Islamabad (Agencies): The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication was briefed on Thursday about the upcoming 5G spectrum auction set for April, aimed at addressing Pakistan’s ongoing internet issues.

During the meeting, chaired by Syed Amin-ul-Haque, committee members expressed concern over persistent internet disruptions that have resulted in millions of dollars in financial losses. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had previously committed to improving internet services by October 2024, but challenges remain.

PTA Chairman informed the committee that three of the country’s seven submarine cables had been damaged, severely affecting connectivity. He highlighted that Pakistan’s current allocation of 270 MHz spectrum is inadequate to serve its population of 240 million, leading to frequent network congestion.

To tackle these infrastructure limitations, the PTA announced plans to introduce four new submarine cables, which are expected to significantly enhance internet capacity and reliability.

The committee was also informed that over the past six years, the telecom sector has contributed Rs. 1700 billion to the national exchequer, reflecting the critical role of telecommunications in the country’s economy.

The launch of 5G is anticipated to alleviate connectivity issues, strengthen digital infrastructure, and support the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.

By Admin

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