Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction has officially closed, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) evaluating submissions both via software and manual verification.
All eyes remain on the highly contested 2600 MHz band, as analysts watch whether the second mandatory price escalation balanced the persistent excess demand or if telecom operators will enter a fourth round. Official results are expected soon.
Alongside the auction, the PTA has outlined key targets for 4G and 5G mobile broadband speeds and nationwide rollout plans, structured in multiple phases.
Mobile Broadband Speed Targets
| Phase | Period | 4G Download (Existing) | 4G Download (New) | 5G Download (New) | Upload Target (% of DL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 2026-2028 | ≥24 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 20% |
| Phase 2 | 2028-2030 | ≥24 Mbps | 35 Mbps | 75 Mbps | 20% |
| Phase 3 & 4 | 2030-2035 | ≥24 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 20% |
- 4G download speeds for new users gradually increase from 20 Mbps to 50 Mbps.
- 5G aims for 50-100 Mbps for at least 20% of consumers by 2035.
Rollout Expansion & Coverage
| Focus Area | Targets & Initiatives |
|---|---|
| Spectrum & Bandwidth | 597.2 MHz across 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600 & 3300 MHz bands for nationwide 4G upgrades and 5G deployment |
| Vertical Expansion (Speed) | 4G minimum DL increases from 24 Mbps → 20-50 Mbps; 5G targets 50-100 Mbps |
| Horizontal Expansion (Coverage) | 1,000 new sites per MNO per year (20% new locations), with 5G in federal & provincial capitals |
| Fiber Deployment (FTTS Ratio) | Fibre-to-the-site ratio increases 20% → 35%, improving backhaul capacity |
| USF & License Compliance | Addressing coverage gaps in remote areas via Universal Service Fund (USF) referrals and mandatory rollout obligations |
Pakistan’s telecom sector is set on a phased path to enhance mobile broadband speeds and coverage. 4G users can expect gradual improvements in download performance, while 5G rollout aims to provide faster connectivity for a growing segment of consumers.
