Pakistan auctions 5G spectrum for $507m to boost internet speeds
Telecom operators likely to launch 5G services initially in Islamabad and the provincial capitals
Ufone secured 180 MHz, including 120 MHz in the 3500 MHz band and 60 MHz in the 2600 MHz band, while Zong secured 110 MHz in the auction.
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
Pakistan on Tuesday sold 5G spectrum worth $507 million in an auction aimed at boosting internet speeds.
Telecom operators are expected to launch 5G services initially in Islamabad and the provincial capitals, which will later be extended to other areas of the country.
During the last spectrum auction, three telecom operators — Telenor, Jazz and Zong — had skipped the process due to tough terms and conditions, while Ufone was the only company that participated.
However, this time Zong and Jazz also took part in the bidding and secured spectrum, reportedly due to more favourable terms set by the government.
Some experts had argued that it was not the right time for Pakistan to auction 5G spectrum, given that the country is already facing economic pressure due to tensions in the Gulf region.
Despite these concerns, local telecom industry officials welcomed the government’s decision, saying the auction was necessary at a time when internet speed has become a major issue for consumers
Consumers are hopeful that the move would result in wider coverage of high-speed internet services across the country.
However, some industry officials said that state-controlled internet infrastructure could continue to face speed issues even after the rollout of 5G services.
They added that the initial rollout of 5G may largely benefit large businesses, while the average consumer may not immediately experience significant improvements in internet speed.
The government, however, described the auction as a major milestone for the country’s digital development.
In total, the government sold 480 MHz of spectrum, although it had originally targeted 597 MHz. Three telecom operators — Jazz, Zong and Ufone — secured frequencies to roll out next-generation mobile services.
According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the auction resulted in 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, including 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 secured 180 MHz, including 120 MHz in the 3500 MHz band and 60 MHz in the 2600 MHz band, while Zong secured 110 MHz in the auction.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also participated in the ceremony and highlighted the economic significance of 5G for Pakistan’s future. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting policies that strengthened the telecommunications ecosystem and enabled Pakistan to compete in the global digital economy.
The PTA chairman described the day as “a historic and joyous milestone” for Pakistan, highlighting the country’s progress in digital transformation.
He also stressed the collaboration of telecom operators, who actively participated in the auction and helped ensure competitive pricing.
The chairman further said that operators would internally decide which frequencies to take in the upper, middle or lower segments of each band.
Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja also described the auction as a major milestone in Pakistan’s telecommunications history.
She maintained that the entire event was conducted with full transparency, as all bidding processes were broadcast live from the control room established by the PTA.
She further said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed that every detail of the auction be made public to ensure transparency and build public trust.
The minister also praised the contributions of the PTA, industry partners, international consultants and the Ministry of IT for their role in facilitating the auction.
With the 600 MHz spectrum now available, she said Pakistan had moved from being spectrum-starved to meeting regional benchmarks.
Shaza added that the new spectrum would significantly boost internet speeds and connectivity for millions of Pakistanis, improving mobile internet experiences in the coming months.
She said 5G services would initially be launched in Islamabad and the provincial capitals, marking Pakistan’s entry into the list of countries offering next-generation mobile services.