Islamabad is buzzing with anticipation as the Spectrum Advisory Committee (SAC) convenes today, Friday, November 14, 2025, to chart the final roadmap for Pakistan’s inaugural 5G spectrum auction—a pivotal move toward unlocking ultra-fast connectivity and digital innovation. Chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the high-stakes session will scrutinize detailed reports from U.S.-based consultants at National Economic Research Associates Inc. (NERA), focusing on market preparedness, optimal band distribution, competitive pricing strategies, and stringent deployment mandates for telecom giants.
The government eyes auctioning over 600 MHz of premium spectrum across International Telecommunication Union (ITU)-aligned bands, including 700 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3300 MHz. This expansion not only bolsters 5G capabilities but also fortifies existing 4G networks, addressing chronic issues like network bottlenecks and sluggish speeds that plague the nation’s 200 million mobile subscribers. However, litigation ensnares about 146-154 MHz, particularly in the vital 2600 MHz band, while the protracted PTCL-Telenor merger review by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) adds further complexity.
Originally slated for December 2025 under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives, the auction now targets February or March 2026, factoring in these regulatory snags. Federal IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja recently underscored the urgency during the South Asia Telecommunication Regulators Council, highlighting how the influx of spectrum could propel e-commerce growth beyond $10 billion annually and amplify IT exports, already at $3.8 billion.
Yet, hurdles persist. Telecom operators, backed by the GSMA, decry dollar-linked pricing and a staggering 37.4% tax burden, estimating $1.8-4.3 billion in forgone economic gains over five years if delays mount. They advocate for rupee-based fees, extended 15-year installment plans without interest, and tariff exemptions on 5G gear imports—proposals clashing with IMF fiscal strings. With only 274 MHz currently in play—far below regional benchmarks—Pakistan grapples with call drops and data lags that stifle productivity.
Today’s SAC deliberations could seal pricing and terms, greenlighting PTA’s execution phase. As NERA’s insights inform decisions, this gathering signals a turning point: bridging infrastructure gaps, spurring job creation, and elevating GDP through seamless 5G integration. Stakeholders remain optimistic that swift resolutions will position Pakistan as a South Asian digital frontrunner, fostering innovation from smart cities to e-health revolutions. The outcomes, expected imminently, promise to redefine connectivity in a nation poised for technological leapfrog.
