ISLAMABAD

Pakistan’s telecom regulator has submitted a long-awaited Spectrum Sharing Framework to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, paving the way for wider infrastructure collaboration and faster deployment of next-generation mobile networks across the country.

According to official documents, the framework aims to optimise the use of scarce spectrum resources and support rapid expansion of 4G and 5G services by allowing telecom operators to share spectrum infrastructure more efficiently.

Once approved, the framework will formally permit spectrum sharing across Pakistan, enabling telecom companies to improve network coverage, reduce operational costs and enhance service delivery in underserved areas.

Officials said the initiative is designed to strengthen telecom service quality while ensuring operators continue to meet regulatory obligations under the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The development comes as Pakistan accelerates efforts to modernise its digital infrastructure and prepare for future 5G deployment amid rising demand for mobile broadband and digital services.

Documents further reveal that the government has opened the 6 GHz frequency band for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) usage, a move expected to improve high-speed wireless connectivity and support next-generation Wi-Fi technologies.

Separately, the PTA has started issuing district-level class licences from the beginning of 2026 as part of efforts to encourage localised telecom and internet service expansion.

Under the new policy, each licence will remain valid for 10 years and will be restricted to operations within a single district, according to the documents.

Meanwhile, federal and provincial authorities are also moving to eliminate Right of Way (RoW) charges to accelerate the rollout of fibre optic infrastructure nationwide.

Punjab, بلوچستان and Sindh provinces have already begun implementing decisions to abolish RoW fees following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s 2025 directives aimed at reducing barriers to digital infrastructure investment.

Officials said the prime minister has additionally directed the Ministry of Defence to resolve pending Right of Way fee issues in cantonment areas, which telecom companies have long identified as a major hurdle to fibre network expansion.

Industry experts say the combined measures could significantly boost Pakistan’s digital connectivity ecosystem by lowering infrastructure costs, improving internet penetration and facilitating future-ready telecom services.