Ongoing 5G Spectrum Battles Push Back 5G Plans and Hurts Network Performance

Pakistan’s move toward faster mobile connectivity and 5G readiness faces persistent delays as major spectrum bands remain locked in court. An official brief shared with a parliamentary subcommittee on Thursday revealed that only a small portion of the country’s available frequencies is open for commercial use.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) told the Subcommittee of the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom that high-value spectrum bands are trapped in ongoing litigation. This legal stalemate, officials said, has slowed reallocation and stopped millions of users from accessing better mobile services.

Key Spectrum Bands Locked in Legal Battles

In the 2600 MHz band, recognized globally as the main mid-band for 4G and 5G, only 54 MHz is currently available. Out of a total of 194 MHz, around 140 MHz remains blocked due to cases involving Southern Networks Ltd in the Supreme Court and the Sindh Civil Court. The limited availability, officials noted, prevents large-scale operator participation and any practical nationwide 5G deployment.

The 2100 MHz band, used heavily for 3G and 4G expansion, faces similar legal challenges. PTA reported that 2×5 MHz is still in dispute with CMPak (Zong), despite a favorable Islamabad High Court ruling for the government. The continuing litigation, the regulator warned, is disrupting fair market competition and delaying spectrum reallocation.

In the 1800 MHz band, 2×6.6 MHz also remains sub judice in the Supreme Court. PTA secured a favorable judgment from the Islamabad High Court in August 2024, yet CMPak’s appeal continues to delay the process. The regulator stated that this delay is costing the national exchequer and hurting fair competition among operators.

Spectrum Scarcity Slows Digital Growth

Experts have long linked limited spectrum availability to Pakistan’s declining network quality, higher congestion, and slower mobile internet speeds. The country’s average spectrum allocation per operator is among the lowest in South Asia, discouraging foreign investment and slowing digital growth.

Officials added that the spectrum shortage not only postpones Pakistan’s 5G launch but also limits capacity in urban centers, where data demand is surging. They warned that delayed auctions are also depriving the government of essential non-tax revenue at a time of economic stress.

Analysts believe that Pakistan’s digital future relies on quick legal settlements and a transparent plan for reallocating spectrum. Without timely action, they cautioned, the country risks falling further behind its regional peers in digital competitiveness.