The anticipated 5G launch in Pakistan by April 2025 faces significant uncertainty as delays in the Competition Commission of Pakistan’s (CCP) decision on the Telenor-PTCL merger remain unresolved. The stalled progress has sparked industry-wide concerns about the timeline for the country’s technological advancement.
Litigation Over Key Spectrum Adds Complexity
One of the primary obstacles is the ongoing litigation over 140 MHz of spectrum in the 2.6 GHz band—a critical frequency for LTE/4G and 5G services. Out of the available spectrum, only 54 MHz is currently free, which falls short of the requirements for a single operator to effectively roll out next-generation broadband services. This bottleneck threatens to compromise the government’s timeline for achieving nationwide 5G connectivity.
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NERA’s Recommendations Await Action
The government enlisted National Economic Research Associates Inc. (NERA), a U.S.-based consultancy firm, to provide recommendations on the spectrum auction. However, without clarity on the merger and the legal disputes surrounding the spectrum, NERA’s ability to finalize actionable recommendations remains constrained. The consultancy firm is expected to deliver its findings within 60 working days of November 5, 2024.
Regulatory Approvals Add to Delays
Even after the CCP concludes its decision on the merger, the case must navigate several layers of regulatory approvals, including those from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). This multi-step process could take an additional one to two months, further squeezing the timeline for the 5G auction.
April 2025 Target at Risk
Experts highlight that the persistent delays, if not addressed urgently, could render the April 2025 target unattainable. The merger uncertainty and spectrum litigation collectively risk undermining the country’s broader goals of advancing its digital infrastructure and boosting broadband penetration.
In conclusion, swift action by the CCP and relevant authorities is essential to streamline the merger process, resolve spectrum disputes, and keep Pakistan on track for its ambitious 5G rollout.
