ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G spectrum auction and commercial rollout could face further delays, mainly due to legal complications, infrastructure costs and unresolved telecom mergers, said the sources citing a report prepared by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Though the PTA has set a tentative deadline of June 2025 for the 5G spectrum auction, and the first quarter of 2026 for the commercial launch of 5G services in the country but the ground realities speak otherwise.
The report highlights key obstacles deterring the auction process, including spectrum allocation issues, pending court cases, and challenges in the availability of 5G devices.
The PTA report admits that unresolved legal issues surrounding spectrum allocation are a significant blockade.
Cases related to 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 2600 MHz bands remain pending in the courts, obstructing progress in the matter. Specifically, 140 MHz spectrum in the 2600 MHz band, 6.6 MHz in the 1800 MHz band, and 10 MHz in the 2100 MHz band are tied up in legal disputes.
Furthermore, the delay in the merger of two telecom companies and the non-fulfillment of merger agreements are making it difficult for the regulatory authorities to proceed smoothly with the auction process. The same has also added to the uncertainty on the subject.
It is to mention here that the PTA has set a tentative deadline of June 2025 for the 5G spectrum auction, while it has a plan to launch 5G services on a commercial basis by the first quarter of 2026.
According to the PTA, telecom market assessment has been completed while consultations with industry stakeholders were continuing. The process has now reached the spectrum pricing and auction design phase.
Policy recommendations on 5G rollout
An advisory committee is expected to submit policy recommendations to the government in the next month, after which the government will issue a policy directive for the 5G rollout.
The launch of 5G is expected to improve service quality, enhance data rates, and boost foreign direct investment (FDI).
The government believes that 5G technology will contribute to GDP growth and generate new job opportunities.
The technology is set to revolutionize agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and industrial sectors, while also strengthening e-governance and disaster management.
Despite these promising prospects, industry experts fear that device availability and infrastructure costs could remain major hurdles in the timely implementation of 5G auction in the country.
The government and regulatory bodies are, however, striving to overcome these challenges to ensure a smooth transition to next-generation mobile technology.
