The federal government has initiated steps to ensure a dispute-free spectrum auction in its bid to fast-track the rollout of 5G services across Pakistan.
According to officials, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Attorney General to engage directly with the Chief Justice of Pakistan over long-pending telecom spectrum disputes, some of which date back nearly two decades. The move comes after conventional legal channels failed to yield results, leaving valuable spectrum resources tied up in litigation.
Spectrum Disputes Impacting 5G Rollout
An estimated 161.6 MHz of spectrum remains stuck in court cases, including 140 MHz in the crucial 2600 MHz band, which is considered globally essential for 4G and 5G deployment. Authorities have warned that these disputes are not only delaying the auction but also inflicting financial losses on the telecom sector and the national exchequer.
In a written statement to Parliament, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that 606 MHz of spectrum has been cleared and is ready for auction.
READ MORE: Govt Frees 600 MHz Spectrum to Fast-Track 5G Auction
FAB has also freed multiple bands for commercial use — including 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 3500 MHz — through coordination with defense authorities and the re-farming of outdated services.
Officials stated that once the litigation hurdles are addressed, Pakistan will be in a strong position to hold a transparent and globally competitive 5G spectrum auction. The government’s direct engagement with the judiciary marks a critical step toward eliminating delays and ensuring Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure keeps pace with international standards.
