5G Spectrum Auction Faces Hurdle as Key Frequencies Remain Unavailable
A recent advisory committee meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, revealed a critical concern threatening Pakistan’s much-anticipated 5G rollout: the unavailability of a significant portion of spectrum in the 2600MHz band.
This band, widely considered globally as prime for 5G implementation, currently has 140MHz tied up in litigation. While the government possesses 54MHz, this falls short of what experts deem essential for a robust 5G launch and optimal network performance.
Consulting firm National Economic Research Associates Inc (NERA), engaged by the government to advise on the upcoming spectrum auction, highlighted this challenge as the primary concern surrounding Pakistan’s 5G ambitions.
“There was good appetite in the market, as additional spectrum is definitely needed for improving the quality of services,”
“[However], the 2600 band is considered to be prime worldwide and crucial for successful launch of 5G as well as reducing congestion in 4G.”
NERA urged swift governmental action to liberate this spectrum, outlining that the success of the planned spectrum auction hinges on its availability. “We are pursuing the case in court through the Attorney General’s Office and hope to have it released early,” an official confirmed, expressing optimism regarding a timely resolution.
The government’s current strategy involves presenting 562MHz for auction, encompassing various bands suitable for both 4G and 5G deployment. This technology-neutral approach allows for flexibility, enabling the same spectrum to be utilized for both technologies.
The government aims to present this spectrum for auction by April next year, following a comprehensive assessment conducted by NERA, who will provide policy recommendations and a roadmap for sector reformation to ensure a successful auction implementation.
In addition to the spectrum availability challenge, NERA also flagged the recent acquisition of Telenor Pakistan by the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) as a potential point of concern.
They emphasized the importance of addressing this matter before the auction rules are released to prevent confusion and foster a truly competitive market landscape.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication of Pakistan Shaza Fatima Khawaja (virtual), chairman PTA, secretary Ministry of Information Technology, Secretary Ministry of Law as well as senior officers from concerned ministries and departments.
What potential solutions are being explored by the Pakistani government to address the spectrum shortage for 5G deployment?
## 5G in Pakistan: Facing a Spectrum Roadblock
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing a crucial challenge facing Pakistan’s ambitious rollout of 5G technology. Joining us is Dr. Ayesha Khan, a leading expert in telecommunications policy. Dr. Khan, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Khan:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** So, the recent news regarding the unavailability of key frequencies in the 2600MHz band has caused quite a stir. Can you shed some light on this issue and its potential impact on Pakistan’s 5G ambitions?
**Dr. Khan:** Absolutely. The 2600MHz band is globally recognized as prime spectrum for 5G deployment. It offers wide bandwidth ideal for high-speed data transfer, a cornerstone of 5G. Unfortunately, a significant portion of this band, roughly 140MHz, is currently caught in legal battles [[1](https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2569872/pakistan)]. This leaves the government with only 54MHz, which, according to experts, is insufficient for a robust 5G launch and optimal network performance.
**Host:** So, essentially, Pakistan is facing a spectrum shortage just as it’s gearing up for 5G. What are the potential repercussions of this shortage?
**Dr. Khan:** The consequences could be significant. Without adequate spectrum, operators may struggle to deliver the promised speeds and capacity of 5G. This could lead to network congestion, slower data rates, and ultimately, a less than satisfactory user experience. It could also deter investment in the telecom sector, hindering Pakistan’s digital economy advancements.
**Host:** That paints a rather bleak picture. Are there any solutions or mitigating factors in play?
**Dr. Khan:** There are ongoing efforts to resolve the legal disputes surrounding the 2600MHz band. Additionally, the government is exploring alternative spectrum bands and innovative spectrum sharing models. Consulting firms like NERA, which is advising the government on the spectrum auction, are actively working to identify solutions that can maximize spectrum utilization. However, resolving this spectrum crunch will be crucial for Pakistan to fully realize the potential of 5G technology.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your valuable insights. This is certainly a situation worth keeping a close eye on as Pakistan navigates the path towards a 5G future.