The Government of Pakistan has assigned E-Band spectrum to Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) to improve network capacity after the launch of 5G services. The decision aims to support high-speed wireless backhaul and help operators expand next-generation mobile networks across the country.
The move comes after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) auctioned 480 MHz of spectrum in March for next-generation mobile services. According to the PTA, the E-Band spectrum will play an important role in supporting the rollout and growth of 5G networks.
The telecom regulator said the additional spectrum will provide high-capacity wireless backhaul. This will allow operators to carry the large amount of data generated by modern mobile services more efficiently.
PTA data shows that tower fiberization in Pakistan’s mobile sector currently stands at around 17.9 percent. Fiberization refers to connecting mobile towers with fiber-optic cables to improve network performance and reliability.
Among the mobile operators, Jazz has the highest tower fiberization level at 22 percent. CMPak/Zong follows with 19 percent. Telenor has reached 16 percent, while Ufone currently stands at 9 percent.
Under the NGMS/5G licence conditions, all CMOs must achieve a minimum Fiber-to-the-Site (FTTS) ratio of 20 percent during Phase I, covering the period from 2026 to 2028. This target will gradually increase to 35 percent by Phase IV between 2032 and 2035.
The PTA said improving fiber connectivity will help meet the growing backhaul capacity needed for advanced mobile services. Stronger backhaul is essential for delivering faster speeds and better network performance.
To support this goal, the government has also assigned E-Band spectrum for wireless backhaul. This technology offers an alternative in areas where fiber deployment is difficult or unavailable.
According to PTA officials, telecom operators can use E-Band links to transport large amounts of data without installing fiber at every location. This approach can speed up network expansion while reducing deployment challenges.
Officials added that operators will purchase the required equipment to make use of the newly assigned spectrum. This will help increase network capacity more quickly in underserved areas.
The government is also working to improve the availability of Right of Way (RoW). Policy and administrative measures are being introduced to make infrastructure deployment easier and support faster network rollout across Pakistan.
PTA officials said each operator will decide whether fiber or E-Band is the better solution based on local conditions. In some areas, fiber will remain the preferred option, while wireless backhaul may be more practical in others.
The regulator also confirmed that no additional spectrum charges are being imposed for the E-Band assignment. Meanwhile, the Frequency Allocation Board will continue approving microwave spectrum allocations under the existing regulatory framework.
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According to officials, the combination of expanded fiber infrastructure and E-Band wireless backhaul is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s telecom network. It will also improve the quality, coverage, and long-term growth of 5G services across the country.
