Pakistan’s mobile data consumption has reached an average of 8.5 gigabytes per user per month, reflecting a sharp rise in the demand for mobile broadband services. With mobile subscriptions now topping 193.4 million, the country’s reliance on mobile internet has surged, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure.
In response to this growing demand, the government is preparing for a major spectrum auction aimed at expanding broadband capacity and paving the way for next-generation mobile services. Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, revealed that the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has released an additional 567 MHz of spectrum across six bands: 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz. This represents a more than 200% increase in available spectrum.
To ensure the success of the auction, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has enlisted the help of global consultancy firm NERA. NERA will assist with auction planning, policy reforms, and evaluating the spectrum’s commercial value based on international standards. The aim is to attract investment and foster long-term growth in the telecom sector.
Technology-Neutral Spectrum Allocation
The upcoming auction will feature a technology-neutral spectrum, giving telecom operators the flexibility to deploy both 4G and 5G services. As part of the auction, operators will be required to meet specific rollout obligations, which may target population segments across different provinces or follow international phased rollout models, starting with major urban areas.
Despite these advancements, the government faces challenges in the telecom sector. Legal disputes over spectrum rights and delays in the PTCL (Ufone) and Telenor merger have slowed progress. However, the government, supported by the Attorney General of Pakistan, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Advisory Committee, is working to resolve these issues and ensure that the spectrum auction remains on track.