Pakistan Frees 600+ MHz Spectrum to Speed Up 5G Auction

By Sabica Tahira ⏐ 3 months ago ⏐

2 min read

Pakistan has taken a major step toward launching 5G services as the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) freed more than 600 MHz of spectrum for the upcoming 5G auction. The spectrum release was made possible through coordination with defense forces and re-farming of existing bands.

The freed spectrum includes 700 MHz and 2300 MHz bands, along with 285 MHz in the 3500 MHz mid-band, which is widely adopted for 5G worldwide. To ensure quality, FAB conducted nationwide monitoring surveys, blocking illegal links and coordinating with neighboring countries to minimize cross-border interference.

Spectrum Bands Approved for 5G Auction

Frequency Band	Availability	Notes
700 MHz	2×15 MHz	Low-band, better coverage
1800 MHz	2×3.6 MHz	Under litigation
2100 MHz	2×20 MHz	Partial disputes pending
2300 MHz	50 MHz	High capacity band
2600 MHz	194 MHz	140 MHz under litigation
3500 MHz	285 MHz	Prime 5G mid-band
24 GHz	3.082 GHz	High-frequency mmWave
39 GHz	4 GHz	Ultra-high capacity

In total, 606 MHz spectrum has been cleared for auction, though 161.6 MHz remains under litigation, mainly in the 2600 MHz band. This could delay operator participation.

The Ministry of IT & Telecom informed Parliament that the Advisory Committee is addressing two critical issues before the auction: the PTCL Telenor merger and the pending court cases on disputed spectrum. Officials emphasized quick resolution to ensure Pakistan’s timely shift to 5G connectivity.

5G Auction, FAB, Pakistan 5G

Sabica Tahira

Experienced Content Writer & Creative Strategist
I am an experienced writer passionate about creating engaging, research-driven content across technology, AI, fintech, and cryptocurrency. My goal is to inform, inspire, and connect audiences through impactful storytelling while helping brands build trust and a strong digital presence.