Pakistan is edging closer to the rollout of 5G services as the federal cabinet is expected to approve the long-awaited 5G spectrum auction, a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey.
According to officials, recommendations related to the auction — including the proposed auction framework and reserve prices — have already been submitted for cabinet approval. Once cleared, final decisions on pricing and the auction model will be formally notified.
Federal Minister for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima, stated that the cabinet’s approval will pave the way for the next steps, including the release of the official Information Memorandum (IM). She added that the IM, which outlines detailed terms and conditions for participation, is expected to be issued within five to six days of approval.
Authorities plan to auction spectrum across six frequency bands, offering a combined total of around 600 MHz. Telecom operators will be given a 40 to 45-day window to prepare and submit bids after the IM is published.
The spectrum auction is expected to conclude before February 15 and will be conducted transparently, with media allowed to observe the proceedings. Pakistan’s three major mobile network operators are anticipated to take part, while international companies will also be eligible to bid.
The frequency bands proposed for auction include 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has identified the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands as priorities, with plans to auction more than 300 MHz of spectrum, including nearly 194 MHz of prime spectrum in the 2600 MHz band.
Industry experts note that a minimum of 100 MHz spectrum is essential for delivering reliable 5G services. To attract investment, authorities intend to keep pricing competitive, with separate base prices set for each band to ensure fair competition.
The launch of 5G is expected to significantly improve internet speeds and network capacity, particularly in major urban centers. Sources indicate that commercial 5G services could begin in 2026, starting with Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Network performance targets are expected to rise from 4 Mbps in the initial phase to 25 Mbps over time.
Plans also include the installation of new mobile towers each year and increased fiberization of existing infrastructure, signaling a substantial upgrade to Pakistan’s digital connectivity and telecom ecosystem.
Tags: Pakistan 5G, 5G spectrum auction, Pakistan telecom news, PTA spectrum auction, 5G launch Pakistan, digital infrastructure Pakistan, Shaza Fatima IT, mobile broadband Pakistan
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Last modified: December 25, 2025
