Islamabad:
Pakistan will auction spectrum for next-generation mobile services, including 5G, on March 10, 2026, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said on Tuesday, setting a clear timeline for the country’s entry into high-speed mobile connectivity.
The regulator said the schedule was finalised after extensive consultations with stakeholders and close regulatory coordination, aimed at ensuring a transparent, competitive and well-participated auction process. The confirmed date gives mobile operators and prospective bidders sufficient time to prepare and meet procedural and regulatory requirements.
PTA officials said the auction is a key step toward accelerating digital transformation, improving mobile broadband capacity and laying the foundation for advanced services such as ultra-low latency applications, smart infrastructure and industry-focused 5G use cases.
The March auction follows years of preparatory work and policy discussions around spectrum pricing, market readiness and investment conditions. Industry observers say a clear and predictable auction timeline could help unlock fresh investment in networks and devices, while boosting confidence in Pakistan’s telecom sector.
The authority reiterated that the auction framework is designed to promote fair competition, maximise spectrum utilisation and support the long-term growth of the country’s digital economy.
