The Ministry of Information Technology (IT) in Pakistan has initiated preparations for the auction of 5G technology, as reported by ARY News citing sources.
According to these sources, the IT ministry has begun the groundwork for the introduction of 5G services and has issued directives to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and relevant departments.
It is expected that the government will generate a substantial amount of revenue from the 5G auction, with the spectrum auction tentatively scheduled for August 2024.
Sources indicate that mobile companies in Pakistan currently utilize approximately 367 MHz of spectrum, and the upcoming spectrum auction will increase this allocation to over 600 MHz.
However, it has come to light that the launch of 5G spectrum in Pakistan within 10 months is highly unlikely due to local mobile operators hesitating to purchase 5G licenses, primarily due to economic instability.
Dr. Umar Saif, the Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, had previously stated that 5G services would be introduced in Pakistan within 10 months. Nevertheless, industry sources point out that local mobile operators are not ready to invest in 5G licenses due to the continuous depreciation of the Pakistani Rupee against the US Dollar and the lack of necessary technology to support 5G spectrum in the country.
