Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced on Tuesday that a 600 MHz spectrum auction will conclude early next year, unlocking improved internet services across Pakistan.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, she noted the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved the Spectrum Advisory Committee’s recommendations, which will soon go before the federal cabinet. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will then release an information memorandum to launch consultations with stakeholders and the telecom sector.
Khawaja aims to finalize the auction by late January or early February. She highlighted Pakistan’s subpar internet quality—lagging global and regional standards—due to spectrum shortages. With 240 million people sharing just 274 MHz, it’s like handling eight lanes of traffic on two, causing congestion and unreliable access.
Past auctions added about 60 MHz; this historic 600 MHz sale introduces new bands for the first time, boosting 3G/4G and enabling 5G rollout. PTA will mandate completions within four to six months post-auction for visible improvements, with 5G targeted within six months.
The effort supports digitization under the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025 and the upcoming Connect 2030 initiative, which promises minimum 100 Mbps speeds for users over five years.
A November report from US consultancy National Economic Research Associates (NERA)—delayed by the PTCL-Telenor merger and 2600 MHz litigation—recommends auctioning 606 MHz across six bands: 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz (ideal for 5G), and 3500 MHz. It also covers auction design, methodology, base pricing, duration, and terms.
