Tech Desk 
Mar 10, 2026
Pakistan on Tuesday launched the 5G spectrum auction to mark a beginning of a new phase in the country's faster mobile broadband and digital connectivity.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) offered around 600 megahertz of 5G spectrum for bidding as part of the plan to launch 5G services, providing a faster internet facility to the citizens. In total, three telecommunication companies — including Ufone, Zong and Jazz — followed by bidding for five additional bands.
5G auction in Pakistan
The first round of Pakistan's 5G spectrum auction has been completed. According to the Director General Licensing, in the first phase, a total of 190 MHz of spectrum in the 2600 MHz band was offered for bidding. However, due to the high demand, the price of the 5G spectrum has been increased by five percent for the second phase of the auction process.
Speaking at the 5G auction ceremony, Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja said: "The 5G auction was a historic step that would improve digital connectivity and strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy.
"Pakistan had experienced several technological changes in the past, but the current phase of digital transformation was especially important for the country," said Khawaja, further adding that different institutions worked together to make the spectrum available for the auction.
The IT minister added that this development would help Pakistan move towards the next generation of technology.
With the launch of 5G spectrum, Pakistan entered a fast, reliable and affordable internet ecosystem, as the auction would not only introduce 5G services but also improve the quality and capacity of existing 4G networks.
It is important to note that the auction framework was prepared after consultations with several institutions, including the Spectrum Advisory Committee, the Ministry of Finance, the PTA and the Frequency Allocation Board.
Pakistanis would begin seeing advancements in 4G services within four to five months after the auction, while 5G services would initially be launched in Islamabad and provincial capitals within five to six months.
Speaking at the 5G spectrum auction, PTA Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman said: "The PTA and the Frequency Allocation Board worked closely to ensure that the spectrum was made available and 5G services would bring modern internet facilities to remote areas.
5G will be a digital highway and the engine of Pakistan's future, said PTA chairman, adding that the 5G spectrum auction marked the start of a new technological era.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government had taken all necessary steps to support the telecom industry, and it was now up to telecom operators to actively participate in the spectrum auction.
