Pakistan is gearing up to introduce 5G mobile connectivity in the country, with plans to roll out the service in August 2024, as announced by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. This represents a significant step forward in technological advancement, positioning Pakistan among nations with 5G capabilities, driven by the rising demand for faster and more advanced telecommunications services.
In response to this, officials have revealed a comprehensive business plan for the 5G launch in Pakistan. Notably, the request by telecom operators for free 5G spectrum allocation has been declined. Instead, the government aims to assist operators in reducing infrastructure development costs.
To ensure the successful deployment of 5G services, the Ministry of Information Technology is in the process of hiring an international consultant. They have formally approached the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to select an experienced consultant who can provide valuable insights and guidance for the upcoming project.
Additionally, the ministry has submitted a summary to the Prime Minister’s office, proposing the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Advisory Committee that will play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s 5G future.
In collaboration with the consultant advisory committee, the government intends to develop an auction policy and business plan, drawing inspiration from successful models in countries like Bangladesh. Importantly, the plan emphasizes a competitive approach to spectrum allocation to ensure fairness and foster a competitive environment, rather than granting it to a single operator without due process.
Prior to the auction of the coveted 600 MHz spectrum, the business plan highlights the need for substantial reforms within the telecom sector. This includes addressing ongoing court cases related to spectrum allocation and creating incentives to actively engage telecom operators in the auction.
Furthermore, the business plan includes provisions for facilitating the opening of Letter of Credits (LC) and expanding the deployment of fiber optic cables to encourage the growth of 5G services.
