Mobile internet usage in Pakistan has surged to an average of 8.5 gigabytes per user per month, marking a significant shift in how the country consumes data and underlining the growing importance of mobile broadband services. As the number of mobile subscribers reaches 193.4 million, the government is gearing up for a major spectrum auction intended to boost the capacity and reach of broadband networks and lay the groundwork for next-generation mobile services, including the rollout of 5G.
In a recent written response to the National Assembly, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja revealed that the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has freed up an additional 567 megahertz of spectrum across six frequency bands: 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz. This represents more than a 200 percent increase in available spectrum, providing a significant opportunity to improve network performance, support rising data consumption, and foster technological innovation in the telecommunications sector.
To guide this process, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has partnered with the global consulting firm NERA. The consultancy has been tasked with supporting the technical and commercial design of the upcoming auction, including spectrum valuation based on global benchmarks, the development of reforms to stimulate competition, and a comprehensive assessment of the financial health of telecom operators in the country. NERA’s involvement is expected to ensure that the auction process is transparent, economically sound, and geared toward long-term sustainability.
One of the core features of this auction is its technology-neutral approach. This means that the winning operators will have the flexibility to use the acquired spectrum for various technologies, such as expanding 4G networks or preparing for the deployment of 5G. The spectrum licenses will also come with annual rollout obligations. These requirements could be structured to focus on underserved population segments across provinces or follow international models, such as phased deployments that start with urban centers and gradually extend to rural areas. The intention is to ensure broader coverage and better quality of service throughout the country.
The minister also acknowledged that while the government is advancing these ambitious reforms, the path forward is not without obstacles. Legal challenges related to existing spectrum rights and the prolonged delay in the merger of two major operators—PTCL’s Ufone and Telenor Pakistan—have emerged as significant roadblocks. These disputes have created uncertainty for the industry and delayed progress toward auction execution. In response, government institutions such as the Attorney General’s office, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Advisory Committee are actively working to resolve these issues. Their goal is to maintain policy momentum and keep the auction timeline intact.
This spectrum auction is being positioned as a pivotal step in modernizing Pakistan’s telecommunications landscape, which has long struggled with quality-of-service issues, patchy coverage, and limited investment in infrastructure. By unlocking additional spectrum, encouraging competition, and introducing enforceable rollout obligations, the government aims to create a more robust digital ecosystem capable of supporting Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
The broader reforms also tie into the country’s national digital agenda, which seeks to promote connectivity, support e-governance, and enable the development of digital services in areas such as education, health, and commerce. With a young and increasingly connected population, the stakes for expanding and improving broadband access are high, and the spectrum auction is expected to play a central role in shaping the future of connectivity in Pakistan.
