Islamabad, Mar 3, 2025: The Pakistan Telecom Association is encountering obstacles in the rollout of 5G services, with concerns mounting over delays in the auction process. The 5G spectrum auction is currently projected to take place by June 2025, while a commercial rollout of the technology is expected in the first quarter of 2026.
According to documents from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), consultants have finalized an assessment of the telecom sector, and discussions with industry stakeholders regarding policy reforms are ongoing.
The auction has now entered the critical phase of determining spectrum pricing and finalizing the auction structure. As per the PTA, the advisory committee is set to submit policy recommendations to the government within the next month.
Once these suggestions are reviewed, the government will issue an official policy directive to move the process forward. One of the key hurdles delaying the auction is the unresolved merger of two telecom firms. Additionally, multiple legal disputes concerning spectrum allocations remain unresolved.
Court cases related to the 2600 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 1800 MHz bands continue to stall progress. Specifically, 140 MHz in the 2600 MHz band, 10 MHz in the 2100 MHz band, and 6.6 MHz in the 1800 MHz band remain tied up in legal proceedings.
Beyond legal and regulatory roadblocks, the financial burden of deploying 5G infrastructure presents another major challenge. The widespread availability of 5G-enabled devices is also a concern, as affordability and accessibility could limit the technology’s reach in the country.
However, PTA documents highlight that the introduction of 5G will significantly enhance data speeds and service quality, paving the way for advancements in the IT sector. The launch of 5G is expected to drive an influx of foreign direct investment, stimulate economic growth, and generate new employment opportunities.
The technology is poised to revolutionize key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial manufacturing. Additionally, 5G will strengthen digital governance and improve disaster management systems, positioning Pakistan for a more advanced and interconnected future.
