ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan will hold its long-awaited 5G spectrum auction tomorrow morning, with around 600 MHz of spectrum to be offered to telecom operators, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said during a briefing.
The minister said the government is introducing six new spectrum bands as part of the auction to support next-generation mobile connectivity and expand digital infrastructure across the country.
She stressed that improving 4G services remains the government’s first priority, even as preparations move forward for the rollout of 5G technology.
According to the minister, the government aims to ensure 5G services become operational for consumers within four to six months after the auction process is completed.
In the first phase, 5G connectivity will be launched in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta, with nationwide expansion depending on the completion of telecom infrastructure.
Khawaja also assured that the 5G spectrum auction will be conducted in a transparent manner to encourage investment and ensure fair participation by telecom operators.
Highlighting Pakistan’s mobile manufacturing progress, the minister said around 95 percent of mobile phones used in the country are locally manufactured, while only a small number of devices such as those from Apple and Google are imported.
She added that only about 2 to 3 percent of Pakistan’s population purchases phones from abroad, noting that the government wants more consumers to adopt 5G-enabled smartphones to fully benefit from the new technology.
Officials say the rollout of 5G is expected to improve internet speeds, enable advanced digital services, and support Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
