Key Points:
• Federal government aims to auction 5G spectrum to improve telecom quality
• Operators to receive an additional 600 MHz of spectrum
• Pakistan’s current spectrum allocation of 274MHz is among the lowest globally
• Auction and rollout expected to resolve broadband issues by the end of 2026
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has tasked the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) with auctioning the 5G spectrum by February 2026.
This initiative aims to enhance the quality of telecom services and address the increasing demand for high-speed internet throughout the country, according to the officials of Pakistan’s Telecom regulator.
Speaking to SAMAA, PTA Director General Licensing Aamir Shehzad said preparations for the 5G spectrum auction are underway, and telecom operators will receive an additional 600 MHz of spectrum.
He noted that operators are currently facing complaints about quality and service due to limited spectrum availability. Pakistan, so far, has only 274 MHz of spectrum, ranking among the lowest in the world for spectrum allocation, according to PTA data.
Shehzad added that the auction and rollout of 5G services would resolve broadband quality issues, and Pakistan is expected to have reliable high-speed broadband services by the end of 2026, as indicated in the PTA and government reports.
The federal government is reviewing an international consultant report on 5G deployment, and the final auction date will be confirmed following policy guidance, according to the officials.
