The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has unveiled the official framework for the country’s inaugural 5G spectrum auction, scheduled to take place later this year.
The auction for Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS/5G) is expected to open for applications shortly, with the bidding phase likely to commence in late February or March 2026.
Spanning a total of 597.2 MHz across six strategic frequency bands, the auction follows federal cabinet approval and a formal policy directive. It is designed to accelerate 4G network upgrades while enabling the rollout of 5G services in major urban centres. Leading telecom operators, including Jazz, Zong, and the proposed PTCL–Ufone–Telenor merger, are preparing to participate, after the timeline was revised from an earlier mid-February target.
Auction Overview
TechJuice has reviewed the official documents in detail, which indicate that applications are expected to be invited by T0+34 days, tentatively around February 12.
The auction process is structured into five distinct phases: application, qualification, allocation (main clock auction), assignment, and grant, all conducted through an Electronic Auction System (EAS). To maintain a competitive market structure, qualified bidders will be subject to defined spectrum caps, including a 348.5 MHz limit on total IMT holdings (representing a 40% cap), while new entrants will not be permitted to bid for spectrum in the 1800 MHz band.
Available Spectrum
A total of 597.2 MHz below 6 GHz is up for grabs in technology-neutral bands suitable for 4G/5G.
700 MHz (FDD): 2×15 MHz (3 lots of 2×5 MHz).
1800 MHz (FDD): 2×3.6 MHz (3 lots of 2×1.2 MHz).
2100 MHz (FDD): 2×20 MHz (4 lots of 2×5 MHz).
2300 MHz (TDD): 50 MHz (5 lots of 10 MHz).
2600 MHz (TDD): 190 MHz (19 lots of 10 MHz).
3500 MHz (TDD): 280 MHz (28 lots of 10 MHz).
Figure 1 in the IM shows positions relative to existing MNO holdings.
Reserve Prices
Bids start at reserve prices in USD per MHz, converted to PKR via NBP TT selling rate on the day before the auction.
| Category | Band | MHz per Lot | Reserve Price (USD/MHz) | Reserve per Lot (USD Mn) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 700 MHz | 2×5 | 6.5 | 32.5 | |
| B | 1800 MHz | 2×1.2 | 14 | 16.8 | |
| C | 2100 MHz | 2×5 | 14 | 70 | |
| D | 2300 MHz | 10 | 1 | 10 | |
| E | 2600 MHz | 10 | 1.25 | 12.5 | |
| F | 3500 MHz | 10 | 0.65 | 6.5 |
Minimum bids apply in Round 1: incumbents need 50 MHz in 2600/3500 MHz; new entrants need 50 MHz across select bands.
Auction Process
A Clock Auction format determines quantities, followed by assignment for specific frequencies. Bidders submit via EAS; activity rules use eligibility points (1 per MHz). Post-auction, winners pay initial fees with a 1-year moratorium, then 100% upfront or 50% down + 5-year deferred at KIBOR+3%. Performance Bank Guarantees secure rollout.
Rollout Obligations
Winners face phased mandates over 2026-2035, superseding prior ones for participants.
Phase 1 (2026-28): 1,000 sites/year (20% new), 5G in capitals, 20% FTTS, QoS: 20 Mbps 4G/50 Mbps 5G downlink.
Phase 2 (2028-30): 1,000 sites/year, 5G in 10 more cities, 25% FTTS, enhanced QoS.
Phase 3 (2030-32): Nationwide push, 30% FTTS.
Phase 4 (2032-35): 35% FTTS, full coverage.
New entrants: 200 sites/year minimum per phase. Coverage maps mandatory; QoS for 90% users.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G journey is finally entering a decisive phase. With the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority formally outlining the auction framework, timelines, and safeguards, the country is moving from policy intent to execution.
