Pakistan is moving ahead with plans to introduce 5G services in major cities over the next six to seven months, aiming to make high-speed connectivity accessible while keeping spectrum prices low to encourage industry participation. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima explained that the government intends to reduce upfront costs for telecom operators so that investments are directed primarily toward 5G infrastructure rather than expensive auction fees. The approach is expected to accelerate the visibility and availability of 5G services on the ground within four months of spectrum allocation. Fatima emphasized that ensuring affordable access and fast deployment is central to Pakistan’s strategy for strengthening its digital ecosystem and supporting economic activity through advanced telecommunications.
Highlighting the financial constraints faced by telecom operators, the minister noted that Pakistan’s current sector structure includes heavy taxation, which has increased operational burdens and limited the ability to invest in network expansion. She recalled that the 2014 spectrum auction was conducted when the dollar was valued around Rs. 100, compared to nearly three times that today, illustrating the increased cost pressure on operators. Rising operational expenses have not been matched by proportional revenue growth, leaving the country’s average revenue per user among the lowest in the region. Fatima indicated that this revenue-to-cost imbalance has constrained the telecom sector’s capacity to adopt new technologies, slowing network upgrades and digital service deployment.
Drawing regional comparisons, Fatima pointed out that neighboring countries like Sri Lanka have successfully launched 5G while focusing on affordable spectrum pricing and growth rather than imposing high upfront costs. She added that globally, most nations do not denominate spectrum prices in dollars, and Bangladesh remains an exception, having frozen its spectrum prices against the US dollar. In Pakistan, authorities plan to carefully consider industry demand and capacity when finalizing the 5G auction framework to ensure both accessibility and long-term sustainability. In addition, the government is prioritizing the approval of a mobile virtual network operator framework to expand service options and improve competitive conditions ahead of the 5G launch.
With these measures, Pakistan aims to rapidly modernize its telecom infrastructure, improve mobile network performance, and create a more robust environment for digital innovation. The strategy emphasizes practical deployment timelines, industry-friendly auction pricing, and regulatory support, including MVNO facilitation, to enhance network reach and stimulate technological adoption. Analysts note that this approach could provide a significant boost to enterprise services, public sector digital initiatives, and private-sector innovation, while addressing structural challenges that have historically limited growth in the telecommunications sector. The focus remains on balancing affordability, investment incentives, and rapid rollout to ensure Pakistan’s 5G deployment meets both market demand and broader national development objectives.
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