Pakistan moved a significant step closer to launching next-generation mobile connectivity after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority successfully concluded the third round of the country’s 5G spectrum auction, generating $507 million in revenue. The auction offered nearly 600 MHz of spectrum for advanced mobile services and attracted participation from the country’s three major telecom operators. Officials described the successful bidding process as a crucial milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and expanding faster internet connectivity nationwide.
During the first stage of the auction, authorities offered 190 MHz of spectrum in the 2600 MHz band, where demand exceeded supply by 110 MHz, showing strong interest from telecom companies. As a result of the intense competition, regulators increased the spectrum price by five percent in the following phase. Additionally, 280 MHz of spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band was made available, with operators placing bids for around 200 MHz, highlighting strong demand for mid-band frequencies widely used in 5G networks.
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The second round of bidding also progressed successfully as telecom operators adjusted their strategies and shifted some interest toward the 700 MHz band, which provides wider coverage and better signal penetration. Despite these adjustments, demand in the 2600 MHz band remained higher than the number of available spectrum lots. Regulators therefore raised the price again, noting that companies were balancing coverage and capacity needs while preparing to deploy high-speed 5G networks.
In the final round, the auction concluded with strong participation as 480 MHz of spectrum was sold out of a total of 597 MHz offered across different frequency bands. All spectrum lots in the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands were fully booked, while 22 out of 28 lots in the globally popular 3500 MHz band were successfully sold. Among the telecom companies, Zong acquired 110 MHz, Ufone secured 180 MHz, and Jazz purchased 190 MHz of spectrum.
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Government officials described the auction as the largest spectrum allocation in Pakistan’s history and an important step toward digital transformation. Authorities noted that the country previously operated with only 274 MHz of spectrum, which limited the ability of telecom operators to deliver faster internet services. With the new allocation, telecom companies will now be able to expand network capacity and significantly improve mobile broadband performance across major urban areas.
Officials also announced that 5G services are expected to begin rolling out in major cities within the next six months, followed by gradual expansion across other regions. They emphasised that improved connectivity will support emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain applications, and digital services while also boosting IT exports. Authorities further described the newly allocated spectrum as a digital highway that could help accelerate Pakistan’s economic growth and technological development in the coming years.