Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction is delayed due to PTCL’s incomplete submissions for its Telenor acquisition, stalling regulatory approval by the Competition Commission. Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed the independent regulatory process as the main bottleneck amid merger uncertainties.
Pakistan’s IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has urged the Auction Advisory Committee to meet and progress the 5G spectrum auction. The meeting is expected to be chaired by the Finance Minister following the budget. The government also awaits the Competition Commission’s approval on a telecom merger. A finalized 5G report will guide auction decisions, supporting the PM’s goal of $25 billion IT exports and imminent 5G rollout.
NERA, the US-based consultancy hired for Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction, has supported telecom operators’ demands for extended payment terms, reasonable reserve prices, and a shift to rupee-based pricing. NERA warned that high spectrum prices could harm competition and innovation, urging lower prices for long-term government revenue and sector growth.