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Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G spectrum auction has been officially pushed to March 10, 2026, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The move delays the nation’s entry into the 5G era but allows additional time for bidders to prepare amid complex auction designs and spectrum pricing concerns. The auction will offer multiple frequency bands to support faster data speeds, low-latency connections, and emerging technologies like AI, smart cities, and digital services.
Originally slated for February 26, 2026, the auction timeline was revised following an extensive review by the Auction Advisory Committee, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and attended by IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja. The committee assessed spectrum availability, procedural milestones, and stakeholder consultations to ensure a smooth auction process.
The updated schedule includes:
- Consultation period for the Information Memorandum (IM) until February 6, 2026
- Final IM publication on February 13, 2026
- Information session for applicants on February 16, 2026
- Application deadline with pre-bid deposits on February 27, 2026
- Qualified bidder announcement on March 3, 2026
The auction will cover around 597.2 MHz of spectrum across low, mid, and high bands, including 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and the globally preferred 3500 MHz band, ensuring nationwide 5G coverage and capacity.
PTA officials emphasize that the auction is a critical step for Pakistan’s 5G rollout. “This auction will not only accelerate faster data speeds and lower latency but will also enable technologies such as AI, industrial automation, and smart city applications,” they said.
Winning bidders will submit performance bank guarantees within 15 business days after the auction, and commercial 5G services are expected to roll out within six to seven months, subject to network readiness and regulatory compliance.
Industry analysts note that while the delay pushes back immediate 5G deployment, the additional preparation period ensures smoother implementation and fair competition among telecom operators.
