Islamabad – Pakistan’s telecom operators, together with the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), presented a series of demands before the Spectrum Advisory Committee on Monday, urging reforms to ensure an affordable and sustainable 5G rollout. The meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, brought together government officials, regulators, and industry leaders.
Operators called for rupee-denominated pricing, lower reserve prices than previous auctions, 15-year interest-free installment plans, and duty-free import of 5G equipment and smartphones. They also pressed for resolution of spectrum disputes—particularly in the 2600 MHz band—and for rollout obligations to account for challenges such as security concerns in FATA and Balochistan and flood-related damages.
The GSMA warned that delays in spectrum allocation could cost Pakistan between $1.8 billion and $4.3 billion in economic benefits over the next five years. Officials stressed that Pakistan’s spectrum cost is among the highest globally, consuming nearly 20% of operators’ revenue. They urged the government to adopt a balanced policy that promotes investment, ensures affordability, and delivers long-term digital dividends.
Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim underscored the urgency of reforms, noting that Pakistan currently operates with just 274 MHz of spectrum—less than half of regional peers. “Spectrum is the invisible infrastructure behind every call, every payment, and every online classroom,” he said, warning that without affordable and timely auctions, Pakistan risks network congestion, dropped calls, and widening its digital divide.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb acknowledged the industry’s concerns and emphasized timely progress on the auction process. Federal Ministers Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive, affordable, and high-quality digital connectivity in line with the Prime Minister’s vision for a digitally connected Pakistan.
