Senate IT Committee Raises Concerns on 5G, PTCL, Telenor

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has expressed serious concerns over the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, the audit of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), and the planned exit of Telenor Pakistan. The committee has urged the Ministry of IT and PTA to adopt a comprehensive strategy to safeguard national interests and ensure transparency in the telecom sector.

The committee, chaired by Senator Rubina Khalid, highlighted the need for a well-structured roadmap for the 5G spectrum auction.

• Members stressed that Pakistan cannot afford policy delays while other countries are rapidly adopting 5G technology.

• However, they warned that a hasty auction without proper planning could lead to financial setbacks and low investor confidence.

• The committee also called for consultations with telecom operators and industry experts to ensure a fair and competitive bidding process.

Senator Rubina Khalid stated:

While we must embrace digital transformation, the 5G spectrum auction must be carried out with utmost transparency to attract serious investors and protect consumer interests.

The committee also discussed concerns regarding the audit of PTCL, which continues to play a crucial role in Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure.

• Lawmakers demanded a comprehensive financial audit to ensure proper revenue reporting.

• The committee emphasized the need to assess Etisalat’s performance, as the UAE-based operator holds a major stake in PTCL.

• Questions were raised about outstanding payments, including the long-standing dues owed to the Government of Pakistan.

Officials from the Ministry of IT assured the committee that audit reports would be shared soon, ensuring accountability and financial clarity.

The planned exit of Telenor Pakistan has raised alarms within the telecom industry and among policymakers.

• Telenor, which has served over 45 million subscribers in Pakistan, is reportedly considering mergers or divestment due to market challenges.

• The committee expressed fears that Telenor’s exit could reduce competition, impact service quality, and increase consumer costs.

• It urged the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to ensure a smooth transition and protect consumer data during any merger or acquisition process.

Industry experts have warned that fewer telecom players could negatively affect digital accessibility and affordability, especially in rural areas.

After detailed deliberations, the Senate IT Committee issued the following recommendations:

• Ensure transparency in the 5G spectrum auction through clear policies.

• Conduct a comprehensive audit of PTCL and share findings publicly.

• Safeguard consumer rights and data privacy during Telenor’s exit process.

• Engage industry stakeholders to formulate a sustainable telecom policy.

• Focus on digital infrastructure development to bridge the connectivity gap in underserved regions.

The Senate IT Committee’s concerns highlight the critical crossroads faced by Pakistan’s telecom sector. With the 5G rollout, Telenor’s potential exit, and PTCL’s financial accountability under discussion, the government is under pressure to adopt a balanced strategy that promotes innovation, ensures transparency, and protects consumer interests.

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