ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) officials updated the National Assembly Committee for Information Technology (IT) on Tuesday regarding the progress of 5G services in the country.
The PTA reported that a consultant has been engaged to assist with the 5G spectrum rollout, with a report expected by the end of January and the process completion targeted for April. The PTA also noted that the Sindh High Court has issued a stay order concerning the 5G launch.
National Economic Research Associates Inc. (NERA) – United States-based international consultancy firm last month accepted the letter of intent (LOI) for providing consultancy services to the government of Pakistan in the 5G spectrum auction/release in the country.
The meeting focused on the ongoing regulation of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in Pakistan. The committee expressed concerns about the absence of the Minister of State for IT for the third consecutive session and summoned the Interior Secretary for the next meeting.
“We have been working on VPN regulations for two years. Registered VPNs ensure uninterrupted internet access without compromising privacy.,” the PTA chairman said.
During the session, Senator Muhammad Humayun Criticised the measures, saying, “Shutting down platforms like X (formerly Twitter) is jeopardising the entire IT industry and impacting the livelihoods of over 2.5 million individuals in Pakistan.”
