Pakistan is set to take a major step toward next-generation mobile internet as the federal government prepares to hold the country’s 5G spectrum auction on Tuesday. The auction will offer around 600 MHz of spectrum nationwide, a move aimed at improving connectivity and preparing the telecom sector for faster internet services.
The upcoming auction was discussed during a background briefing attended by Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Hafeez Ur Rehman, who shared details with journalists about the process and expectations.
Limited Spectrum & Need for Expansion
IT Minister Shaza Fatima said Pakistan has been operating its telecom services on only 274 MHz of spectrum since 1987, which is far lower than the capacity available in many countries in the region. She said the new auction will release around 600 MHz of additional spectrum, making it the largest spectrum offering in the country’s telecom history.
According to officials, the auction will be conducted through specialised software, and the entire process will be broadcast live to ensure transparency. Authorities have also prepared a backup system to deal with any unexpected technical issues during the bidding process.
PTA chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman said telecom companies interested in the auction have already hired consultants to guide them through the bidding process. Operators also participated in a mock auction, where the software system was tested and no technical concerns were reported.
Officials said the auction will include six spectrum bands, with the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands suitable for both 4G and 5G services. The 3500 MHz band will be dedicated specifically for 5G technology.
The PTA has planned a two-stage auction process. In the first stage, spectrum bands will be allocated, while in the second stage telecom companies will compete for the rights to use those bands. Five bidding rounds have been scheduled for the first day, although the process could extend depending on competition among operators.
The telecom regulator also highlighted infrastructure challenges in the sector. Pakistan currently has around 59,000 telecom sites, but network quality issues remain, particularly in rural areas where fewer towers are available.
Under a nine-year rollout plan, telecom operators are expected to install around 3,000 new telecom sites each year to gradually improve network coverage and service quality across the country.
Officials said that early 5G services in Pakistan are expected to deliver speeds of around 50 Mbps, with improvements expected as infrastructure expands.
Addressing public concerns, PTA officials clarified that the launch of 5G will not increase mobile package prices. The regulator said it will monitor telecom companies to ensure that consumers are not burdened with higher costs after the introduction of the new technology.
The government has also removed Right of Way charges, a move intended to make it easier for telecom operators to expand their infrastructure.
Officials stressed that the main purpose of the auction is not revenue generation, but improving digital connectivity and strengthening Pakistan’s digital economy.
Pakistan last held a major spectrum auction for 3G and 4G services in 2013-2014, which significantly expanded mobile internet access in the country. Since then, data usage has grown rapidly, increasing pressure on existing telecom infrastructure.
