NRA preparing for 5G auction

Pakistan is gearing up for the introduction of 5G services by August 2024, according to local news reports citing the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT). According to the reports, the ministry has developed and submitted to the caretaker federal cabinet a comprehensive business plan for the launch of 5G services. The plan includes the hiring of an international consultant to advise on the design of an auction of available 5G spectrum as well, as the creation of an inter-ministerial advisory committee to oversee 5G development. The MoITT’s proposals were also said to include measures to reduce costs associated with infrastructure deployment, though discussions are ongoing regarding reforms to incentivise participation in the spectrum sale. Similarly, the MoITT stressed that to ensure a fair and competitive environment, no operator should be allocated spectrum without a competitive process in place for spectrum allocation.