Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G spectrum auction and commercial rollout could face further delays due to legal complications, unresolved telecom mergers, and infrastructure costs, according to a report prepared by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The report, obtained by Samaa TV, highlights key obstacles hindering the auction process, including pending court cases, spectrum allocation issues, and challenges in the availability of 5G devices.

Legal and merger challenges

The PTA report admits that unresolved legal matters surrounding spectrum allocation are a significant roadblock. Cases related to 2600 MHz, 2100 MHz, and 1800 MHz bands remain pending in courts, delaying progress. Specifically, 140 MHz spectrum in the 2600 MHz band, 6.6 MHz in the 1800 MHz band, and 10 MHz in the 2100 MHz band are tied up in legal disputes.

Additionally, the delay in the merger of two telecom companies and the non-fulfillment of merger agreements are adding to the uncertainty, making it difficult for regulatory authorities to proceed smoothly with the auction process.

5G spectrum auction & launch

Despite the setbacks, the PTA has set a tentative deadline of June 2025 for the 5G spectrum auction, while the commercial launch of 5G services is planned for the first quarter of 2026. The report states that a telecom market assessment has been completed, and consultations with industry stakeholders are ongoing. The auction process has now reached the spectrum pricing and auction design phase.

An advisory committee is expected to submit policy recommendations to the government within a month, after which the government will issue a policy directive for the 5G rollout.

Economic impact and future prospects

The arrival of 5G is expected to enhance data rates, improve service quality, and boost foreign direct investment (FDI). The PTA document further emphasizes that 5G technology will contribute to GDP growth and generate new job opportunities.

The technology is set to revolutionize education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and industrial sectors, while also strengthening e-governance and disaster management.

Despite these promising prospects, industry experts fear that infrastructure costs and device availability could remain major hurdles in the timely implementation of 5G in Pakistan. The government and regulatory bodies will need to address these challenges to ensure a smooth transition to next-generation mobile technology.