Pakistan Reconsiders 5G Spectrum Auction Policy to Prioritize Faster Rollout and Infrastructure

ISLAMABAD: The federal government is reviewing its 5G spectrum auction policy, shifting away from prioritizing high upfront fees toward accelerating service deployment and infrastructure development across Pakistan.

According to industry insiders, the revised strategy emphasizes swift nationwide 5G rollout as the top priority. While generating auction revenue remains relevant, it is now being viewed as a secondary goal. Policymakers are increasingly focused on the long-term benefits of digital transformation, such as enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and technological advancement.

Officials involved in the policy overhaul are examining various global models for spectrum allocation, including Saudi Arabia’s no-cost license approach. In that model, telecom operators receive spectrum for free under the condition that they quickly roll out 5G services on a national scale.

The Pakistani government is reportedly assessing whether a similar waiver of spectrum fees could speed up 5G deployment across all regions while reducing the financial burden on telecom providers. Sources suggest the new approach could mandate universal coverage within two to five years, paving the way for Pakistan’s digital leap.

The Ministry of IT believes that removing high entry costs under the 5G spectrum auction policy would allow operators to redirect resources toward network infrastructure, technology upgrades, and improved service delivery. This could unlock transformative benefits across key sectors like education, healthcare, and governance.

Telecom companies have supported the idea of a low-cost or zero-fee spectrum allocation, arguing that expensive licenses would stall deployment and innovation. The federal IT minister, Shaza Fatima, is said to be advocating a balanced policy that ensures both revenue protection and national digital infrastructure growth.

Meanwhile, delays in the PTCL-Telenor merger have provided the government with additional time to reach consensus on a forward-thinking 5G policy. With the telecom sector in transition, officials are working toward a roadmap that enhances digital inclusion and aligns with Pakistan’s broader vision for sustainable technological progress.