The government will soon auction over 600 MHz of spectrum as part of its forthcoming 5G policy, a move aimed at enhancing current 3G and 4G services while introducing next-generation connectivity. The announcement was made by Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima while addressing the 26th meeting of the South Asia Telecommunication Regulators Council.

According to a report today, in addition to the spectrum auction, the minister confirmed that a telecom infrastructure sharing framework has been approved. Regulations for satellite communication have also been finalized, which are set to introduce satellite internet connectivity to the country.

Ms. Fatima emphasized the administration”s commitment to ensuring digital access for all citizens, noting that a “Smartphones for All” policy is being finalized. This initiative aims to make devices more affordable and accessible to a wider population.

Reflecting on the nation”s digital progress, she highlighted significant milestones, including reaching 200 million mobile subscribers and 150 million mobile broadband users.

The minister also pointed to a seventy percent surge in data traffic over the last five years and a seventeen percent year-on-year revenue growth within the telecom sector.

Economically, the e-commerce sector is currently valued at almost 7.7 billion dollars and is projected to exceed ten billion dollars in the upcoming year, she added.