The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, on Tuesday discussed the long-delayed 5G spectrum auction and proposed significant changes to the process.
During the meeting, Senator Anusha Rehman suggested that the Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) be included in the 5G spectrum auction committee. She argued that decision-makers in such critical matters often face accountability issues, adding that “after the 5G auction, many will come under pressure.”
Officials from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the committee that the finalization of the auction model depends on the outcome of an ongoing merger between two telecom companies. They noted that consultants have already been engaged to design the auction framework, which will be finalized once spectrum availability is clarified.
The committee expressed serious concern over the years-long pendency of related court cases, stressing that such delays are causing substantial economic losses to the country’s digital infrastructure.
The Attorney General’s Office briefed members that the 140 MHz spectrum block is no longer under a stay order but remains pending before a civil court. Special Secretary IT informed the committee that the Prime Minister has already directed that the auction be conducted in December, with consultants deciding the exact frequency bands and bandwidths to be offered.
PTA further highlighted that the 2,600 MHz band is the most suitable for 5G services, and once the 140 MHz block is made available, the auction process can move forward without delay.
