Pakistan’s first round of the 5G spectrum auction turned into a competitive contest, as mobile companies rushed to secure limited airwaves. Demand in one key frequency band exceeded what the government had made available, forcing the starting price to rise in the next round. The move reflects operators’ urgent need to expand network capacity for growing data traffic.
The 2600 MHz band, a frequency often used to handle high-speed mobile data, had 190 MHz of spectrum divided into 19 blocks of 10 MHz each.
However, telecom companies placed bids totaling 30 blocks, far more than the available 19. Following the auction rules, the oversubscription automatically triggers a 5 percent price increase for the upcoming round, making competition even tougher.
Meanwhile, the 3500 MHz band, considered essential for full 5G services in the long term, saw a slower start. Officials offered 280 MHz in 28 blocks, but bidders requested only 20 blocks.
Experts say this suggests that while carriers need extra capacity right now, they are cautious about investing heavily in the band that will form the backbone of next-generation networks.
Industry experts note that the strong demand for the 2600 MHz spectrum mirrors Pakistan’s rising data consumption. With more people streaming, gaming, and relying on mobile internet, operators need extra bandwidth immediately.
The auction will continue over multiple rounds, allowing companies to adjust their bids based on price changes and strategic priorities.
