5G spectrum auction historic step for Pakistan’s digital future: Shaza

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Tuesday said the spectrum auction was a historic step that would improve digital connectivity and strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Spectrum Auction for Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS)/5G, she said Pakistan had seen several technological revolutions in the past, but the current phase of digital transformation was especially important for the country. The ceremony was attended by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman and several parliamentarians. The minister said different institutions worked together to make the spectrum available for the auction. She added that the development was an encouraging moment for Pakistan as it would help the country move towards the next generation of technology. She said Pakistan entered the 3G and 4G era during the government of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif between 2014 and 2016. Since then, no major spectrum auction has been held, which has caused problems with internet quality and user experience. Shaza Fatima said the auction would not only introduce 5G services but also improve the quality and capacity of existing 4G networks. Staff Reporter