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By Malik Shahzad Aslam :
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has introduced a series of major regulatory reforms aimed at accelerating the expansion of 4G and 5G services, strengthening broadband infrastructure and improving internet access across Pakistan.
According to official documents, the telecom regulator has finalised and approved a nationwide spectrum sharing framework under Clause 8.16 of the Telecom Policy 2015 and submitted the updated proposal to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication for policy-level approval earlier this year.
The proposed framework would permit telecom operators to share spectrum resources across several frequency bands, including 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz, subject to regulatory clearance.
Officials say the policy is intended to improve the efficient use of telecom spectrum, reduce duplication of network infrastructure and lower operational costs for mobile operators. Authorities also believe the framework will help accelerate the nationwide rollout of advanced 4G and 5G services, particularly in areas where connectivity remains limited.
Under the proposed system, spectrum sharing would be allowed between telecom companies holding the same category of licences, enabling operators to expand coverage and improve network performance more rapidly.
Regulators say the framework could particularly benefit rural and underserved regions by improving service availability while ensuring operators continue to meet rollout obligations and quality standards set by the government.
In another major policy shift, PTA has formally introduced the Wireless Local Area Network Framework 2024 in coordination with the Frequency Allocation Board, opening additional spectrum for unlicensed Wi-Fi services.
The framework authorises the use of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz frequency bands under specified technical guidelines. Officials say the opening of the 6 GHz band, covering frequencies between 5925 and 6425 MHz, will pave the way for next-generation Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 technologies in Pakistan.
Industry experts believe the move could significantly improve indoor internet connectivity, enterprise networking, educational technology systems, smart home services and public Wi-Fi infrastructure while easing pressure on mobile broadband networks.
Authorities also confirmed that no spectrum usage fee would apply to WLAN services operating within the approved regulatory framework, a step aimed at encouraging broader adoption of wireless internet technologies.
Meanwhile, PTA has begun issuing district-level internet service licences from January 2026 in an effort to encourage smaller internet providers and expand broadband penetration in underserved areas.
Under the policy, the licences will remain valid for ten years and will be limited to operations within a single district. Officials said the application processing fee had been set at Rs20,000, while the initial licence fee would amount to Rs300,000.
The regulator believes the initiative will create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and smaller internet service providers to enter markets where major telecom operators have limited infrastructure or commercial incentives to expand.
The reforms also include measures to accelerate the expansion of fibre optic infrastructure nationwide. According to official documents, federal and provincial authorities have started abolishing Right of Way charges for fibre optic and information technology projects following directives issued by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in 2025.
Institutions including the Capital Development Authority, National Highway Authority and Pakistan Railways have either reduced or removed fees linked to fibre deployment projects.
Provincial governments in Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan have already started implementing the policy, while additional provinces and departments are expected to adopt similar measures in the coming months.
Officials say the removal of such charges is expected to significantly reduce the cost of fibre deployment and support the long-term development of Pakistan’s fixed broadband infrastructure.
The reforms form part of broader government efforts to modernise Pakistan’s digital economy, improve internet accessibility and prepare the country for large-scale adoption of high-speed mobile and broadband technologies. Analysts say the success of the measures will depend on implementation speed, infrastructure investment and cooperation between regulators, telecom operators and provincial authorities.
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