Pakistan kicks off long-awaited 5G spectrum auction

Pakistan on Tuesday kickedoff its long-awaited 5G spectrum auction, marking the start of the country’s transition toward next-generation mobile services and expanded digital connectivity.

The auction, is being conducted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), began with the first round of bidding scheduled for 60 minutes. Three telecom operators—Jazz, Zong and Ufone—are participating in the process.

The auction was inaugurated by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeez ur Rehman.

Officials said the auction includes 600 MHz of spectrum across six frequency bands, aimed at improving mobile broadband capacity and enabling the rollout of 5G services.

Key bands offered include 700 MHz, intended to expand coverage in rural areas; 2.6 GHz, aimed at strengthening existing 4G services; and 3.5 GHz, identified as the primary band for 5G deployment.

The PTA chairman said the auction represents a major step toward improving connectivity and addressing spectrum shortages in Pakistan’s telecom sector.

He noted that digital connectivity acts as a key driver of economic activity and said the launch of the auction marks the beginning of a new technological phase for the country.

The chairman also said Pakistan has abolished Right-of-Way (RoW) charges for telecom infrastructure, reducing the cost from Rs36,000 per kilometre to zero, a measure intended to support fibre network expansion.

Finance Minister Aurangzeb said the government had created the required framework for the auction and that 5G technology would support new digital services and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.

He added that improved connectivity could support growth in IT exports and digital services, which remain a focus of the government’s digital economy agenda.

IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Pakistan currently operates with 274 MHz of spectrum, and the ongoing process represents the largest spectrum auction in the country’s history.

She said the rollout is expected to improve 4G service quality within four to five months, while 5G services could begin in major cities within six months after the auction.

During the ceremony, PTA Director General Licensing Aamir Shahzad said the government had established an advisory committee and engaged an international consultant to design the auction framework.

Following the consultant’s recommendations, the government issued policy directives and PTA released the Information Memorandum outlining the auction structure.

The bidding process will be conducted in two stages, with up to five rounds of bidding.

Officials said the auction marks the formal start of Pakistan’s move toward 5G connectivity, which is expected to increase data speeds and support digital services in sectors such as industry, healthcare, education and e-commerce.

Authorities said completion of the auction will allow telecom operators to begin deploying 5G infrastructure, expanding the country’s digital network capacity.