Govt to Give Telcos Wider Powers for 5G and Fiber Rollout Under New Law With Rs 50 Million Fine for Delays

The federal government is preparing major changes to Pakistan’s telecom laws that would give telecom operators wider legal powers to deploy network infrastructure, including fiber-optic networks, mobile towers, and future 5G facilities, while proposing penalties of up to Rs50 million for delaying approved projects.

The proposed reforms are aimed at removing long-standing hurdles that have slowed telecom infrastructure expansion across the country. Operators have often faced delays from local authorities, housing societies, cantonment boards, and commercial estates while seeking approvals for fiber deployment and tower installation.

Under the draft law, telecom license holders would receive stronger right-of-way powers to roll out infrastructure needed for broadband expansion and 5G readiness. The government believes the changes are necessary to improve connectivity and reduce administrative bottlenecks in network deployment.

A key part of the proposal is the introduction of Section 27A, which would give telecom infrastructure projects priority over conflicting local laws, contracts, and by-laws. This means housing societies, cantonments, and commercial estates would not be able to completely block approved telecom projects, although they may still influence the execution process and timing.

The draft also introduces a deemed approval mechanism. If a public authority, private housing society, or cantonment board does not respond to a telecom infrastructure request within 30 days, the approval would automatically be considered granted.

Officials believe this provision could help speed up fiber rollout and tower installation, both of which are essential for better broadband quality and next-generation mobile services.

The proposed changes would also restrict authorities from charging extra fees, rent, or compensation for telecom access. Once approval is granted, it will not be revoked or changed without due process.

To enforce the new framework, the draft proposes Section 27B, which allows penalties of up to Rs50 million against any person or authority found delaying or restricting access to telecom infrastructure. Disputes would be decided within 45 days by a senior officer appointed by the government.

The government is also planning governance reforms for the National Telecommunication Corporation to align it with the State-Owned Enterprises Act, 2023. Under the proposed changes, the NTC board would be restructured into a seven-member body led by an independent chairman.

The board would include senior officials and three private-sector experts, including at least one woman. The roles of chairman and managing director would also be separated to improve governance and accountability.

The draft would allow NTC to provide ICT services to federal and provincial government bodies, while other state institutions could also be added through government approval. Transparency requirements would be strengthened, with NTC required to publish key documents on its official website.

A new Section 41A would set stricter eligibility rules for the appointment of the NTC managing director. The federal government would select the MD from a panel of three names recommended by a three-fourths majority of the NTC board.

Candidates would need advanced qualifications in telecom, ICT, or engineering, along with at least five years of senior leadership experience. The MD would be appointed on a three-year performance-based contract, extendable by two years.

The proposed telecom reforms come as Pakistan seeks to improve digital connectivity, expand fiber penetration, and prepare for wider 5G services. However, the stronger right-of-way powers and heavy penalties may also trigger debate over private property rights, local authority powers, and the balance between network expansion and citizen concerns.

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