Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima has revealed that Pakistan’s auction for 5G spectrum is scheduled to take place during the month of Ramadan, with efforts underway to finalize the process by the end of February. Speaking to the media at Parliament House, Shaza Fatima emphasized that the government aims to expedite the auction once all necessary regulatory preparations are completed.
According to Shaza Fatima, the introduction of 5G services is expected to have a positive impact on existing mobile networks. She stated that improvements in the quality of 3G and 4G services are anticipated within three to four months following the auction. This upgrade is intended to enhance network performance and user experience across major cities, laying the foundation for a smoother transition to 5G connectivity. Telecom operators are reportedly aligning their infrastructure and technical readiness to ensure that services can be launched promptly after the spectrum is allocated.
PTA is currently engaged in consultations with stakeholders regarding the Information Memorandum for the 5G auction. Shaza Fatima highlighted that these consultations focus on ensuring service quality and establishing rollout conditions. Telecom companies have been provided a three-week window to review the proposed framework and submit their feedback. These discussions are aimed at creating a transparent and efficient auction process while addressing industry concerns and technical requirements for 5G deployment.
Once stakeholder feedback is incorporated, PTA plans to finalize the Information Memorandum in the first week of February. Shaza Fatima noted that telecom operators are preparing their internal strategies to meet the requirements outlined in the framework, ensuring that Pakistan is ready to proceed with the 5G spectrum auction without delays. The government’s approach reflects a commitment to modernizing the country’s digital infrastructure and bringing advanced mobile connectivity to urban areas, while also gradually improving existing 3G and 4G services.
The rollout of 5G services in major cities is expected to occur within six months of the spectrum auction. This timeline underscores the government’s intention to maintain a structured and efficient deployment process while fostering competition among telecom operators. By carefully coordinating regulatory measures, stakeholder input, and operator readiness, Pakistan aims to establish a robust foundation for next-generation mobile networks and support ongoing digital transformation initiatives across the country.
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