Tech Desk 
Feb 27, 2025
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Thursday admitted that it has experienced numerous difficulties regarding the highly anticipated 5G release across the country.
According to the regulator, this was revealed while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom on 5G developments to date.
PTA officials said that the spectrum allocations needed a policy directive from the government and that a trial was permitted in 2017. An Advisory Committee is proactively gearing up to launch 5G. In November 2024, the PTA hired a consultant to evaluate the situation.
They further said that the consultant engaged stakeholders across the industry and has now finally submitted a report. Officials underscored the need for additional spectrum and acknowledged several difficulties in executing 5G.
While addressing the telecom managers, PTA highlighted that the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is reviewing the case of Telenor’s possible merger with Ufone/PTCL.
Officials from the Universal Service Fund (USF) demonstrated the committee regarding telecom expansion projects over the last three years. They said that 63 projects are done in remote and rural areas, with services extended to several underprivileged villages.
A senator raised concerns about numerous complaints from Balochistan regarding service disruptions. USF officials acknowledged these concerns and cited security challenges and difficult terrain as major reasons for service disruptions in these regions.
Another senator asserted that USF needs to diligently monitor the root cause of these issues. Officials also outlined challenges in the completion of projects in North and South Waziristan.
Committee members raised concerns regarding the ongoing internet disruptions on Motorways. Officials informed the committee that PTA has taken up the issue and work is ongoing to resolve it. They emphasised that coordination with multiple stakeholders is required to ensure consistent and reliable network coverage.
