The federal government has announced that the auction of 5G spectrum will begin across Pakistan from Tuesday as part of efforts to enhance digital connectivity and modernise the telecom sector.
The announcement was made during a background briefing to journalists by Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Hafeez ur Rehman.
Speaking on the occasion, Shaza Fatima said that since 1987, the country has been operating on a total spectrum of 274 megahertz, while around 600 megahertz spectrum will be auctioned during the upcoming process.
She said the auction for 5G spectrum will be conducted through specialised software and will be broadcast live to ensure transparency.
PTA Chairman Hafeez ur Rehman said telecom companies participating in the auction have hired their own consultants. He added that all telecom operators tested the system during a mock auction to review the software and none of them raised any concerns.
He further said that the introduction of 5G would not make mobile packages more expensive. The PTA, he added, will ensure that telecom operators do not increase package prices after the rollout.
The chairman said it is not yet determined how much revenue will be generated from the auction, adding that the government’s primary objective is not revenue generation but improving connectivity and digital infrastructure in the country.
