Can Pakistan get its spectrum strategy straight?

Pakistan stands at a pivotal moment in its digital journey, with mobile network infrastructure serving as the backbone of its technological transformation. Since the launch of Digital Pakistan in 2018, the nation has made remarkable strides, yet faces critical challenges that will define its digital future.

The progress is evident in the numbers: 83% of Pakistan's adult population now lives in areas covered by 3G or 4G networks, a dramatic increase from just 15% in 2010. This expansion represents a fundamental shift in Pakistan's digital landscape, but the country's position as one of Asia's most spectrum-starved markets threatens to undermine this progress. With only 270 MHz of assigned spectrum, Pakistan lags significantly behind the Asia Pacific average of over 700 MHz, placing it among the most constrained markets in the region.