A report presented in the parliament has attributed slow internet speeds in Pakistan to limited spectrum availability, the absence of fibre optic infrastructure and ongoing electricity load shedding.
According to details surfaced on Saturday, the auction of 5G spectrum remains dependent on the issuance of a government policy directive, which is still pending with the Cabinet Division. Out of 194 MHz of prime spectrum, 140 MHz is tied up in legal proceedings.
The Cabinet Division said that the 5G spectrum auction to take place by the end of this year or in the first quarter of 2026, adding that once completed, the auction is anticipated to significantly increase mobile phone internet speeds.
In the past five years, telecom operators have received 39 show-cause notices. The report added that fines totalling Rs68.9 million have been imposed on these operators.
