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ISLAMABAD: The GSM Association (GSMA) has strongly criticized Pakistan’s spectrum policy, warning that the rising cost of spectrum is unsustainable and poses a significant threat to the future of mobile services in the country.
GSMA, a global organization representing the broader mobile ecosystem, has released a report stressing the importance of mobile network infrastructure for Pakistan’s spectrum policy and its role in driving digital transformation.
The report highlights that mobile networks are the backbone of widespread connectivity and socioeconomic growth, yet Pakistan lags behind countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Indonesia in spectrum availability despite authorities claiming otherwise.
Challenges to Pakistan’s Spectrum Policy
The GSMA pointed out that while the government’s ‘Digital Pakistan’ initiative aims to improve digital infrastructure and accelerate the delivery of innovative services, several challenges threaten the sustainability and growth of mobile infrastructure. According to GSMA Intelligence, if spectrum had been fully assigned in previous auctions, Pakistan could have gained an additional $300 million (Rs80 billion) for its economy.
Past auctions, such as those in 2014 and 2021, resulted in unsold spectrum, reducing the supply available to mobile operators. “This has contributed to slower 4G rollout and adoption,” the report stated. GSMA emphasized that the upcoming spectrum auction should prioritize enhancing digital infrastructure over maximizing government revenue.
The Way Forward
The GSMA highlighted the importance of the 600MHz band and over 500MHz in core mid-bands like 2.3GHz, 2.6GHz, and 3.5GHz, which are critical to addressing Pakistan’s current spectrum shortfall. The report warned that excessive spectrum pricing has serious consequences, including slower mobile data speeds, poor coverage, and delayed network rollouts. Unsold spectrum in past auctions has already resulted in lost economic opportunities for Pakistan.
In conclusion, the GSMA urged policymakers to rethink Pakistan’s spectrum policy to ensure sustainable growth and align with the goals of the Digital Pakistan initiative. By addressing these challenges, the country can unlock the full potential of its digital economy and improve connectivity for millions of citizens.
