ISLAMABAD: The federal government has officially announced that the radio spectrum to be auctioned for next-generation mobile services will be technology-neutral, giving telecom operators full flexibility to deploy any current or future advanced mobile technology under the approved policy framework.
Based on my research and policy review, this decision is aimed at ensuring efficient spectrum use, long-term adaptability, and alignment with global telecom standards as Pakistan prepares for its next major spectrum auction.
What Technology-Neutral Spectrum Means
Technology neutrality allows mobile operators to decide how they use their assigned spectrum without being locked into a single generation of technology.
Under the government’s directive:
- Auctioned spectrum can be used for all existing and future mobile technologies
- This includes International Mobile Telecommunications standards and beyond
- Operators can upgrade networks as demand and innovation evolve
From my analysis, this approach reduces regulatory friction and allows telecom companies to plan networks based on real market needs rather than fixed technical limitations.
Phased Network Rollout Obligations Introduced
Alongside flexibility, the policy introduces clear rollout responsibilities to ensure nationwide service improvement.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has been directed to embed phased rollout conditions directly into spectrum licenses.
These rollout benchmarks will be measured through:
- Expansion across a defined number of cities
- Deployment of new mobile network sites
- Fiber-to-the-tower infrastructure development
- Improved Quality of Service standards
In my view, this balances operator freedom with public interest by tying spectrum ownership to measurable coverage improvements.
Spectrum Caps to Protect Competition
To prevent market dominance and promote fair competition, the policy introduces strict spectrum holding limits.
Key caps include:
- A maximum of 40 percent of total available spectrum per operator after the auction
- Separate caps for low-band, mid-band, and high-band spectrum holdings
These limits are designed to ensure that no single operator gains excessive control over critical spectrum resources.
License Duration and Future Flexibility
Licenses issued under the upcoming auction will remain valid for 15 years, providing long-term certainty for investors.
The framework also allows:
- Spectrum trading between operators
- Spectrum sharing arrangements, subject to regulatory approval
Existing mobile operators that acquire new spectrum will be required to transition to updated rollout and compliance obligations under the new licensing regime.
Why This Policy Matters Now
From a broader perspective, this announcement signals the government’s intent to modernize Pakistan’s telecom sector ahead of advanced mobile service deployment.
The combination of technology neutrality, rollout enforcement, and competition safeguards is expected to:
- Encourage smarter investment decisions
- Improve mobile broadband quality nationwide
- Support future-ready network planning
- Strengthen the overall auction framework
