Pakistan’s Average Mobile Data Usage Surges Ahead of Spectrum Auction

Mobile data consumption in Pakistan has reached an average of 8.5 gigabytes per user per month, highlighting the increasing reliance on mobile broadband services in the country.

With mobile subscribers climbing to 193.4 million, the government is preparing for a significant spectrum auction aimed at enhancing broadband capacity and supporting next-generation mobile services.

In a written reply to the National Assembly, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja revealed that the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has made 567 MHz of additional spectrum available in six bands 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz representing a more than 200% increase over the existing spectrum.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has engaged global consultancy firm NERA to assist with the auction process, develop policy reforms, and assess the spectrum’s commercial value based on international benchmarks.

The upcoming auction is being structured to promote investment and improve the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector. NERA is also tasked with evaluating the financial health of mobile operators, recommending fair spectrum pricing, and proposing reforms that facilitate broadband proliferation and competition. The spectrum will be assigned on a technology-neutral basis, allowing telecom operators flexibility in deploying 4G and 5G services.

According to Minister Shaza Fatima, the licenses awarded through this auction will carry rollout obligations, which will be defined annually. These obligations may target population segments in each province or follow internationally practiced models such as phased rollout beginning with major urban centers. The aim is to ensure consistent expansion of network coverage and enhanced service quality nationwide.

The minister further stated that while the government is moving forward with reforms to support telecom sector growth, key challenges remain. Ongoing litigation over spectrum rights and delays in the PTCL (Ufone) and Telenor merger are hindering progress. The government, through offices such as the Attorney General of Pakistan, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Advisory Committee, is actively working to resolve these issues to keep the auction process on track and ensure policy continuity.