Islamabad:
Pakistan’s push toward next-generation connectivity gathered momentum on Thursday as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) continued the second phase of its 5G spectrum auction, with bidding for the 3500 MHz band entering the fourth round.
According to officials familiar with the process, the auction is currently focused on the positioning of the 3500 MHz spectrum — widely regarded as the core band for commercial 5G deployment due to its balance of speed and coverage.
Industry sources said that during the earlier test round, participating telecom operators maintained their existing positions, signaling cautious but sustained competition among bidders ahead of the decisive rounds.
The fourth round of bidding saw all three participating telecom companies expressing continued interest in securing spectrum blocks in the 3500 MHz band, underscoring strong industry demand for the key mid-band frequencies that will underpin Pakistan’s future 5G services.
Regulators say the auction is a crucial step toward expanding high-speed mobile broadband and enabling advanced digital services across the country. The PTA has been working to finalize spectrum allocation as part of the government’s broader strategy to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation and strengthen the telecom sector.
Further rounds of bidding are expected to determine the final allocation of spectrum, which analysts believe will shape the competitive landscape of Pakistan’s 5G rollout in the coming years.
More Stories
5G Auction Concludes Key Bidding for 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz Bands
5G Auction Intensifies as 3500 MHz Bidding Enters Fifth Round
5G Auction Moves to Next Stage as 3500 MHz Bidding Begins