Pakistan is preparing for a major leap in digital connectivity as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced that the long-awaited spectrum auction will take place on February 26. The auction, approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, will cover six spectrum bands with a combined capacity of 600 megahertz, aiming to boost data capacity and support the nationwide rollout of 5G services.
JazzWorld CEO Aamir Ibrahim emphasized that the auction is a unique opportunity to enhance internet quality for the public, provided the focus is on affordable and reliable connectivity rather than technology labels or elite-focused rollouts. Speaking at Pakistan’s first Pakistan Policy Dialogue organized by the Policy Research and Advisory Council (PRAC) and the Corporate Pakistan Group (CPG), Aamir highlighted that consumers prioritize accessible and dependable internet over 5G branding.
During the dialogue themed “Correcting Course: Pakistan’s Economic Reset,” federal ministers, senior economists, regulators, corporate leaders, and development sector representatives discussed the future of Pakistan’s digital landscape. Aamir participated in a panel on “Bridging the Digital Divide” alongside PTCL Chairman Zarrar Hasham Khan and S&P Global Pakistan Managing Director Mujeeb Zahur, moderated by Systems Limited’s Global Chief Growth Officer Saquib Ahmad.
Aamir explained that Pakistan is a spectrum-constrained country, currently offering only 274 megahertz nationwide, significantly lower than international standards and roughly a quarter of Japan’s per-capita spectrum. He stressed that improving internet quality requires expanding this spectrum capacity. The upcoming auction, releasing an additional 600 megahertz, represents a rare opportunity to strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. He noted that the government’s approach reflects a long-term perspective, prioritizing economic benefits and sustainable growth over immediate revenue maximization.
The auction’s benefits extend to consumers, telecom operators, and the government. For users, faster, more reliable, and affordable internet is the priority, with improved 4G services and a gradual, inclusive rollout of 5G. Aamir highlighted that whether devices show 4G or 5G is irrelevant to most users; functional and accessible internet is what matters.
For operators, he pointed out that large-scale 5G deployment now risks serving only a small, affluent segment, as fewer than 2 percent of mobile users own 5G-enabled handsets, which currently cost over Rs100,000. Aamir recommended handset financing models allowing installment payments over 24 months and encouraged local handset assembly to reduce costs, meet domestic demand, and potentially support exports.
For the government, the auction provides a foundation for a digitally enabled economy. Connectivity is now a cross-sector enabler critical for education, healthcare, agriculture, and finance. Improved broadband access can help bridge gaps in education and opportunity, supporting the vision of Digital Pakistan where every home has broadband, every hand has a smartphone, and every shop uses QR codes.
Aamir concluded that with minor policy refinements, Pakistan could significantly enhance 4G performance, accelerate 5G adoption, and transform digital connectivity. If executed correctly, the auction could deliver better internet for the public, sustainable investment for operators, and long-term economic value for the country.
