March 2025 Set for 5G Spectrum Auction Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Information Technology & Telecommunications announced on Tuesday its plans to consider and likely hold a 5G spectrum auction in March 2025. Emphasizing the importance of ensuring high-quality 5G services in major cities post-auction, the committee urged service providers to focus on enhancing infrastructure to ensure seamless 5G connectivity nationwide.
During its second meeting chaired by Syed Aminul Haq, the committee also deliberated on the “Establishment of Telecommunications Appellate Tribunal Bill, 2024.” This government initiative aims to expedite pending telecom sector cases currently stuck in the high courts. Once operational, the tribunal is expected to resolve cases within 90 days.
The committee highlighted that 71 telecom cases pending in high courts will be transferred to the tribunal once the bill is enacted, with appeals thereafter directed to the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The committee sought clarification on the tribunal chairperson’s appointment process, recommending consultations between the Ministry of IT and the Ministry of Law & Justice for any necessary proposals or amendments in the next session.
Additionally, the Director of the Universal Service Fund (USF) briefed the committee on its operations, noting that 1.5% of service providers’ revenue is allocated to the USF. These funds are utilized to extend data and voice services to underserved and unserved areas. The USF highlighted that 61 billion rupees were transferred to the Federal Consolidated Funds in 2015, with 45 billion rupees still outstanding. The committee proposed regular communications from the ministry to the government every three months to expedite the return of these funds.
