Pakistan raises $510 million in 5G spectrum auction, Pakistanis to enjoy 5G soon

ISLAMABAD:Pakistan has completed the 5G Spectrum Auction Assignment Stage, finalizing band positioning for telecom operators, tripling network capacity, and setting the stage for 5G pilots in major cities starting next week.

The Spectrum Auction Assignment Stage allocated precise positions within the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands. Telecom companies competed in multiple rounds — three rounds for 2600 MHz and five rounds for 3500 MHz — assigning a total of 480 MHz of spectrum. Results from both bands were announced immediately after the process, marking a historic milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation.

The auction’s success was powered by the combined efforts of the PTA, Frequency Allocation Board, and other key agencies, along with the Pakistan Armed Forces, which vacated spectrum to enable civilian use. In addition, three new submarine cables were landed, further strengthening national connectivity.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shiza Fatima celebrated the achievement: “The auction was completed ahead of schedule, laying the foundation for Digital Pakistan. 5G pilots will kick off in major cities next week, and full rollout is expected in the coming months.”

Minister Fatima also highlighted upcoming reforms: “The Prime Minister has directed the swift finalization of the smart mobile device leasing policy. Most devices used in Pakistan are now locally produced, and we are pushing to reduce taxes on mobile services wherever possible.”

The auction has drawn international attention, with countries worldwide inquiring about Pakistan’s 5G rollout at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. With this historic spectrum sale, Pakistan is not just catching up to the digital world — it is positioning itself as a regional leader in next-generation connectivity.

PTA Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeez ur Rehman said, “Government decisions have unlocked Pakistan’s digital potential. Internet speeds are expected to rise from 4 Mbps to 20 Mbps, and 5G packages will remain affordable for users.”

“This has been the largest spectrum auction in the world. The government has done its part; now it’s the telecom companies’ turn,” said PTA Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeez ur Rehman, highlighting the historic scale of the process.

Next steps: With band positioning complete, telecom companies will deploy 5G networks, conduct pilot testing in major cities, and launch full-scale 5G services — providing faster internet and strengthening Pakistan’s position as a regional leader in next-generation connectivity.

This historic milestone is set to turbocharge internet speeds and digital growth across the country.