Pakistan Secures $507M from 5G Spectrum Auction, PTA Announces

• Three telecom providers acquire frequencies to launch 5G services.
• Deployment of 5G expected to start in Islamabad and major provincial cities: IT minister.
• A subsequent auction phase is scheduled for the day after tomorrow: PTA chairman.

On Tuesday, the federal government announced the completion of a major 5G spectrum auction, raising $507 million. A total of 480 MHz of spectrum was sold out of a target of 597 MHz, with three telecom operators securing licenses to provide upcoming mobile technology services.

The auction wrapped after three rounds, with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman announcing the results alongside Federal IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima.

He noted that two of three lots in the 700 MHz band, all five lots in the 2300 MHz band, every one of the 19 available lots in the 2600 MHz band, and 22 of 28 lots in the 3500 MHz band were sold, totaling 480 MHz of spectrum sold.

The PTA leader called this day “a historic milestone” for Pakistan, emphasizing the nation’s strides in digital development.

He also highlighted the active participation and competitive pricing contributed by telecom companies.

Looking ahead, the next phase of the auction, set for the day after tomorrow, will involve designating specific frequency blocks within each band. Operators will decide internally whether they prefer the upper, middle, or lower portions of each band.

During the event, the IT minister declared this auction a groundbreaking moment in Pakistan’s telecom history.

She stressed that the process was fully transparent, with all bidding sessions broadcast live from a dedicated PTA control room.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that every detail of the auction be made public in real-time to maintain transparency,” she explained.

The minister also commended the PTA, industry stakeholders, international consultants, and the Ministry of IT for their essential roles in organizing the auction.

Reflecting on previous spectrum sales, she mentioned Pakistan’s first 3G and 4G licenses, awarded between 2014 and 2016 under former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, which established the foundation for current advances.

“With the availability of the 600 MHz spectrum, Pakistan is now moving from spectrum scarcity to aligning with regional standards,” she added.

Fatima explained that the new licenses will substantially improve internet speeds and connectivity for millions across the country, leading to better mobile experiences soon.

She announced that 5G services will initially launch in Islamabad and provincial capitals, marking Pakistan’s official entry into the 5G era.

The minister acknowledged the vital support from the Spectrum Advisory Committee, the finance ministry, and other government bodies in ensuring the auction’s success.

She also appreciated the media’s assistance in broadcasting the event live.