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Pakistan is moving closer to its first 5G spectrum auction, with sources in the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) claiming that nearly 80% of mobile phones in the country are ready to support the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands necessary for 5G.
The auction, expected by the end of February 2026, will cover about 597.2 MHz of spectrum below 6 GHz, including the 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz bands. This initiative is part of the government’s 2025-26 national transition plan for 5G.
PTA officials say the spectrum release will not only enable 5G services but also enhance 4G networks. Average 4G speeds, currently around 4 Mbps in urban areas, are expected to rise to 20-25 Mbps following the auction.
The 5G rollout will begin in major cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. Operators will be required to meet Quality of Service obligations, with commercial 5G services offering a minimum downlink speed of 50 Mbps at launch. The 2300 MHz band is set to provide balanced coverage and capacity in urban centers, while the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands will support higher throughput and lower latency in high-traffic areas.
PTA sources also stressed that operators must expand fiber-to-the-site infrastructure from 20% to 60%, laying the groundwork for long-term improvements in mobile broadband services nationwide.
Some industry insiders have questioned the 80% readiness figure, suggesting it may be overstated. Nevertheless, the auction is widely expected to significantly boost mobile data performance and pave the way for Pakistan’s next-generation mobile networks.
