Pakistan will auction 600 MHz of new spectrum in the coming weeks, aiming to boost internet speeds and launch 5G services. Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said 5G will roll out in provincial capitals, including Islamabad, within six months. The auction will also improve 3G and 4G connectivity within three to four months.
The minister highlighted Pakistan’s internet speed challenges, noting the country operates on only 274 MHz for 240 million people. She compared it to “running four-lane traffic on a two-lane road,” adding that Pakistan has one of the lowest spectrum allocations in the region.
Read more: Pakistan to launch 5G spectrum auction by Feb 2026
Khawaja said the government is working with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and international consultants to adopt global best practices. The reforms aim to provide future-ready connectivity for sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and exports, ensuring sustainable digital growth.
She also announced the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) policy, which allows new mobile brands to operate without building infrastructure. District-level ISP licenses have been approved, enabling rural and underserved areas to access internet services, while the SMW-6 submarine cable and two new undersea cables will improve international connectivity.
Read more: Pakistan gears up for 5G launch
On internet shutdowns, Khawaja clarified that they occur only on security directives, not as IT policy. She expressed confidence that users will notice faster, more reliable internet within months, calling the reforms transformational for Pakistan’s digital future.