PTA 5G Spectrum Auction: March 10 Scheduled in Pakistan

The PTA 5G spectrum auction will take place on March 10, 2026, with telecom operators preparing to launch services initially in federal and provincial capitals. The rollout will later expand to other cities over the next few years.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeezur Rehman emphasized that improved connectivity is central to achieving the country’s Digital Pakistan vision. In addition, the government has removed the right-of-way fee, a step that will accelerate fibre-optic infrastructure projects nationwide.

Applications and Auction Details

All interested operators must submit their applications by February 27, along with a $15 million bank guarantee, according to PTA officials. The auction will follow a multi-round electronic clock format, with the first round focusing on the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands. Around 597 MHz of spectrum will be available for bidding.

Qualified bidders will participate in mock auctions before the main allocation. If demand exceeds supply, prices will increase in successive rounds. The process will conclude with an assignment stage, where provisional winners must submit performance bank guarantees within 15 business days before licences are officially granted.

PTA has also provided flexible payment options. Operators can pay 100% upfront or 50% upfront, with the remaining balance split into five annual installments at KIBOR + 3%. The authority has set a fixed exchange rate for US dollars to Pakistani rupees to standardize payments.

Trump-Like Ambition for Pakistan Telecom

Meanwhile, Rehman noted that telecom operators are already preparing business cases and investment plans to accelerate deployment. Moreover, operators have placed orders for 5G equipment, and local manufacturing of 5G-enabled smartphones is underway, with around 500,000 to 600,000 units produced so far.

Although 5G is a key focus, the PTA stressed that enhancing 4G services remains a priority for the 90% of users currently relying on the technology. “Efficient use of available bands will significantly improve service quality,” Rehman said, citing Bangladesh’s 4G experience as a benchmark.

In addition, operators were given flexibility in spectrum sharing, certain regulatory terms were relaxed, and a one-year moratorium on upfront spectrum payments was introduced to help improve service quality before 5G deployment begins.

5G Rollout Plan

After licences are issued, 5G services are expected to launch within 3–6 months, starting in federal and provincial capitals. Operators are required to deploy 1,000 new sites annually, including at least 200 sites per year to address coverage gaps.

The PTA has also set ambitious quality targets:

4G: Minimum download speeds from 20 Mbps (2026–27) to 50 Mbps (2030–35), latency from 75 ms to 50 ms
5G: Minimum download speeds from 50 Mbps initially to 100 Mbps by 2030–35, latency reduced to 35 ms

In summary, Pakistan aims to align its network quality and connectivity with regional best practices while improving both user experience and operator growth.

Why This Matters

The PTA 5G spectrum auction is a major step in transforming Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. Firstly, it enables faster mobile internet, which is critical for business, education, and e-commerce growth. Secondly, early deployment will create jobs in network operations, equipment manufacturing, and local telecom support services.

In addition, the auction signals Pakistan’s readiness to adopt next-generation technologies, which could attract foreign investment. Moreover, improved 4G and 5G services will enhance connectivity for rural and underserved areas, supporting inclusive digital development.

What Happens Next

Telecom operators must submit applications by February 27 to qualify for the auction. Following the bidding, provisional winners will finalize payments and submit guarantees. Operators will then begin deploying 5G sites in key cities, expanding coverage gradually over several years.

Meanwhile, the PTA will monitor service quality improvements for 4G and 5G, ensuring minimum download speeds and latency targets are met. The initiative will be crucial in shaping Pakistan’s digital landscape for the next decade.