PTA Finalizes Draft as 5G Spectrum Auction Awaits Policy Green Light

Pakistan’s long delayed 5G rollout has entered a decisive preparatory phase, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority completing the draft Information Memorandum for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, according to official sources. The document, which outlines auction rules, spectrum blocks, and financial terms, is ready but cannot be issued until the federal government releases a formal policy directive.

Sources familiar with the process say the PTA has been waiting for the policy directive for more than a week, despite the Spectrum Advisory Committee’s recommendations already being approved. Once the directive is issued, the PTA plans to quickly finalize and publish the Information Memorandum by incorporating key elements such as reserve prices, rollout obligations, and licensing conditions.

Officials indicate that the timeline for operators will be tighter than in previous auctions. After the Information Memorandum is issued, telecom companies will be given less preparation time to submit applications and financial guarantees, reflecting pressure from the government to avoid further delays. PTA sources maintain that all internal preparations have been completed and that the authority is ready to move as soon as the policy clearance arrives.

The regulator’s stated objective remains unchanged: to conduct the 5G spectrum auction before the start of Ramadan. Officials say efforts are underway to issue the Information Memorandum within the current week if the policy directive is cleared in time.

According to PTA officials, around 600 MHz of spectrum will be put up for auction across multiple frequency bands. This includes 194 MHz of prime spectrum in the 2600 MHz band, which is seen as critical for capacity driven 5G services. Additional bands to be auctioned include 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 3500 MHz. The PTA has identified the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands as its top priorities due to their suitability for high speed and low latency 5G deployments.

Industry analysts note that the auction structure reflects lessons from earlier delays and failed attempts, where high reserve prices, macroeconomic instability, and policy uncertainty discouraged aggressive bidding. Telecom operators have repeatedly called for realistic pricing, longer payment tenures, and clear rollout obligations to ensure commercial viability.

The 5G auction is also closely linked to Pakistan’s broader digital and economic agenda. Officials have previously described faster mobile broadband as essential for cloud services, fintech expansion, industrial automation, and foreign investment. International lenders and development partners have also emphasized spectrum reforms as part of wider telecom sector sustainability.

With more than 300 MHz of spectrum targeted for auction, the coming days are expected to determine whether Pakistan can finally move from planning to execution on 5G. All eyes are now on the federal cabinet’s policy directive, which will decide whether the long awaited auction proceeds on schedule or faces yet another delay.