Pakistan has taken a major step toward the launch of next-generation mobile services after raising $507 million in the long-awaited 5G spectrum auction conducted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The auction concluded after three rounds, during which 480 MHz of spectrum was sold against a targeted 597 MHz, enabling three major telecom operators—Jazz, Ufone and Zong—to secure frequencies for the rollout of advanced mobile broadband services.
The results were announced by PTA Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman at a ceremony attended by Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar, and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who had formally inaugurated the auction at the beginning of the event.
According to the PTA, the authority had offered nearly 600 MHz of spectrum across multiple frequency bands. The auction saw the sale of two lots in the 700 MHz band, all five lots in the 2300 MHz band, all 19 lots in the 2600 MHz band, and 22 out of 28 lots in the 3500 MHz band, bringing the total spectrum sold to 480 MHz.
In terms of allocation, Jazz emerged as the largest buyer, securing 190 MHz of spectrum. The company acquired 50 MHz in the 3500 MHz band, 70 MHz in the 2600 MHz band, 50 MHz in the 2300 MHz band, and 20 MHz in the 700 MHz band.
Ufone obtained 180 MHz of spectrum, including 120 MHz in the 3500 MHz band and 60 MHz in the 2600 MHz band, while Zong secured 110 MHz during the auction.
The assignment stage, to determine specific frequency positions within each band, will be held on 12th March, 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja congratulated stakeholders and the nation, describing the successful 5G spectrum auction as an important milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation.
She said the government had made around 600 MHz spectrum available for auction, adding that the bidding process was conducted live to ensure transparency, in line with the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The minister noted that Pakistan had reached a “choking point” in terms of spectrum availability, and the newly released spectrum would significantly improve the quality and capacity of mobile internet services across the country.
Khawaja added that 5G services are expected to be launched in five major cities by the end of the year, while consumers could start experiencing improved internet speeds within the next few months as telecom operators begin upgrading their networks.
She also highlighted that spectrum vacated by the armed forces and other institutions played a key role in enabling the auction, making additional bandwidth available for commercial telecom services.
Earlier, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the spectrum auction would help boost Pakistan’s IT exports and strengthen the country’s digital economy, emphasizing that enhanced connectivity is essential for expanding digital services.
He noted that the government is encouraging online education, remote work and digital services, particularly in the context of evolving regional challenges, and improved connectivity will support these initiatives.
Addressing the ceremony, Information Minister Atta Tarar said the transparent bidding process demonstrated Pakistan’s commitment to open and competitive digital sector reforms, adding that cooperation between the public and private sectors is essential for economic growth.
Officials said the availability of additional spectrum will allow telecom operators to expand network capacity, improve mobile internet speeds and introduce advanced digital services, paving the way for the country’s transition toward the 5G era.
