Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif, announced a significant milestone in Pakistan’s telecommunications landscape. The Federal Cabinet has given the green signal for the much-anticipated auction of the 5G spectrum, a move poised to revolutionize the nation’s connectivity.
Dr. Saif revealed that a Spectrum Auction Advisory Committee, led by the finance minister, has been established to oversee the impending spectrum auction. This committee comprises members from the Ministry of Information Technology, Telecommunication, and the Ministry of Industries and Production, ensuring comprehensive supervision of the process.
The eagerly awaited 5G spectrum is set to make 300 Megahertz of spectrum available, promising faster and more reliable telecommunications services for the Pakistani populace.
Dr. Saif emphasized the forthcoming appointment of a consultant through the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to facilitate a smooth and efficient spectrum auction process. This move underlines the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition into the 5G era.
In addition to the 5G spectrum auction, the federal cabinet approved the sharing of telecommunications infrastructure, which is a promising development for telecom companies in Pakistan. This infrastructure-sharing arrangement will allow telecom firms to install their equipment on each other’s towers, optimizing operational and maintenance costs.
Dr. Saif highlighted that this strategic shift is expected to lead to substantial cost reductions, making telecommunications services more cost-effective for consumers. The installation of new towers, resulting from this arrangement, is projected to yield significant cost savings, potentially amounting to billions of rupees.
These savings can be reinvested to enhance the quality and coverage of telecommunication services across the country, ensuring improved connectivity and accessibility for all Pakistanis. This development is a testament to the government’s commitment to advancing telecommunications technology and boosting the nation’s economic and social development.
