The federal government on Tuesday announced the approval of a long-awaited spectrum auction, a move aimed at improving internet speeds and paving the way for the launch of 5G services in Pakistan.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, speaking at a joint news conference in Islamabad, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the Economic Coordination Committee had given its approval for the auction as part of efforts to accelerate the Digital Pakistan programme.
The finance minister said the decision would help align Pakistan’s internet infrastructure with international standards.
The finance minister said the spectrum auction recommendations will now be submitted before the cabinet for approval.
Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima said Pakistan’s slow internet speeds were primarily due to the shortage of available spectrum.
IT Minister Shaza said the recommendations of the Spectrum Advisory Committee would soon be presented to the federal cabinet for final approval.
The IT minister added that consultations would be held with telecom operators and other stakeholders to ensure a transparent and inclusive process.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government was committed to addressing structural issues in the telecom sector. She said the Internet is the foundation of the entire digital system.
She confirmed that the introduction of 5G services was expected in the near future, describing the spectrum auction as a critical step toward modernising Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and improving connectivity for consumers and businesses alike.
Shaza Fatima says the government has planned to auction 600 MHz Spectrum by first week of February 2026.
Shaza Fatima mentioned that country's 240 million population currently operates on 274 MHz spectrum. The congestion leads to internet connectivity issues for users. Therefore, she said, it was essential to introduce a new 600 MHz spectrum, marking the largest spectrum auction in the country’s history. This initiative will not only enhance the quality of 3G and 4G services but will also pave the way for the introduction of 5G technology in Pakistan.
The Minister for IT said that under Connect 2030 plan to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif soon, minimum internet connectivity of 100 Mbps will be available to the users in the next five years.
--Spectrum use for 5G connectivity--
The 600 MHz spectrum, known for excellent signal penetration and wide coverage, is primarily used for 5G mobile broadband, enhancing indoor connectivity, IoT, and smart city applications, while also supporting existing uses like digital TV broadcasting, though many countries are transitioning it for mobile. Its key strength lies in reaching rural areas and buildings, complementing higher frequency bands