MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed that a separate 5G spectrum auction for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will be held shortly after the nationwide 5G rollout.
PTA Chairman, retired Major General Hafeez Ur Rehman, announced this during a meeting with GB Caretaker Minister for Information Technology Ghulam Abbas on Thursday.
The meeting discussed the upcoming 5G auction and broader connectivity challenges in the mountainous regions. The PTA chief assured that both GB and AJK would be part of the next phase of 5G rollout, while technical assessments and administrative preparations are underway.
The caretaker minister Ghulam Abbas demanded that high-speed internet service and next-generation telecom service be expanded to outlying regions. The official explained that educational institutions, healthcare facilities, tourist sites, business operations, and digital governance systems all depend on stable internet connections.
Abbas also highlighted that the youth in Gilgit-Baltistan have significant potential in IT and the digital economy but face limitations due to slow internet speeds and restricted bandwidth.
The introduction of 5G services will increase opportunities for freelancing work and online business creation, and access to contemporary technological platforms.
The meeting examined mobile networks and internet service problems that affect mountainous areas. Both sides are committed to improving telecom infrastructure to promote social and economic development through expanded digital connectivity.
