The government of Pakistan will auction 600 megahertz of additional spectrum next month, paving the way for nationwide 5G services and faster internet. The federal cabinet has approved a comprehensive framework for the major spectrum auction, covering seven bands, five of which will be offered in Pakistan for the first time. The IT minister confirmed that 3G and 4G services will see noticeable improvements within three to four months after the auction, while 5G networks are expected to launch within six months in provincial capitals, including Islamabad.
The minister attributed persistent slow internet speeds to the country’s acute spectrum shortage, noting Pakistan currently operates its mobile internet network on just 274 megahertz for nearly 240 million people. She compared the situation to “trying to run four-lane traffic on a two-lane road” and highlighted that Pakistan’s spectrum availability is among the lowest in the region. In contrast, Bangladesh, with a smaller population, has nearly 600 megahertz of spectrum.
“Our focus is not only faster internet but future-ready connectivity,” the minister said, adding that the government is coordinating with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and international experts to implement global best practices. She emphasized that reliable internet is a critical infrastructure for economic growth, national security, education, healthcare, agriculture, and exports.
The IT minister highlighted Pakistan’s growing digital economy, noting the country ranks as the fourth-largest freelancing hub globally, with the IT industry expanding at an annual rate of 20–21 percent. She also announced the cabinet’s approval of the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) policy, which allows new mobile brands to enter the market without building their own networks. Under this policy, MVNOs can purchase capacity from existing operators and offer services under their own brand, boosting competition, affordability, and foreign investment.
Another key development includes district-level ISP licenses, allowing local cable operators and small companies to provide legal internet services in villages and under-served areas. The minister stated that this move would democratize fibre expansion and address long-standing connectivity gaps in rural communities.
Pakistan has joined the world’s longest submarine cable system, SMW-6, and two additional undersea cables are expected to become operational this year. These developments will reduce reliance on limited international routes and minimize disruptions caused by global cable outages, such as those recently reported in the Red Sea.
Responding to concerns about temporary internet suspensions, the minister clarified that such actions are strictly security-driven and directed by the Interior Ministry, emphasizing that human lives take priority over connectivity. She expressed confidence that the new reforms and spectrum auction will bring visible improvements in internet speed and reliability within months, describing these measures as transformational and essential for securing Pakistan’s digital future for decades.
