Govt to improve mobile broadband services, expand network

ISLAMABAD: The government is taking steps to improve the broadband services and expand the network as it has started to work on the auction of additional available frequency spectrum.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications tweeted that “The network expansion will facilitate better digital connectivity, online education, e-commerce, etc.”

The tweet further mentioned that “Additional spectrum release/auction will help the enhancement of 4G services and subscribers base which is necessary for the successful launch of 5G technology in the country.”

Secretary Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, while talking to Business Recorder on Thursday, confirmed that the government had made available ample spectrum and decided to go for auction. 

He further said that it has the potential to raise billions of rupees in revenue as it could prove to be very resourceful for the market, but the benchmark is to be ascertained by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) through international consultants. 

The ministry had previously approached Prime Minister Imran Khan to form an advisory committee, who had directed them to approach the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) for this matter, he said. 

The ministry is now in the process of approaching the ECC, he added. 

He also said that the IT Ministry had already directed the PTA to hire a consultant who can help them to set benchmarks for the spectrum auction.