Islamabad: Pakistan has officially launched a spectrum auction for 5G services, marking a historic step in the country’s digital transformation. The auction, announced by IT Minister Shaza Fatima, has drawn participation from all three major telecom operators, who will compete to acquire the spectrum required for next-generation mobile services.
Auction Details and Financial Outlook
The government is offering 600 MHz of spectrum in this auction, introducing four new bands, including the 700 MHz band for the first time. Telecom operators are required to acquire at least 100 MHz each, ensuring a minimum total of 300 MHz is sold, effectively doubling the spectrum available for mobile networks.
The auction is expected to generate $300 million to $700 million in revenue, according to government sources. Multiple rounds of bidding may continue to maximize spectrum allocation and coverage.
Minister Fatima emphasized that the 3500 MHz and 2600 MHz bands are mandatory for operating 5G services, while the 700 MHz band is essential for long-distance coverage and basic telephony in populated areas.
Improving 4G and Introducing 5G
The minister highlighted that Pakistan entered the 3G and 4G era between 2014 and 2016, but no major spectrum auctions had taken place since, leading to network congestion and declining internet quality.
She stated that the auction would not only launch 5G services but also enhance the quality and capacity of existing 4G networks, benefiting millions of internet users. Improvements in connectivity are expected to be visible within four to five months for 4G and five to six months for 5G, initially in Islamabad and provincial capitals.
Here’s some BTS from the #5GSpectrumAuction being telecast live from Islamabad today. Watch live on @PTVNewsOfficial https://t.co/2Q8zof5ULn#5GConnectivity #5GDigitalNationPakistan pic.twitter.com/18J0MHJGWS
— Ministry of IT & Telecom (@MoitOfficial) March 10, 2026
Supporting Digital Infrastructure
To facilitate the rollout, the government has abolished Right-of-Way (RoW) charges for telecom infrastructure, allowing faster expansion of fiber networks nationwide. A national fiberization plan will also support telecom operators in building the necessary infrastructure post-auction.
Fatima stressed that digital connectivity is now crucial across sectors such as the economy, agriculture, industry, and national security, highlighting the broader benefits of the auction.
Significance for Pakistan’s Digital Economy
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb described the auction as a historic milestone for Pakistan’s digital economy. He noted that the auction framework was carefully developed to balance revenue generation with fostering an enabling ecosystem for technological growth.
Greater spectrum availability and the rollout of 5G are expected to accelerate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Web 3.0, positioning Pakistan toward a modern digital economy.
“Digital Highway” for the Future
PTA Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman called 5G a “digital highway” and an engine for Pakistan’s technological future. He praised all institutions involved in making the spectrum available and reaffirmed that Pakistan had become the first country in Asia to abolish Right-of-Way charges, reducing them from Rs36,000 per kilometer to zero.
Rehman urged telecom operators to actively participate in the auction and ensure the successful deployment of 5G services, which will bring modern internet facilities to urban and remote areas alike, ushering in a new era of connectivity for Pakistan.
