Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G spectrum auction faces significant challenges, as experts and industry stakeholders raise concerns about the process’s delayed timeline and potential hurdles. Originally slated for earlier this year, the auction has faced repeated delays, casting uncertainty over the rollout of next-generation mobile networks in the country.
Key issues highlighted by telecom industry leaders include the lack of clear policy direction, limited spectrum availability, and inadequate infrastructure to support the advanced technology. Analysts are also concerned that these delays may undermine Pakistan’s position in the global digital race, potentially leaving the country behind in key technological advancements.
A 5G rollout is considered crucial for Pakistan’s digital transformation, with the technology expected to boost internet speeds, improve connectivity, and open up new opportunities for businesses and consumers. However, the current auction process is facing criticism for being slower than regional counterparts.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has yet to finalize the auction date, and stakeholders are calling for urgent government intervention to address regulatory challenges and expedite the auction process.
