PTA Admits to Facing Many Difficulties in Bringing 5G to Pakistan

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Thursday admitted that it has faced many difficulties with regard to the highly anticipated 5G launch in Pakistan. The regulator said this while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom on 5G developments to date. PTA officials stated that spectrum allocation requires a policy directive from the government and that a trial was permitted in 2017. An advisory committee is actively working on 5G, and the PTA hired a consultant in November to assess the situation. They said the consultant engaged stakeholders and has now submitted a report. Officials emphasized the need for additional spectrum and acknowledged various challenges in implementing 5G. Regarding telecom mergers, PTA noted that the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is handling the case of Telenor’s possible merger with Ufone/PTCL. The number of companies eligible for 5G spectrum allocation will be determined based on market conditions. Separately, officials from the Universal Service Fund (USF) briefed the committee on telecom expansion projects over the last three years. They said 63 projects have been completed in rural and remote areas, with services extended to various villages. A senator pointed out frequent complaints from Balochistan, and USF officials blamed it on security concerns as a major reason for service disruptions. Another senator argued that USF must ensure proper monitoring where issues arise. Officials also acknowledged difficulties in completing projects in North and South Waziristan. Committee members also questioned the recurring internet disruptions on Motorways. Officials informed the committee that PTA has taken up the issue and work is ongoing to resolve it.