Pakistan is preparing to significantly enhance its internet connectivity with the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, aiming to double average internet speeds by mid-2026. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima shared details in an exclusive briefing, highlighting the government’s efforts to finalize spectrum allocation and launch a phased rollout targeting metropolitan areas first. The auction process, developed with guidance from international consultancy NERA, is designed to provide telecommunication operators with investment-friendly pricing while ensuring market sustainability. Authorities plan to offer 600 megahertz of spectrum, with the auction deemed successful if more than 50 percent of this allocation is sold.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja explained that substantial groundwork has been completed, including spectrum planning, auction design, and coordination with PTA and telecom operators. Initial deployment will prioritize cities where infrastructure, demand, and commercial viability are strongest, before gradually expanding coverage nationwide. Mobile operators had previously cited pricing uncertainty, payment terms, and rollout obligations as barriers to 5G investment. This time, however, industry sources indicate a strong internal push for next-generation connectivity, which is expected to encourage both local and foreign investment in the sector. The phased approach is intended to ensure that networks operate efficiently in high-traffic areas and that operators can optimize services before extending coverage to smaller cities and rural regions.
The introduction of 5G is expected to deliver faster mobile speeds, reduced latency, and higher network capacity, particularly in congested urban environments. Even partial spectrum deployment at 300 megahertz could provide noticeable improvements in performance. Shaza Fatima emphasized that 5G is being positioned as a foundational infrastructure for productivity growth rather than just a consumer service. The rollout, projected to take four to six months, requires importing much of the new infrastructure. The minister also acknowledged challenges, including delays caused by litigations and the Telenor-PTCL merger, and recognized the current limitations in Pakistan’s mobile sector, including declining average revenue per user and rising operating costs. Analysts note that a successful rollout could support enterprise services and generate new revenue streams, though financial outcomes will depend on pricing strategies and realistic coverage objectives.
Regarding satellite-based connectivity, including services like Starlink, Shaza Fatima noted that the government is finalizing a regulatory framework to govern satellite data before granting operational approval. Authorities see a comprehensive 5G push as critical to Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda, expanding broadband access, modernizing public services, and strengthening competitiveness in technology-driven industries. Delays in implementing next-generation connectivity could further widen the digital divide, making the timely auction and rollout of 5G infrastructure a priority for the country’s economic and technological growth.
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