Regulator says spectrum shortage is hurting mobile services, economic growth
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has declared Pakistan the most spectrum-starved country in the region, warning that without an urgent auction of 5G spectrum, nationwide mobile service issues will persist.
According to PTA documents, Pakistan ranks last among 16 regional countries in available spectrum, with only 274 MHz allocated—far below Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Bangladesh and others. The regulator argues that auctioning 5G spectrum is essential to address network congestion and improve mobile data speeds.
PTA noted that following a successful auction, Pakistan’s ranking could rise to sixth in the region. The authority estimates that 5G availability could boost GDP growth by 1.5 to 2.4 percent while creating between 3.1 and 13 percent more employment opportunities.
The regulator also highlighted that a 10 percent increase in mobile broadband penetration could deliver significant economic gains. Additional spectrum is projected to raise foreign direct investment by 2 percent and increase exports by nearly 1.9 percent.
PTA stressed that spectrum shortage remains a critical barrier to digital growth, urging swift action on 5G rollout as vital for Pakistan’s economic competitiveness and technological future.
