The federal government has decided to auction more than 200 percent additional telecom spectrum to meet rising demand for high-speed mobile internet across Pakistan.

The move is expected to significantly improve mobile broadband capacity nationwide, as existing spectrum allocations struggle to support increasing data usage.

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja disclosed the plan in a written reply to the National Assembly, stating that the currently assigned 274 MHz of spectrum is insufficient and among the lowest in the region.

She told lawmakers that the government has begun the process to release around 600 MHz of additional spectrum for Cellular Mobile Operators.

The spectrum will be offered across multiple frequency bands, including 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600 and 3500 MHz, following completion of regulatory and policy requirements.

Read More: Internet Shutdown Continues in Parts of Balochistan

Addressing concerns over slow internet speeds, the minister said service issues are often linked to peak-hour congestion, limited fiberisation, backhaul constraints, power outages and geographical challenges.

She added that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority continuously monitors service quality through regulatory oversight and complaint-based surveys to ensure compliance with licence conditions.

The minister said the upcoming auction is expected to reduce network congestion, improve backhaul efficiency and support the expansion of next-generation mobile broadband services.

She noted that increased spectrum availability would also help operators deliver better Quality of Experience, particularly in high-demand and underserved areas.

Highlighting wider efforts under the Digital Nation vision, she said steps have been taken to improve service quality, expand coverage and prepare for future technologies, including 5G.