The recent meeting of the Spectrum Advisory Committee highlighted the importance of spectrum policy in Pakistan as a catalyst for the country’s digital transformation. Chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, the session brought together government officials, telecom operators, and international experts from GSMA to discuss a roadmap for advancing Pakistan’s connectivity goals. The discussions underscored how effective spectrum allocation can unlock growth in IT and telecom services, boost exports, generate employment, and strengthen the foundations of a digitally connected Pakistan.
Spectrum Policy in Pakistan: A Strategic Priority
The session focused on the role of spectrum policy in Pakistan in shaping the nation’s economic and digital future. Senator Aurangzeb welcomed the input from stakeholders and stressed the need to align Pakistan’s spectrum roadmap with global best practices. He highlighted that timely spectrum allocation is critical for seizing emerging opportunities in digital services, e-commerce, and technology-driven industries.
With Pakistan’s digital economy projected to cross $30 billion by 2030 according to the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), ensuring affordable, high-quality, and inclusive digital access is a national priority. Spectrum allocation will be central to achieving these targets.
Role of Telecom Industry and GSMA in Spectrum Policy
Participants from the telecom sector and GSMA shared practical insights during the meeting. They emphasized that a well-structured spectrum policy in Pakistan could enable operators to expand services, reduce connectivity gaps, and drive innovation.
Mr. Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA, underscored that predictable and transparent spectrum policies lead to faster adoption of 5G, improved coverage in rural areas, and greater investments from telecom operators. In countries where spectrum has been allocated efficiently, digital inclusion has expanded rapidly, creating millions of jobs and increasing GDP growth.
Government’s Commitment to a Digital Pakistan
Federal Ministers Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Azam Nazeer Tarar reiterated the government’s vision for a digitally connected Pakistan. They stressed that the country’s spectrum policy in Pakistan must prioritize inclusivity, affordability, and quality of service. By ensuring widespread access, the government aims to bridge the digital divide, particularly in underserved rural regions.
The ministers also emphasized that connectivity is not just about internet access—it is about enabling education, healthcare, e-governance, and business opportunities. As more citizens gain reliable digital access, Pakistan can strengthen its position in the global IT and outsourcing market.
Spectrum Policy and Economic Growth
The role of spectrum policy in Pakistan goes beyond telecom—it has direct implications for economic development. Studies suggest that for every 10% increase in broadband penetration, GDP grows by up to 1.5% in developing economies. For Pakistan, this means that accelerating spectrum allocation can help unlock significant growth potential.
Moreover, Pakistan’s IT exports have already crossed $3.2 billion in FY 2023, showing the sector’s potential to become a major driver of foreign exchange earnings. A modern spectrum roadmap would further empower IT companies, support startups, and facilitate digital payments, logistics, and cloud computing services.
Challenges in Spectrum Policy Implementation
While the opportunities are immense, challenges remain in the implementation of spectrum policy in Pakistan. These include:
- Delays in allocation: Timely availability of spectrum is essential for 5G rollout and improved coverage.
- High spectrum costs: Expensive licenses discourage investment by telecom operators.
- Digital divide: Rural and remote areas still face poor connectivity, limiting access to education and services.
- Coordination gaps: Collaboration between ministries, regulators, and private operators needs to be strengthened.
Addressing these issues will be vital for ensuring that spectrum allocation supports inclusive growth rather than creating further divides.
Innovation and Future Readiness
Another key focus of the meeting was preparing for emerging technologies. The Air Chief of PAF recently highlighted the importance of cyber and electronic domains for national security, and similarly, experts emphasized that spectrum policy in Pakistan must also align with the needs of 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Smart agriculture, digital health, and e-learning platforms all depend on reliable and high-speed connectivity. If Pakistan implements an effective spectrum strategy, it can leapfrog into the digital economy and compete with regional peers like India and Bangladesh, both of which are making rapid strides in telecom expansion.
The recent Spectrum Advisory Committee meeting demonstrated that spectrum policy in Pakistan is more than a technical issue—it is a foundation for national progress. By adopting global best practices, ensuring affordable access, and accelerating spectrum allocation, Pakistan can achieve its vision of digital transformation.
As the digital economy expands, spectrum will play a decisive role in creating jobs, boosting exports, and empowering millions of citizens. The government’s commitment, combined with industry collaboration, promises a future where connectivity becomes a driver of economic growth and social inclusion.
In the years ahead, the success of Pakistan’s digital journey will depend on how effectively the nation translates its spectrum policy into practical outcomes that benefit its people and economy.
