Pakistan’s telecom regulator has finalized key amendments to the Information Memorandum (IM) for the upcoming Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) and 5G spectrum auction, marking a major step toward accelerating next-generation connectivity and digital transformation across the country.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced that the revised framework was issued following extensive stakeholder consultations, with changes formally notified on February 13, 2026. The amendments introduce updated quality-of-service benchmarks, revised auction mechanisms, and strengthened rollout obligations aimed at improving network performance and expanding 5G coverage nationwide.
Stronger Quality and Performance Benchmarks
Under the revised framework, telecom operators will be required to meet phased service standards for both 4G and 5G networks. The updated policy shifts performance measurements to median speed benchmarks — a move regulators say will better reflect real user experience.
Initial targets require median downlink speeds of at least 20 Mbps for 4G and 50 Mbps for 5G between 2026 and 2028, rising gradually to 50 Mbps for 4G and 100 Mbps for 5G by the premium standards phase extending to 2035. Upload speeds must maintain a minimum ratio relative to download performance.
Industry observers believe the new metrics align Pakistan with international best practices by emphasizing consistent user experience rather than peak speeds.
Expanded Network Rollout Obligations
The amended license framework also outlines strict rollout requirements. Winning operators will be required to deploy at least 1,000 sites annually, with a minimum of 20 percent dedicated to new locations aimed at reducing coverage gaps.
The policy mandates early 5G deployment in federal and provincial capitals, followed by expansion to additional cities across all provinces in subsequent phases. Priority areas include motorways, universities, hospitals, industrial zones, and major transport hubs.
Regulators say these measures are intended to balance urban innovation with rural connectivity, ensuring broader access to high-speed mobile services.
Updated Auction and Technical Framework
The notification introduces changes to auction procedures, including revised eligibility point mechanisms, pricing calculations, and bidding extension rules. Technical amendments also cover synchronization requirements, cross-border coordination, and spectrum usage standards to minimize interference and improve network efficiency.
Operators will be required to provide performance guarantees backed by bank guarantees totaling $15 million equivalent, linked to phased rollout milestones.
Industry Impact and Digital Economy Push
The finalization of the NGMS/5G framework signals renewed momentum in Pakistan’s digital infrastructure strategy, with policymakers viewing 5G as a catalyst for innovation in sectors such as e-commerce, fintech, telemedicine, and smart manufacturing.
Analysts say clarity in auction rules could encourage investor confidence, particularly if spectrum pricing and rollout obligations strike a balance between regulatory expectations and commercial viability.
The PTA has not yet announced the exact auction date, but industry stakeholders expect further updates as preparations move toward the bidding phase.
