The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially started the countdown for the country’s first 5G spectrum auction. With the publication of the Information Memorandum (IM) on January 9, 2026, the timeline is now locked.
The “potential” dates are gone. The regulatory clock is ticking, and operators have exactly 34 days from the starting gun to submit their applications.
5G Spectrum Auction: Confirmed Schedule
According to TechJuice’s review of the official documents, the IM sets the publication date (T0) as January 9, 2026. Based on the official formulas, the schedule is as follows:
- February 12, 2026 (T0 + 34):
The deadline for applications. Prospective bidders must submit their application forms and pre-bid deposits by 4:00 PM PST. - February 17, 2026 (T0 + 39):
The PTA announces the list of Qualified Bidders. - February 19, 2026 (T0 + 41):
Qualified bidders participate in a Mock Auction to test the Electronic Auction System (EAS). - February 25, 2026 (T0 + 47):
The Main Auction (Allocation Stage) officially begins.
The Price of Entry
Operators need deep pockets to participate. Prospective bidders must submit a pre-bid deposit of USD 15 million just to enter the race. The auction offers a total of 597.2 MHz across six bands. The authority sets reserve prices in USD but accepts payment in PKR:
- 700 MHz: $6.5M per MHz ($32.5M per lot).
- 1800 MHz: $14M per MHz ($16.8M per lot).
- 2100 MHz: $14M per MHz ($70M per lot).
- 2300 MHz: $1M per MHz ($10M per lot).
- 2600 MHz: $1.25M per MHz ($12.5M per lot).
- 3500 MHz: $0.65M per MHz ($6.5M per lot).
Spectrum Caps & Rules
To ensure fair competition, the PTA has imposed strict spectrum caps. No single operator can hold more than 348.5 MHz of total IMT spectrum, which represents 40% of the total available. Specific caps also apply to the 2600 MHz (140 MHz limit) and 3500 MHz (200 MHz limit) bands. New entrants face a specific restriction. They are barred from bidding on the 1800 MHz band entirely.
Winners will face aggressive rollout targets. The license duration is 15 years. Operators can pay 100% upfront or opt for a deferred plan. 50% down after a one-year moratorium, with the remainder paid in five equal annual instalments at KIBOR + 3%.
In return, they must deliver. Phase 1 (2026-2028) requires the deployment of 1,000 sites per year and the launch of 5G services in all Federal and Provincial capitals. The framework is public. The dates are set. The race for 5G in Pakistan begins now.
