Tech Desk 
Nov 21, 2025
In the wake of Pakistan's persisting internet woes, the country is set to auction the 5G spectrum by February 2026 in a bid to address telecom quality issues and surging demand for faster internet.
To ensure the swift and timely conduct of the impending 5G auction, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been tasked by the federal government to oversee operations, so that broadband services can be enhanced nationwide.
Aamir Shahzad, the PTA's director general of licensing, confirmed that Pakistan is currently facing significant challenges in telecom services due to limited spectrum availability, with only 274MHz accessible to operators.
This shortage has also led to Pakistan ranking last globally in available telecom spectrum and being among the last countries to launch 5G services.
Shahzad highlighted the rising consumer complaints regarding poor service quality, slow internet speeds, and inconsistent coverage. He attributed these issues to the insufficient spectrum, which, he added, is a key factor in operators' ability to meet user demand.
To address this, the government is planning to introduce 600MHz of new spectrum to improve service quality and facilitate Pakistan's long-overdue 5G launch.
The telecom regulator is reviewing a report from NERA, an international consultant hired for guidance on the auction strategy, and the final auction date will be finalised once government policy direction is issued.
The PTA higher-up speculated that quality broadband services would be achieved by late 2026, stressing that improved connectivity is essential for digital transformation, economic growth, and bridging Pakistan's technological gap with the world.
