Islamabad: The Spectrum Advisory Committee (SAC), chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, convenes today to finalize Pakistan’s inaugural 5G spectrum auction framework, despite 154 MHz in the critical 2600 MHz band remaining locked in litigation. US-based NERA consultants, hired for valuation and strategy, arrived in Islamabad and will present their report covering pricing, band allocation, rollout obligations, and policy guidelines.
Originally targeted for December 2025 per Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive, the auction—now likely in February-March 2026—has been delayed by the stalled PTCL-Telenor merger and legal disputes. Of the planned 562 MHz, 140 MHz remains contested. Officials confirm availability in all ITU 5G bands (700, 2100, 2300, 2600, 3300+ MHz), enabling technology-neutral use for enhanced 4G and future 5G.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima warned last month that high taxes, low ARPU, dollar-linked pricing, and litigation jeopardize rollout. GSMA estimates $1.8–4.3 billion in lost GDP over five years due to delays. Operators demand rupee-based fees, 15-year interest-free payments, and duty exemptions—requests complicated by IMF conditions. Pakistan’s 274 MHz spectrum allocation lags regional peers, causing chronic congestion.