ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has completed preparations for its much-anticipated 5G spectrum auction, with the formal launch ceremony scheduled for March 10 at 9:00 am, marking a major step toward next-generation mobile connectivity in the country.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja will address the opening ceremony, while Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez-ur-Rehman is also expected to speak at the event.
Officials said the Director General of Wireless Licensing will deliver a detailed briefing on the auction process and spectrum allocation before the bidding formally begins.
According to the schedule, the auction will officially commence following the inaugural ceremony, with a total of 597 MHz of spectrum to be offered to telecom operators.
Industry officials say the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands are considered the most critical for launching 5G services due to their ability to deliver high-speed connectivity and improved network performance.
In addition, spectrum in the 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz bands will also be offered during the auction.
Three major telecom operators — Jazz, Ufone and Zong — are expected to participate in the bidding process. Companies will be able to take part online from their offices, officials said.
The auction will follow a “clock auction” mechanism, conducted through specialized software and involving multiple bidding rounds.
Under the auction framework, each telecom operator will be required to acquire at least 100 MHz of spectrum to support the rollout of 5G services.
The auction is seen as a key milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation, with the potential to enable faster mobile internet, new digital services and innovation across sectors including e-commerce, healthcare and smart infrastructure.
