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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), during a briefing to the Senate Committee on IT and Telecom, highlighted the need for a larger spectrum to implement 5G while acknowledging several challenges in its rollout.
The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, chaired by Palwasha Khan, was held at Parliament House. During the meeting, PTA officials briefed the committee on the 5G auction policy, stating that acquiring a new spectrum requires a policy directive from the Government of Pakistan. They noted that permission for 5G trials had been granted in 2017.
Officials further explained that an advisory committee has been established to address 5G-related matters, and in November, PTA hired a consultant who has since submitted a report on the issue. They reiterated that while 5G demands a larger spectrum, multiple challenges persist.
Additionally, they mentioned that the merger of Ufone and Telenor is currently under review by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP). The final decision regarding the 5G spectrum allocation will consider the presence of three or four major market players.
Representatives from the Ministry of IT informed the committee that even after the launch of 5G, not all users will transition to the new technology immediately. However, the introduction of the 5G spectrum will enhance the speed of both 3G and 4G services. They also pointed out that Pakistan currently operates with three categories of spectrum bands.
During the meeting, officials from the Universal Service Fund (USF) provided an overview of projects undertaken over the past three years. They emphasized that the USF’s primary mandate is to extend telecom services to rural and remote areas. According to the officials, 63 projects have been successfully completed in various rural regions, enabling telecom connectivity in different villages across the country with USF’s support.
Senator Humayun Mohmand raised concerns about ongoing complaints from several areas in Balochistan. In response, USF officials explained that security issues in the province often lead to service disruptions. They also noted similar challenges in completing projects in North and South Waziristan.
Addressing concerns about internet disruptions on the motorway, the committee chairman inquired about the underlying causes. USF officials responded that PTA has taken up the issue and that efforts are underway to resolve it.
