Consultant Flags Key Band Shortage as a Major 5G Hurdle

National Economic Research Associates Inc. (NERA), an international consultancy firm based in the United States that the government hired for the spectrum auction, reportedly expressed primary concern over the lack of 140 MHZ in the 2600 band, which is ideal for the rollout of 5G in the nation.

According to sources, NERA brought attention to the fact that Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) had acquired Telenor Pakistan before the auction rules were released in an effort to clarify things and increase market competition.

Advisory Committee on the Release of IMT Spectrum for Improvement of Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services in Pakistan met under the chairmanship of Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Finance and Revenue.

Legal Issues with 2600 MHz Delay 5G Spectrum Auction

According to sources, the expert mentioned that the market was eager for more spectrum in order to enhance service quality. Despite this, it has come to light that out of the 140 MHz that are now in litigation, the government actually owns 54 MHz in the 2600 band.

Based on the consultant’s information, the 2600 band is prime globally, vital for 5G rollout success, and essential for 4G congestion reduction. In a recent statement, NERA requested the government to expedite the clearance process. According to sources, the government is aiming for an early release if the case is pursued in court through the Attorney General’s Office.

Spectrum auction 562 MHz was the government’s original plan; however, 140 MHz is presently the subject of dispute. The government has spectrum set aside for 5G in all ITU bands, including 700, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3300 MHZ and above, according to a government source. Moreover, the same can be said for auctions that aim to be neutral in terms of technology, including plans to implement 4G in the years 2100, 2300, and 2600 and to use the same for 5G across the nation.

According to the official statement, the meeting covered a range of topics and reviewed the work done by the US-based consultant firm NERA. NERA was hired by the PTA in November 2024 per PPRA Rules / EPADS to study and assess the Pakistan market, consult with stakeholders, and prepare policy recommendations for sector reforms and a success roadmap for the spectrum auction by April of next year.

Speakers at the meeting included senior officials from relevant ministries and departments, as well as Pakistan’s Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja (via virtual meeting), the Chairman of the PTA, the Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology, the Secretary of the Ministry of Law, and other ministers and officials.

The Minister of Finance emphasized that digital integration and the digital economy are essential to the country’s economic transition.

In order to achieve sustainable development goals, transform economic activities, and promote socio-economic development across sectors, he stated that the government was committed to improving connectivity and digital infrastructure and ensuring widespread adoption of new digital technologies and innovative applications.