Pakistan to launch 5G services in 2024, spectrum auction scheduled soon

Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Dr Umar Saif, has announced that Pakistan will be holding a 5G spectrum auction in the coming months. This announcement was made during a meeting with PTCL Group President, Hatem Bamatraf, where they discussed matters related to the auction and telecom services.

During the meeting, Dr Saif emphasized the government’s commitment to providing quality telecom services, which will result in better internet and telecom services for the masses. To achieve this, the ministry plans to introduce training programs that align with international standards for the youth, as well as train 200,000 professionals who will contribute to increasing Pakistan’s IT exports up to $5 billion.

In addition, the government has received approval from caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar for various measures, including a comprehensive policy to bring online payment platforms such as PayPal and Stripe to Pakistan. This move is expected to further boost the IT sector and enhance the services sector.

Furthermore, the ministry aims to raise investments of up to $1 billion for startups through venture capital, with the goal of reaching a potential of $10 billion in digital exports. However, certain hurdles need to be addressed and removed in order to achieve this target.

The comprehensive policy also focuses on improving the utilization of available spectrum through extensive reforms. The ministry plans to introduce active spectrum sharing and forward-looking taxation policies, regulations, and incentives for the telecom industry in preparation for the upcoming 5G auction within 10 months.

Dr Saif also highlighted the importance of cell phone manufacturing in Pakistan, as it is the seventh largest market for cell phones in the world. The ministry intends to incentivize local manufacturing and export of smartphones to further boost the country’s economy.

This announcement by Minister Dr Umar Saif showcases the government’s commitment to promoting the IT sector and improving telecom services in Pakistan. ISP