Islamabad, Apr 10, 2025: Pakistan Plans 5G Launch as the federal government reassesses its strategy for auctioning 5G spectrum, shifting its priorities from maximizing short-term revenues to accelerating nationwide digital access and infrastructure development.
The Ministry of IT is now emphasizing rapid deployment of next-gen networks, rather than focusing solely on earning from licensing fees.
Insiders from the Ministry of Information Technology confirm that the revised plan aims to prioritize nationwide 5G availability within a limited timeframe.
While revenue generation remains important, the central goal is to unlock broader socio-economic and technological gains across the country through fast and inclusive access.
In line with this new direction, officials are analyzing international case studies, particularly Saudi Arabia’s innovative model of offering telecom spectrum at no upfront cost.
Under that system, operators are obligated to execute fast rollouts, ensuring quick public access to cutting-edge services.
Drawing inspiration from this, the government is evaluating whether waiving or significantly reducing spectrum fees could facilitate early 5G deployment in all provinces.
The rationale is that by minimizing financial burdens on telecom companies, they would be better positioned to invest in advanced infrastructure and outreach.
Pakistan Plans 5G Launch not only as a technological milestone but as a cornerstone for national development.
If telecom providers receive spectrum on favorable terms with mandatory service coverage deadlines ranging from two to five years Pakistan could witness a transformative leap in areas such as education, remote healthcare, smart industry, and digital governance.
Industry stakeholders have already voiced their preference for a low-cost or zero-fee spectrum model.
They argue that steep license fees could hinder commercial rollout and slow down tech adoption, ultimately limiting access to next-gen services.
Federal Minister for IT, Shaza Fatima, is spearheading efforts to find a sustainable path forward.
Her vision is to balance the need for public revenue with long-term digital infrastructure growth ensuring inclusivity and forward momentum in Pakistan’s digital landscape.
The stalled merger between Ufone and Telenor has inadvertently provided policymakers with more time to formulate a refined, consensus-based policy.
Amid this transitional phase in the telecom industry, officials are focused on building a framework that fosters innovation, expands connectivity, and bridges the digital divide.
Pakistan Plans 5G Launch not just as a connectivity upgrade but as a gateway to a digitally empowered future.
