Pakistan Cabinet Approves MVNO Framework Ahead of 5G Rollout

Naeem Mehboob:

Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved the Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) framework, a key step expected to boost investment and competition in the country’s telecom sector ahead of the planned launch of 5G services.

Sources told Diplomats World that the decision paves the way for licensing smaller mobile operators, which is likely to expand service coverage and improve consumer choice nationwide.

The Ministry of IT had submitted the framework to the cabinet after it remained pending for nearly a year. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) first forwarded the proposal to the ministry in November 2024.

Officials said the framework was finalized after extensive consultations with international MVNOs, while the Ministry of Law and Justice completed its legal review, clearing the final hurdle for implementation.