Syed Saif Ul Hassan 
Nov 06, 2025
An undated image. — iStock
As Pakistan continues to grapple with intermittent hiccups in its connectivity infrastructure, it has been found that affordable spectrum is essential for the successful implementation of 5G technology in Pakistan.
The need for an affordable and accessible spectrum was highlighted by telecom experts during a recent panel discussion at the 26th South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC) meeting in Islamabad.
Mudassar Hussain, the head of public policy and regulatory affairs at Jazz, urged the government to undertake a revised spectrum policy and pricing strategy.
He argued that a forward-looking approach to spectrum management should be adopted, viewing it as a long-term investment in digital infrastructure rather than a short-term revenue source.
The telecom bigwig noted that the health of the telecom industry is crucial to Pakistan's economic transition to a digital economy, adding that a coherent national digital strategy needs to align connectivity, taxation, spectrum policy, and digital public services to foster sustainable growth.
Telecom and internet services in Pakistan are burdened by some of the highest tax rates in the region, despite being fundamental utilities.
While the spotlight remained on structural reforms and practical policies to encourage innovation, including satellite services, the meeting also touched on the potential of spectrum sharing to enhance efficiency, provided there is a clear policy framework.
The need for a rethink of spectrum strategies and infrastructure sharing also resonated with other penalists aiming to bridge the digital divide.
