Pakistan’s 5G auction is facing significant challenges, with delays in the launch of next-generation mobile services pushing the expected commercial rollout to early 2026. Despite high expectations, the process has been slowed by regulatory, legal, and infrastructure issues, making it difficult for the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to move forward smoothly.
5G Auction Timeline and Challenges
According to PTA documents, the 5G spectrum auction is now expected by June 2025, while a commercial launch may take place in Q1 of 2026. The telecom market assessment has already been completed, and consultations with stakeholders on telecom reforms are ongoing. However, the auction process is currently stuck at the stage of spectrum pricing and auction design.
Government Policy and Delays
The Advisory Committee handling the 5G auction process is expected to send policy recommendations to the government within a month. After that, the government will issue a policy directive, which will further define the roadmap for 5G implementation in Pakistan.
However, legal and procedural obstacles are slowing down progress. Court cases related to key spectrum bands are pending, which is preventing the smooth allocation of frequencies needed for 5G.
Legal Battles Over Spectrum Bands
One of the biggest roadblocks to the 5G auction in Pakistan is legal disputes over spectrum allocation. Several cases are pending in courts, including:
- 2600 MHz Band – 140 MHz spectrum cases remain unresolved.
- 1800 MHz Band – A 6.6 MHz spectrum case is still pending.
- 2100 MHz Band – A 10 MHz spectrum case has yet to be settled.
Additionally, the merger of two major telecom companies is causing further delays, as regulatory approvals and spectrum reallocation are dependent on the finalization of the merger.
Infrastructure and Cost Concerns
Even if the spectrum auction is successfully completed, there are still major hurdles to overcome, including:
- High Costs of 5G Infrastructure
- Developing fiber-optic networks, upgrading mobile towers, and deploying 5G-compatible technology requires billions of rupees in investment.
- Telecom companies have raised concerns over cost recovery, as Pakistan’s economy and telecom sector have been struggling due to inflation and currency devaluation.
- Availability of 5G Devices
- A large portion of Pakistan’s mobile users still rely on 3G and 4G devices.
- 5G-enabled smartphones are expensive, making mass adoption of 5G services a challenge.
- Without widespread access to affordable 5G devices, the market demand for 5G will remain low.
Potential Benefits of 5G in Pakistan
Despite the hurdles, 5G technology has the potential to revolutionize multiple industries in Pakistan. According to the PTA, once deployed, 5G will bring massive improvements in:
Higher Data Speeds & Improved Network Quality – Faster internet for users, businesses, and digital services.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Growth – Attracts global investors in IT and telecom sectors.
Economic Growth & Job Creation – Boosts Pakistan’s GDP and opens new job opportunities in telecom and digital services.
Revolutionizing Key Sectors – Education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and e-governance will benefit from advanced connectivity.
Disaster Management & Smart Cities – Faster communication networks will enhance emergency response systems.
Will Pakistan Overcome 5G Roadblocks?
The launch of 5G in Pakistan has been highly anticipated, but the challenges related to legal issues, infrastructure costs, and device availability must be resolved first. While the government and PTA are working towards addressing these hurdles, delays in the spectrum auction and commercial launch remain a concern.
If these challenges are tackled effectively, Pakistan could finally join the global race for 5G adoption by 2026, bringing the country closer to a digital transformation and economic progress. However, for now, the road to 5G remains uncertain, with major hurdles still standing in the way.
