Pakistan faces growing digital crisis as spectrum disputes stall 5G rollout

Pakistan’s push to modernize its digital infrastructure is faltering as long-delayed spectrum auctions, weak fiber coverage and regulatory hurdles leave its internet gridlocked.

Officials warn that unless structural bottlenecks are resolved, the country will remain unprepared for 5G and unable to keep pace with regional competitors.

Internet backbone under strain

From IT exports and e-commerce to daily communication, internet connectivity has become Pakistan’s backbone. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the country hosts more than 198 million mobile users, with 147 million connected via mobile broadband. Broadband subscriptions have exceeded 151 million, while fixed-line usage remains negligible at just 3 million users.

Yet, only 2% of the population - including industrial sectors - has access to fiber-optic or DSL connections. Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja says fiber connectivity remains a “luxury” due to limited tower fiberization, which stands at just 14%. The government aims to expand this to 60% within the year.

'There is no internet'

Admitting to the depth of the crisis, the minister said: “It has become a bitter reality that there is no internet in the country. What is available is choked.” She compared the situation to forcing eight lanes of traffic onto a two-lane road, with congestion and breakdowns inevitable.

At the core of this problem is the government’s inability to auction additional spectrum. Pakistan currently uses 274 MHz of bandwidth, far less than regional peers, while much of the spectrum remains tied up in decades-old legal disputes. Some cases have been pending for over 30 years, involving both state entities and major telecom players.

5G dreams on hold

These spectrum disputes have directly stalled the rollout of 5G technology. While neighboring Bangladesh already operates on 600 MHz spectrum, Pakistan lags far behind. The government has urged the telecom industry to prepare for immediate 5G investment alongside spectrum auctions, but operators remain hesitant, citing high costs and regulatory uncertainty.

Officials say the government now seeks a balance between revenue generation and industry growth - likening it to preserving a “goose that lays golden eggs” rather than killing it for short-term gain.

Infrastructure, policy and natural hurdles

Beyond spectrum, Pakistan’s internet woes stem from fragile infrastructure. Rural and remote areas lack fiber connectivity, and the country remains overly reliant on international undersea cables - meaning a single failure can cripple nationwide access. Frequent power outages shut down towers and networking equipment, further straining the system.

Policy and regulatory issues compound the challenge as limited market competition, inconsistent rules, social media blackouts, and heavy taxation discourage investment. Natural disasters such as floods regularly damage telecom infrastructure, while rising user numbers outpace available facilities.

Industry representatives add that financial stress, high operational costs, and judicial interference in telecom policy have made rapid modernization impossible.