Pakistan’s plans for launching 5G by April 2025 may face delays due to the Competition Commission of Pakistan’s (CCP) delayed decision on the Telenor acquisition. Telenor is set to be acquired by PTCL, but the status of this acquisition remains undecided, which could affect the 5G rollout timeline.
Key Dates for 5G Launch
| Event | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Telenor Acquisition Decision | Early 2025 |
| 5G Launch in Pakistan | April 2025 (Planned) |
Spectrum Issues: A Major Concern
A significant issue is the lack of full spectrum availability in the 2.6 GHz band, which is essential for 5G. Currently, 140 MHz of this band is under litigation. This shortage of spectrum is slowing down the spectrum auction process, delaying 5G implementation.
Spectrum Availability
| Spectrum Needed | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Full Spectrum (194 MHz) | 140 MHz under litigation |
| Available for Auction | 54 MHz |
NERA Report Could Face Delays
The government hired NERA, a consultancy, to help with the spectrum auction. However, the delays in Telenor’s acquisition and unresolved spectrum issues could prevent NERA from submitting its recommendations on time, further pushing back the 5G auction.
NERA Consultancy Timeline
| Consultancy Step | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| NERA Report Submission to PTA | 60 working days from Nov 2024 |
| PTA Review and Approval | 1-2 months after CCP decision |
Approval Process: A Lengthy Procedure
Once CCP makes its decision, the PTA will need to review and approve it. Then, other regulatory bodies, such as SECP and SBP, will also need to approve it. This entire process could take at least 1-2 months.
Table 4: Approval Process and Timeline
| Approval Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| PTA Review and Approval | 1-2 months |
| ECC and Cabinet Approval | 1 month |
Auction and 5G Rollout Delays
After all approvals, the PTA will publish auction details, which will require 45-60 days for mobile operators to prepare. After that, the auction will take place, and the spectrum award process will take another 30 days. This means the 5G rollout could be delayed even further.
Auction Process Timeline
| Process | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Auction Preparation (CMOs) | 45-60 days post approval |
| Spectrum Award and Payment | 30 days after auction |
Past Plans for 5G Launch
The government originally planned to auction the 5G spectrum by March 2023. However, with the delays in the acquisition and auction process, the new target for 5G launch is set for April 2025.
Original and Revised 5G Plans
| Government Plan | Original Timeline | New Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 5G Spectrum Auction | March 2023 | Delayed |
| 5G Launch | March 2023 (Big Cities) | April 2025 |
Timely Decisions Needed for 5G
The delay in Telenor’s acquisition and unresolved spectrum issues are major roadblocks for 5G in Pakistan. To meet the new April 2025 target, timely decisions and smooth coordination among all stakeholders are crucial.
Factors Impacting 5G Launch
| Key Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| Telenor Acquisition Decision | Pending CCP approval |
| Spectrum Availability | Unresolved |
| Regulatory Approvals | Pending |
