3 min read
The Government of Pakistan has initiated steps to release additional spectrum for Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) and update regulatory standards to enhance mobile broadband services nationwide. Currently, Pakistan has 274 MHz of assigned spectrum, one of the lowest in the region, contributing to slow internet in congested and underserved areas.
Official documents from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication reveal that approximately 600 MHz of additional spectrum has been identified across 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz bands more than 200% of the existing spectrum. The upcoming spectrum auction, expected in the coming months following a federal policy directive, aims to expand network capacity, reduce congestion, improve backhaul efficiency, and support next-generation mobile broadband services, including 5G.
Regulatory Oversight & QoS
Alongside spectrum allocation, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is reviewing and updating Cellular Mobile Network Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations to align with international standards. Regulatory interventions, combined with technological upgrades, aim to increase mobile broadband speeds, expand coverage to underserved areas, and ensure consistent connectivity nationwide.
Experts note that Pakistan’s neighboring countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, have comparatively higher spectrum allocations per user, underscoring the need to strengthen bandwidth availability. According to PTA, continuous monitoring and enforcement of QoS standards are critical, especially as the country’s mobile subscriber base exceeds 210 million.
Spectrum and Network Details
| Parameter | Current Status | Planned/Upcoming Initiatives | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assigned Spectrum | 274 MHz | Additional 600 MHz in 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, 3500 MHz bands | Expand network capacity; reduce congestion |
| Spectrum Auction | N/A | Scheduled after federal Policy Directive | Supports 5G rollout; enhances mobile broadband |
| QoS Regulations | Existing QoS standards enforced by PTA | Under review and updating to align with international benchmarks | Improved service quality and consistent connectivity |
| Mobile Subscriber Base | 210+ million | N/A | Growing demand highlights need for additional spectrum and regulatory oversight |
| Digital Infrastructure Upgrades | Partial coverage; limited fiberization | FTTS targets, active infrastructure sharing, VoLTE/VoWiFi, National Roaming | Enhanced coverage, indoor signal quality, backhaul efficiency |
| Regional Comparison | Lower spectrum allocation vs. India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka | Spectrum release and regulatory reforms | Aligns Pakistan with regional and global standards |
The regulatory and technological measures are part of the government’s broader Digital Nation vision, which seeks to improve accessibility, affordability, and quality of digital services across the country. By modernizing infrastructure and aligning regulations with global benchmarks, Pakistan aims to address persistent connectivity challenges and prepare its networks for future demand.
The release of additional spectrum and regulatory updates are expected to gradually improve mobile broadband access and service quality. However, operators will need to complement these measures with sustained investment in infrastructure to fully meet the growing needs of users nationwide.
