Mobile data consumption in Pakistan has surged to an average of 8.5 gigabytes per user per month, reflecting the growing demand for mobile broadband services. With the number of mobile subscribers reaching 193.4 million, the government is preparing for a significant spectrum auction to enhance broadband capacity and support next-generation mobile services.
In a written statement to the National Assembly, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, revealed that the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has made 567 MHz of additional spectrum available across six bands: 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz. This represents more than a 200% increase over the existing spectrum.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has enlisted global consultancy firm NERA to assist with the auction process, develop policy reforms, and assess the commercial value of the spectrum based on international standards. The upcoming auction is structured to attract investment and ensure the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector. NERA’s role includes evaluating the financial health of mobile operators, recommending fair spectrum pricing, and suggesting reforms that promote broadband expansion and competition. The spectrum will be assigned on a technology-neutral basis, allowing telecom operators to deploy both 4G and 5G services.
Minister Shaza Fatima also outlined that licenses granted through the auction will include rollout obligations, which will be defined annually. These obligations may focus on specific population segments in each province or follow internationally practiced models, such as phased rollouts beginning with urban centers. The goal is to ensure widespread network coverage and improved service quality across the country.
However, the minister acknowledged ongoing challenges, including legal disputes over spectrum rights and delays in the PTCL (Ufone) and Telenor merger, which have hindered progress. The government is working with various offices, including the Attorney General of Pakistan and the Ministry of Law and Justice, to resolve these issues and keep the auction process on schedule while ensuring policy continuity.
