Breaking: Cabinet Gives Green Signal for 5G Spectrum Auction
Staff Reporter
Caretaker IT Minister has said that the Federal Cabinet has given a green signal for the 5G spectrum auction.
In a statement, he said that 300 megahertz spectrum will be available for 5G auction.
A Spectrum Auction Advisory Committee was established under the chairmanship of the Caretaker Finance Minister.
Minister of IT Telecommunication and Science and Technology and Minister of Industry and Production Dr. Umar Saif will be members of the committee.
Spectrum auction will be ensured soon by appointing a consultant through PTA, said Dr. Umar Saif said adding that the cabinet has also approved telecom infrastructure sharing, the caretaker minister for IT and Telecom.
Regarding the 5G spectrum auction, infrastructure sharing is business-friendly for telecom companies, says Dr. Umar Saif adding that with infrastructure sharing, telecom companies will be able to install equipment on each other’s towers and use it.
He further added that infrastructure sharing would significantly reduce the operational and maintenance costs of telecom companies.
By saving billions of rupees in the installation of new towers, the money can be used for upgrading, Dr. Umar Saif.
The cabinet has tasked an advisory committee with reviewing and approving the IMT/5G Policy Guidelines to facilitate the timely auction of available spectrum for IMT/5G Services in the country.
The committee will also evaluate a market assessment report and endorse a strategy based on recommendations from a reputable consultant hired by PTA to design the auction and ensure an investment-friendly release of the IMT/5G spectrum in line with the Digital Pakistan vision.
Additionally, the committee has been assigned the responsibility of examining and approving policy directives for recommended telecom reforms and the release of IN 1/5G spectrum in Pakistan.
According to the Terms of Reference, the committee will assess the availability of spectrum in the 700 MHz, 2600 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands. It will also consider and approve telecom reforms to attract investment and enhance mobile broadband accessibility in the country with input from relevant stakeholders.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication emphasized the critical role of quality mobile broadband connectivity in increasing investments and IT exports and creating new business and employment opportunities. Huawei is eying investment in 5G Technology in Pakistan
Efficient use of the frequency spectrum is fundamental for achieving these goals, and it has a positive impact on GDP, foreign direct investment, exports, and job opportunities. Optimizing available spectrum is essential for expanding telecom networks, improving teledensity, and enhancing the quality of mobile broadband services, including preparing for 5G technology.
It was noted that the current use of IMT frequency spectrum for commercial cellular services in Pakistan in the 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz bands lags significantly behind global standards.
Previous spectrum auctions for Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) in Pakistan occurred in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2021 under the Policy Directives issued by the Federal Government. Paired spectrum in the 1900/2100 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 850 MHz bands were auctioned and assigned to cellular mobile operators.
