ISLAMABAD — Pakistan formally launched its 5G spectrum auction on Tuesday, a move the government says will improve digital connectivity, strengthen the telecom sector and support the country’s growing digital economy.
Speaking at the opening ceremony for the Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) spectrum auction, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the initiative marked a significant step toward expanding high-speed internet access and modernizing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
The ceremony was attended by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman and several members of parliament.
Spectrum auction to boost connectivity
Shaza Fatima said multiple government institutions worked together to make spectrum available for the auction, calling it an important development for Pakistan’s transition toward next-generation mobile technology.
She noted that Pakistan entered the 3G and 4G era between 2014 and 2016 during the government of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Since then, no major spectrum auction had taken place, contributing to capacity constraints and quality challenges in mobile internet services.
According to the minister, the new auction is expected to improve both the speed and reliability of existing 4G networks while laying the foundation for the introduction of 5G services.
Digital connectivity central to economic growth
Shaza Fatima said reliable and affordable internet had become an essential service for citizens and businesses. She added that digital connectivity now plays a critical role in economic development, agriculture, industry and national security.
The government has also removed right-of-way charges for telecom infrastructure to accelerate the expansion of fiber-optic networks nationwide. A national fiberization plan is expected to be launched to help telecom companies expand infrastructure after acquiring new spectrum.
The auction framework was prepared through consultations with several institutions, including the Spectrum Advisory Committee, the Ministry of Finance, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and the Frequency Allocation Board.
5G rollout expected in major cities first
The minister said improvements in 4G services could become visible within four to five months after the auction, while initial 5G services are expected to launch within five to six months in Islamabad and provincial capitals.
She also acknowledged the role of government institutions, the armed forces and former IT minister Aminul Haq in facilitating the release of spectrum for commercial telecom use.
According to Shaza Fatima, the development supports Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s “Digital Nation Pakistan” vision, which aims to expand digitization, increase IT exports, promote technology training for youth and support a cashless economy.
PTA highlights telecom sector milestone
PTA Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman said the launch of the spectrum auction marked a major milestone for Pakistan’s telecom industry.
He said the availability of spectrum had been one of the biggest challenges for expanding mobile services, and coordination between the PTA and the Frequency Allocation Board helped resolve the issue.
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Rehman said 5G technology would expand access to high-speed internet and improve digital connectivity in remote areas.
He also noted that Pakistan recently abolished right-of-way charges for telecom infrastructure, reducing them from Rs36,000 per kilometre to zero, a move aimed at supporting fiber network expansion.
The PTA chairman added that the government had taken steps to support the telecom industry and encouraged telecom operators to actively participate in the spectrum auction.
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