Significant advancements in telecom investment before to Pakistan’s 5G launch

Pakistan has achieved great strides in the telecom industry ahead of the scheduled 5G debut in early 2026 by encouraging investment and empowering smaller mobile providers.

The federal cabinet has received the MVNO license framework from the Ministry of IT for approval.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) first proposed this framework in November of last year, and it has been pending for more than a year. Its goal is to enable Mobile Virtual Network Operators to use networks that are leased from current telecom carriers.

The Ministry of Law and Justice finished a legal assessment, and worldwide MVNOs were consulted to finalize the framework, according to officials.

To entice investment, the MVNO licensing fee has been lowered from $500,000 to $140,000, and the license period has been set at 15 years.

MVNOs will handle their own branding and customer care under the structure, but PTA permission is needed for commercial partnerships with current mobile providers.

Expanding mobile services, boosting competition, and luring more capital into the telecom industry are the objectives.

The PTA will start taking applications for MVNO licenses after receiving approval from the federal government and will grant licenses once all legal conditions have been met.

To further expand market options, the government also intends to permit telecom carriers to purchase more spectrum during the 5G rollout, which they can then lease to MVNOs.

Officials anticipate that the issuance of MVNO licenses will boost service availability, attract new investment, and make Pakistan’s telecom market more competitive.