Islamabad: Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima has announced that the government will soon unveil a 5G spectrum policy. Addressing the 26th meeting of the South Asia Telecommunication Regulators Council, she revealed that Pakistan is preparing to auction over 600 MHz of spectrum, a move expected to enhance current 3G and 4G services and introduce 5G technology.

According to Radio Pakistan, Shaza Fatima discussed the recent approval of a telecom infrastructure sharing framework and the finalization of satellite communication regulations, which will enable satellite internet connectivity across the country. She stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring digital access for all citizens, mentioning the ongoing finalization of the Smartphones for All policy aimed at making devices more affordable and accessible.

Highlighting Pakistan’s advancements in the digital sector, Shaza Fatima noted significant milestones such as reaching 200 million mobile subscribers and 150 million mobile broadband users. She reported a seventy percent surge in data traffic over the past five years and a seventeen percent annual revenue growth in the telecom sector.

The Minister also pointed out the growth in e-commerce, stating it has reached nearly 7.7 billion dollars and is projected to exceed ten billion dollars next year.