What to Expect from the 5G Spectrum Auction

APP

Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication announced plans for a 5G spectrum auction in April, which is anticipated to significantly improve internet connectivity across Pakistan.

The meeting, chaired by Federal Minister Syed Amin-ul-Haque, highlighted persistent concerns over internet disruptions despite prior assurances from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to resolve the issues by October 2024.

Key Challenges

During the session, PTA Chairman informed the committee that three of the country’s seven submarine cables were damaged, causing substantial disruptions to internet services.

This has led to financial losses amounting to millions of dollars, further underscoring the urgency of resolving the crisis.

The Chairman also emphasized that the current allocation of 270 MHz spectrum is inadequate for Pakistan’s population of 240 million, resulting in severe network congestion and connectivity challenges.

Steps to Address the Crisis

To mitigate these issues, the PTA plans to introduce four new submarine cables, aiming to bolster internet infrastructure and improve the country’s digital performance.

In addition to the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, the PTA Chairman highlighted the telecom sector’s significant contribution of Rs 1700 billion to the national exchequer over the past six years, underlining its critical role in Pakistan’s economy.

Future Prospects

The planned 5G spectrum auction and the deployment of new submarine cables are expected to enhance connectivity, reduce network congestion, and support the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy, paving the way for better internet access nationwide.