2 min read
Pakistan’s long-delayed 5G rollout is set to clear a major policy hurdle today, as informed sources say the federal cabinet will approve the framework for the country’s first 5G spectrum auction.
People familiar with the matter say the decision is effectively finalized and will pass during today’s cabinet meeting, allowing the auction process to formally move forward after years of regulatory and economic delays.
In an exclusive media briefing, the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication hinted that federal cabinet will discuss 5G spectrum auction details and approve the plans.
The cabinet’s approval follows recommendations already cleared by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), which endorsed the Auction Advisory Committee’s proposed structure after reviewing spectrum valuation, auction design, payment terms, and rollout obligations. Under the approved framework, authorities will link spectrum prices to the dollar on the auction day and require successful bidders to pay 50 percent upfront, with the remaining amount spread over five years. Officials say the model protects government revenue while allowing telecom operators to retain enough financial capacity to invest in network deployment.
The auction framework reflects input from regulators and international consultants, who cautioned against setting excessively high reserve prices that could discourage competition and slow innovation. PTA also supported a pricing approach that prioritizes rollout commitments and long term sector health over short term fiscal gains.
The IT ministry and the PTA will announce final details on spectrum bands and auction timelines once the cabinet grants approval.
The government has closely tied the 5G auction to its broader goal of significantly improving internet performance nationwide.
Officials have said Pakistan aims to double average internet speeds by June 2026, a goal tied to the introduction of 5G services as well as upgrades to existing mobile and broadband networks. Initial rollout will focus on major urban centers before expanding further.
Authorities acknowledge that challenges remain, including equipment import timelines and past litigation issues in the telecom sector. Even so, today’s cabinet approval would mark the most concrete step yet toward launching 5G in Pakistan, shifting the process decisively from planning to execution and signaling renewed momentum in the country’s digital transformation agenda.
