Pakistan is set to take a major leap into the digital age as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) prepares to hold the country’s first 5G spectrum auction on March 10. Officials say the move will not only improve mobile internet speeds but also strengthen the digital economy and support a cashless society.
During a recent briefing, PTA Chairman Hafeez ur Rehman highlighted that reliable connectivity is essential for a “Digital Pakistan.” He added that the auction is a key step in building the infrastructure needed for next-generation mobile services and future technologies.
How the auction will work
The auction will use an electronic clock format, with multiple rounds to determine the winning bids. Around 597 MHz of spectrum will be available, primarily in the mid-band frequencies that nearly 80 percent of mobile phones in Pakistan already support. Operators must submit their applications by February 27, along with a $15 million bank guarantee. Officials expect at least three companies to participate, and the auction will be deemed successful if more than half of the spectrum is sold.
Roadmap for rollout
Pakistan is joining over 100 countries that have already launched 5G networks. The PTA has set a commercial rollout target for mid-2026, starting with federal and provincial capitals. Expansion will follow in phases, with operators required to build 1,000 new cell sites each year.
At least 200 of these sites must serve underserved areas. Tower fibreisation has been made mandatory to ensure strong, reliable networks, and average mobile broadband speeds are expected to rise by 25 percent after the auction.
Incentives and preparations
To encourage investment, the government has introduced financial incentives. The dollar exchange rate for payments will be fixed on auction day, operators will have more flexibility in their first year to focus on network upgrades, and right-of-way charges for fibre deployment have been eliminated.
Telecom companies have already started ordering 5G equipment, and local manufacturers have produced between 500,000 and 600,000 5G-enabled smartphones. Policy measures are also being planned to make these handsets affordable for consumers.
Experts say the availability of mid-band spectrum will improve not only 5G but also current 4G services. Average 4G speeds could increase from 4 Mbps to 20–25 Mbps, particularly in crowded urban areas. Commercial 5G services are expected to offer minimum download speeds of 50 Mbps, with faster speeds as networks grow.
