Pakistan’s highly anticipated 5G spectrum auction is now expected to be postponed by at least four months, largely due to the Competition Commission of Pakistan’s (CCP) indecision regarding the proposed merger between Telenor Pakistan and PTCL-owned Ufone. This delay casts uncertainty over the number of telecom operators eligible to participate and clouds the future trajectory of Pakistan’s digital expansion.
Sources from the Ministry of Information Technology indicate that 5G services can only be launched a minimum of three months after the government finalizes and issues official policy directives for the auction. However, the advisory committee responsible for guiding the auction process has yet to convene, with geopolitical tensions—particularly deteriorating Pakistan-India relations—further complicating progress.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that the international consultant engaged for the 5G rollout has completed its technical assessment. The consultant’s report evaluates scenarios including the participation of three or four operators, contingent on the merger’s approval. While technical preparations are ready, progress is stalled pending clear policy guidance.
The original government roadmap targeted a June 2025 launch for 5G, with policy reforms finalized by March, directives issued in April, auction held in May, and commercial rollout starting June. With mid-May passed and no advisory committee action, this timeline is now unlikely.
Telenor and PTCL have expressed frustration over the CCP’s prolonged Phase II review of their merger application filed on February 29, 2024. PTCL has committed a $1 billion investment tied to the merger and sought backing from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to accelerate regulatory approvals.
This regulatory impasse threatens to derail Pakistan’s essential 5G policy reforms, jeopardizing digital infrastructure development and delaying the rollout of next-generation telecommunications services.
