Govt Confirms Cellular Service Issues, Plans 5G Rollout in Pakistan

Pakistan’s government has officially admitted that cellular network disruptions persist in several regions, despite mobile operators reportedly meeting regulatory performance standards. The acknowledgment came in a written reply to the National Assembly, confirming that connectivity issues remain a challenge for millions of users nationwide.

According to the Minister In-Charge of the Cabinet Division, all Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) are licensed under uniform national quality benchmarks. However, persistent issues especially in rural and remote areas continue due to spectrum shortages, frequent power outages, and weak fiber infrastructure.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), which revised its Quality of Service (QoS) standards in 2021, conducts routine field surveys to ensure compliance. Despite these efforts, many regions experience unstable signals, slow data speeds, and dropped calls.

“External challenges like energy disruptions and security constraints in far-flung areas hinder consistent connectivity,” the ministry stated in its reply.

Enforcement and Future Plans

Over the last three years, PTA carried out 438 surveys, issued 39 show-cause notices, and imposed Rs68.9 million in fines on telecom operators for poor service delivery. Yet, coverage gaps remain particularly in high-traffic and underserved zones.

The government has directed that unserved areas be included in Universal Service Fund (USF) projects to enhance rural connectivity.

“The new spectrum release will enhance data speeds, reduce call drops, and set the stage for Pakistan’s 5G future,” said an official from PTA.

Upcoming 5G Spectrum Auction

To improve performance and support 5G deployment, Pakistan plans to release 606 MHz of new spectrum, covering the 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz bands. The Advisory Committee on Spectrum Auction, chaired by the Finance Minister, expects the auction by late 2025 or early 2026.

The PTA has engaged NERA, a U.S.-based consultancy, to help design the 5G auction framework and rollout strategy. The upcoming expansion aims to double current capacity, ensuring faster data, better call quality, and improved reliability across the country.