Pakistan on Tuesday raised a massive $507 million in a long-awaited 5G spectrum auction, selling 480 MHz of spectrum against a target of 597 MHz. Three telecom operators Jazz, Zong, and Ufone secured frequencies to roll out next-generation mobile services across the country.
The auction concluded after three rounds, with the results announced by Hafeez Ur Rehman, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), alongside Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for IT, and Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information.
According to PTA, the auction sold 2 lots in the 700 MHz band, all 5 lots in the 2300 MHz band, all 19 lots in the 2600 MHz band, and 22 out of 28 lots in the 3500 MHz band, bringing the total spectrum sold to 480 MHz.
In terms of allocation:
- Jazz emerged as the largest buyer, acquiring 190 MHz, including 50 MHz in 3500 MHz, 70 MHz in 2600 MHz, 50 MHz in 2300 MHz, and 20 MHz in 700 MHz.
- Ufone secured 180 MHz, including 120 MHz in 3500 MHz and 60 MHz in 2600 MHz.
- Zong obtained 110 MHz.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the government had made around 600 MHz spectrum available and the auction was conducted live and transparently under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
She noted that Pakistan had reached a “choking point” in terms of spectrum availability, and the additional frequencies would significantly improve internet quality nationwide.
The minister added that 5G services are expected to launch in five major cities by the end of the year, and highlighted that spectrum vacated by the armed forces and other institutions was crucial in enabling the auction.
Officials said consumers would begin noticing improved mobile internet speeds within the next few months as operators start upgrading their networks.
