Pakistan Prepares for Spectrum Auction to Drive 5G Rollout and Digital Transformation

Pakistan is gearing up for a major transformation in its telecommunications sector with the government’s approval of a plan to auction 600MHz of new spectrum within the next two months. This ambitious move, aimed at bolstering 3G and 4G services while paving the way for the rollout of 5G, is expected to significantly enhance the country’s digital landscape. By introducing this spectrum auction, Pakistan also hopes to attract international telecom operators and create a more competitive market environment.

Expanding Spectrum Availability Across Major Bands

The spectrum auction will offer a total of 606MHz across six major frequency bands, including 700MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz, and the newly added 2600MHz and 3500MHz bands. The latter two bands are crucial for 5G technology deployment due to their high capacity and efficiency. The rollout of 5G services is expected to commence within five to six months after the auction, a timeline that underscores the urgency of Pakistan’s digital ambitions.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khwaja revealed that meticulous planning has gone into the auction process. Recommendations, developed by the US-based consulting firm National Economic Research Associates (NERA), draw on global best practices in spectrum pricing, auction strategies, and implementation. The upcoming auction is set to be ten times larger than all previous auctions combined, reflecting the scale of Pakistan’s commitment to driving digital transformation.

The Push for Better Connectivity Amidst Growing Demand

The need for this spectrum auction arises from increasing internet congestion, which has become a bottleneck for Pakistan’s digital transformation goals. With a population of 245 million, Pakistan currently relies on just 274MHz of spectrum, a stark contrast to neighboring Bangladesh, where 600MHz serves only 175 million people. This disparity has highlighted the critical need for expanded spectrum availability to meet escalating consumer demands and support innovative technologies.

To support its vision of a digitally empowered society, Pakistan has introduced the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025, a framework aimed at revolutionizing connectivity in the country. Furthermore, the government’s upcoming Connect 2030 initiative mandates a minimum internet speed of 100 Mbps for all users in the next five years. This ambitious vision underscores the integral role of the internet in driving advancements across various sectors, from education and healthcare to e-commerce and public services.

A New Chapter for Pakistan’s Telecom Market

By launching such a comprehensive spectrum auction, Pakistan positions itself as a forward-thinking player in the global telecom market. The introduction of 5G is expected to unlock immense economic opportunities, ranging from the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) to the acceleration of smart city projects. Additionally, attracting international telecom operators could bring much-needed investments and expertise into the country, further strengthening its telecommunications infrastructure.

As Pakistan prepares to implement these measures, the world will be watching closely. The upcoming spectrum auction not only has the potential to resolve current connectivity challenges but also establishes a strong foundation for future growth. With the right strategies in place, this initiative could mark a turning point for Pakistan’s digital transformation journey.