ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan is going to auction 5G spectrum today (Tuesday) in a major step toward high-speed digital connectivity.
The long-awaited 5G spectrum auction will be held here today at 10am.
According to officials, the initiative aims to strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy, improve internet quality and provide advanced technology services to the public.
The government has said that the primary objective of the auction is not merely revenue generation, but enabling the country to benefit from modern digital infrastructure.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the government has been focusing on building digital highways, digital corridors and stronger connectivity across Pakistan.
He believed that improved digital infrastructure will help freelancers, startups, students and young professionals perform better and compete in the global digital economy.
The Minister stressed that the government’s priority is to strengthen the country’s digital ecosystem rather than treating the auction as a revenue-generating exercise.
Tarar hoped that expanding connectivity and bandwidth will allow the country to create a stronger digital network and support the growing freelance and startup communities.
5G spectrum ‘a hen that lays golden eggs’
Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima described the spectrum as “a hen that lays golden eggs,” adding the government wants long-term benefits rather than short-term financial gains.
According to her, international consultants benchmarked the spectrum pricing based on global best practices.
“If we slaughter the hen and eat it, we will not get golden eggs,” she said, explaining that the government aims to preserve the sector for continuous economic benefits.
PTA optimistic about auction
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman hoped that the auction will be successful.
He said the expectation is that more than 300 MHz of spectrum will be auctioned, which would help improve both 4G quality and the rollout of 5G services.
According to him, if at least 300 MHz is utilized, around 50% of the spectrum will likely be sold, making the auction a success. He added that the government expects the rollout of 5G services within four to six months after the auction.
5G will not increase mobile package prices
The PTA chairman reassured consumers that the introduction of 5G will not lead to expensive mobile packages, adding the PTA will ensure that mobile data package prices remain affordable, even after the launch of 5G services.
