformation and economic development, highlighting Pakistan’s lag in spectrum availability despite official claims to the contrary.
According to GSMA, Pakistan’s spectrum allocation policies have resulted in a significant shortfall, particularly when compared to countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. The report notes that spectrum availability is directly linked to mobile network performance, affecting everything from internet speeds to service affordability. Without adequate spectrum, operators struggle to expand their networks, leading to slower connectivity, reduced coverage, and ultimately, a weaker digital economy.
The GSMA report highlights multiple challenges within Pakistan’s spectrum policy, particularly in the context of the government’s ‘Digital Pakistan’ initiative, which aims to accelerate technological advancement and improve digital infrastructure. While the initiative has set ambitious goals, restrictive spectrum pricing and inefficient auctions have hindered progress. GSMA Intelligence estimates that if spectrum had been fully assigned in previous auctions, Pakistan could have benefited from an additional $300 million (Rs80 billion) in economic gains. However, past auctions, including those held in 2014 and 2021, resulted in significant portions of spectrum remaining unsold, limiting the supply available to mobile operators. This scarcity has contributed to slower 4G expansion and delayed network improvements across the country.
The report further highlights that the upcoming spectrum auction must prioritize the long-term development of digital infrastructure rather than focusing solely on maximizing government revenue. GSMA stresses that excessive pricing for spectrum licenses deters investment from telecom operators, making it difficult for them to expand services and upgrade networks. This results in deteriorating mobile data speeds, poor network coverage, and extended delays in next-generation technology rollouts, including 5G. The report warns that if Pakistan does not reform its spectrum allocation strategy, it risks falling further behind in global connectivity rankings, discouraging both local and international investment in its digital economy.
To address these concerns, GSMA has outlined a path forward, urging the Pakistani government to focus on optimal spectrum allocation in key frequency bands. It highlights the critical importance of the 600MHz band, along with over 500MHz in core mid-bands such as 2.3GHz, 2.6GHz, and 3.5GHz, which are essential for expanding mobile broadband capacity. The organization argues that making more spectrum available at reasonable prices would enable mobile operators to improve service quality, expand coverage, and support the country’s broader digital ambitions.
Pakistan’s telecommunications industry is at a crucial crossroads, with spectrum policy playing a pivotal role in determining the country’s digital future. GSMA’s report serves as a stark reminder that the current approach is limiting growth opportunities and must be urgently reformed. The government now faces the challenge of balancing fiscal revenue generation with the need to foster a competitive, well-connected digital ecosystem. By adopting a forward-looking spectrum policy that aligns with international best practices, Pakistan can unlock new economic opportunities, enhance digital inclusion, and ensure reliable mobile connectivity for millions of citizens.
