Pakistan is moving closer to the future of high-speed internet as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed that the 5G spectrum auction will take place before June 2025. This announcement was made during a special regulatory event in collaboration with Malaysian authorities, highlighting Pakistan’s ambition to stay competitive in the global tech race.
What’s the Timeline?
The PTA Chairman, Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, revealed that after the auction, telecom companies will need at least 6 to 12 months to set up the required infrastructure. This means that Pakistanis can expect 5G services to roll out by late 2025 or early 2026. Earlier, the government had planned to hold the auction in April 2025, but some preparations, like upgrading infrastructure and finalizing policies, have led to minor delays.
How Will the Auction Work?
The 5G spectrum auction will take place in multiple steps:
- Frequency Bands: The PTA will auction four key frequency bands – 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz.
- Expert Consultation: International consultants, including Aetha Consulting and Detecon, have been hired to advise on pricing, safety, and policies.
- Infrastructure Development: The Ministry of IT is working on a National Fiberization Plan to improve digital connectivity across the country.
Challenges and Government Efforts
Introducing 5G in Pakistan comes with its share of challenges. Some of the major hurdles include:
- High Costs for Telecom Operators: Setting up 5G requires significant investment, and spectrum pricing remains a concern. To address this, the government is working on lowering spectrum costs, following the example of Saudi Arabia’s pricing model.
- Expensive Infrastructure: Expanding fiber-optic networks is essential for 5G, and the government’s National Fiberization Plan aims to improve internet connectivity nationwide.
- Regulatory Changes: Laws like the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) are being reviewed to ensure cybersecurity without limiting digital growth.
How Will 5G Benefit Pakistan?
Once launched, 5G is expected to bring major improvements across various sectors:
- Healthcare & Education: Faster internet will allow better telemedicine services and online education, especially in remote areas.
- Smart Cities & IoT: 5G’s high-speed connectivity will support automation, smart traffic management, and better public services.
- Economic Growth: The IT Ministry predicts that 5G could boost Pakistan’s IT exports to $15 billion by improving internet reliability.
What’s Next?
While there’s excitement about 5G, experts warn that Pakistan’s current telecom infrastructure might not be fully ready for a nationwide rollout. Additionally, telecom operators are struggling with financial pressures due to low revenues and foreign currency obligations. Security concerns are also being considered, especially after recent internet shutdowns during sensitive events.
Conclusion
The 5G auction marks a significant step in Pakistan’s digital transformation. While challenges remain, the PTA and the government are focused on ensuring a smooth rollout. If infrastructure and affordability issues are addressed, 5G has the potential to revolutionize internet usage in Pakistan, paving the way for a more connected and technologically advanced future.
