A report by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reveals that Pakistan’s much-anticipated 5G spectrum auction and commercial rollout could be further delayed due to legal complications, unresolved telecom mergers, and high infrastructure costs.
The PTA report, obtained by Samaa TV, outlines several key obstacles. Legal issues remain unresolved for the 2600 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 1800 MHz bands—specifically, 140 MHz of 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 pending court cases. Additionally, delays in the merger of two telecom companies and unfulfilled merger agreements are contributing to the uncertainty, hindering smooth progress of the auction process.
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Despite these setbacks, the PTA has tentatively set a deadline of June 2025 for the 5G spectrum auction, with the commercial launch of 5G services targeted for the first quarter of 2026. The report notes that a telecom market assessment has been completed and that consultations with industry stakeholders are ongoing. The auction process has now reached the stage of determining spectrum pricing and auction design, and an advisory committee is expected to submit policy recommendations to the government within a month, paving the way for a formal policy directive.
The introduction of 5G is anticipated to improve data speeds, enhance service quality, and attract foreign direct investment (FDI), ultimately contributing to GDP growth and creating new job opportunities. The technology is also expected to revolutionize key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and industrial operations, while bolstering e-governance and disaster management. However, experts warn that the high costs of infrastructure and limited availability of 5G devices may continue to be significant challenges for a timely rollout, requiring government and regulatory action to facilitate a smooth transition to next-generation mobile technology.
