Pakistan clears key step toward first commercial 5G launch

Pakistan moved closer to launching its first commercial 5G services on Tuesday after the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved key recommendations for what is set to be the country’s largest-ever spectrum auction.

The committee, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, endorsed proposals prepared by the Spectrum Advisory Committee after consultations with telecom operators, users and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The review also took into account international and regional benchmarks on spectrum pricing, payment terms and auction design.

Aurangzeb said the auction would accelerate Pakistan’s digitalization drive, describing it as a key pillar of the government’s “Digital Pakistan” agenda.

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima said the ECC’s decision removed a major policy hurdle, adding that the recommendations would now be sent to the federal cabinet for final approval.

Following cabinet clearance, the PTA will issue an information memorandum and begin formal consultations and negotiations with telecom operators, she said.

The government plans to conclude the auction by late January or early February.

Under the plan, nearly 600 megahertz of spectrum will be auctioned, in addition to the 274 megahertz currently in use, making it the largest spectrum auction in Pakistan’s history. All frequency bands — except 1,800 MHz and 2,300 MHz — will be auctioned for the first time.

Aurangzeb said the recommendations were shaped using a “Pakistan-first” approach, with spectrum pricing and payment structures designed to meet fiscal needs while preserving the telecom sector’s capacity to invest in network expansion.

Fatima said limited spectrum availability has been a major factor behind poor internet quality, noting that around 240 million users currently share just 274 megahertz of spectrum — far below levels in comparable countries.

She said the additional spectrum would reduce congestion, improve 3G and 4G services, and pave the way for 5G. The PTA will also impose rollout obligations on successful bidders, requiring network deployment within four to six months.