The federal government is reassessing its policy on 5G spectrum auctions, moving away from high initial fees and instead prioritizing the swift rollout of nationwide services and infrastructure development.
According to sources from the Ministry of Information Technology, the new strategy emphasizes the importance of providing 5G access throughout the country on time. The revenue generated from the auction is now seen as a secondary concern, as the government focuses on long-term economic and technological advantages rather than immediate financial returns.
Officials involved in the policy revision are examining various international models for spectrum allocation, including Saudi Arabia’s approach, which offers spectrum to telecom companies at no charge, provided they commit to a rapid national rollout.
The Pakistani government is reportedly considering this model, evaluating whether eliminating spectrum fees could expedite the introduction of 5G services nationwide and lessen the financial strain on telecom operators.
Sources indicate that if telecom companies are granted free access to the spectrum with a requirement to achieve universal service coverage within a timeframe of two to five years, Pakistan could experience significant digital advancement. The Ministry believes that reducing financial obstacles will enable companies to invest more in infrastructure and technology, leading to widespread economic benefits in sectors such as education, healthcare, industry, and governance.
Telecom operators have also shown a preference for a low or no-cost spectrum model, contending that high spectrum fees would hinder the timely deployment of services and the adoption of new technologies.
Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima is reportedly advocating for a balanced approach that ensures both public revenue and the growth of technological infrastructure, aiming to foster sustainable development in the digital landscape.
The postponement of the Ufone-Telenor merger has unexpectedly provided the government with additional time to develop a consensus-based 5G policy. As the telecom sector evolves, officials are advocating for a fresh strategy that promotes digital inclusion, enhances service quality, and supports the overarching goal of inclusive technological progress.
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