Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, has unveiled a significant initiative aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s telecommunications infrastructure with an upcoming spectrum auction scheduled in the coming months. This auction forms part of a larger effort to address the growing demand for mobile broadband services, improve data speeds, and support the rollout of Next Generation Mobile Broadband (NGMB) services, including 4G and 5G.
Speaking during a National Assembly session, Khawaja outlined the government’s commitment to expanding mobile broadband access. In a substantial move, the government is releasing an additional 567 MHz of spectrum across multiple bands, including 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz. This new allocation more than doubles the current spectrum available, providing a significant boost to Pakistan’s telecom sector.
The Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has been tasked with managing the spectrum release, while the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has engaged NERA, an internationally renowned consultancy, to assist in the auction process. NERA will provide strategic recommendations on policy reforms, ensure competition, and facilitate efficient spectrum utilization. The consultancy will also evaluate global trends in spectrum pricing to support Pakistan’s economic growth and attract foreign investment.
The auction process is designed to be investment-friendly, aiming to accelerate broadband penetration, enhance ICT infrastructure, and ensure the telecom sector’s long-term sustainability. PTA’s collaboration with NERA will help create a strategy that optimizes spectrum release and enables mobile operators to support 4G and 5G services across the country.
Khawaja stated, “This auction will provide mobile operators with the tools they need to meet the rising demand for mobile data services. Our goal is to ensure the widespread availability of 4G and 5G services, which will transform the telecommunications landscape and fuel economic growth.”
The auction will also introduce Network Rollout Obligations, which will require winners to meet specific service delivery criteria, including rollout schedules aligned with provincial population distribution and international best practices.
Khawaja further emphasized that the auction process will ensure spectrum affordability for mobile operators, ensuring that it remains accessible and conducive to improved service delivery. The consultancy has worked closely with stakeholders to assess the sector’s financial health and is preparing a pricing strategy that strikes a balance between fostering economic growth and attracting foreign investment.
With mobile subscriptions in Pakistan reaching 193.4 million and users consuming an average of 8.5 GB of data per month, the need for expanded network capacity is critical. However, the government faces challenges such as ongoing spectrum litigation cases and delays in the PTCL (Ufone) and Telenor merger, which may impact the auction. Khawaja reassured the public, stating that all relevant government agencies are working diligently to resolve these issues before the auction.
The outcome of the auction is expected to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s digital transformation, expanding mobile broadband coverage, and ensuring the sustainability of the telecom sector for years to come.
