Pakistan’s 5G rollout faces multiple challenges as delays in spectrum allocation, legal disputes, and high infrastructure costs continue to hinder progress. According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) documents, the 5G spectrum auction is expected to take place by June 2025, with a commercial launch anticipated in early 2026.
However, concerns over regulatory delays and legal complications have raised uncertainty about the future of Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Regulatory Delays and Legal Disputes Slow Down 5G Progress
PTA has completed its telecom market assessment, and consultations on telecom sector reforms with key stakeholders are currently underway. The auction process has now entered the crucial stage of spectrum pricing and auction design, and the Auction Advisory Committee is expected to submit policy recommendations to the federal government within a month.
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Once these recommendations are approved, the government will issue a policy directive, allowing the final steps toward the 5G spectrum auction to proceed.
However, delays in a major telecom merger have complicated the situation, along with multiple legal disputes over critical 5G spectrum bands:
- 2600 MHz Band – A 140 MHz spectrum case remains unresolved.
- 1800 MHz Band – A 6.6 MHz spectrum case is still pending in court.
- 2100 MHz Band – A 10 MHz spectrum case has yet to be resolved.
These ongoing legal issues have disrupted market planning, preventing telecom operators from making clear investment decisions ahead of the 5G auction.
Financial and Technological Challenges for 5G Deployment
Apart from regulatory issues, the high cost of developing 5G infrastructure is a major hurdle. The availability of 5G-compatible devices is another critical factor that could affect the adoption rate of 5G services in Pakistan.
Despite these challenges, 5G technology promises higher data speeds, better service quality, and enhanced IT infrastructure. According to the PTA, 5G will also drive foreign direct investment (FDI) into Pakistan’s telecom sector, boosting economic growth.
Economic and Social Benefits of 5G in Pakistan
The introduction of 5G is expected to have a significant impact on Pakistan’s economy, contributing to GDP growth and creating new job opportunities across various sectors.
According to the PTA, 5G will revolutionize:
- Education – Enabling smart learning solutions and remote education.
- Healthcare – Improving telemedicine services and access to advanced medical technologies.
- Agriculture – Boosting productivity through IoT-based smart farming.
- Manufacturing & Industry – Enhancing automation and industrial efficiency.
- E-Governance – Strengthening public service delivery and disaster management systems.
With 5G poised to transform Pakistan’s digital landscape, experts emphasize the need for swift regulatory action and legal clarity to ensure a smooth and timely rollout of the technology.
As Pakistan gears up for the 5G spectrum auction in 2025, resolving legal disputes, finalizing spectrum pricing, and ensuring infrastructure readiness remain top priorities. The success of 5G implementation will not only enhance connectivity and digital services but will also drive economic growth, investment, and innovation across the country.
