5G Spectrum Auction Set for March 10 in Pakistan

Pakistan is officially entering the 5G era as the telecom regulator confirms the auction date for the next-generation spectrum, promising a massive shift in digital connectivity.

Key Highlights

• Auction scheduled for March 10 using an electronic clock format.
• Government expects to generate between $300 million and $700 million.
• Mobile broadband speeds expected to improve by 25% post-rollout.
• Local manufacturing of 5G smartphones has already started in Pakistan.

Auction Timeline and Revenue Targets

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced on Wednesday that the 5G spectrum auction will proceed on March 10. Director General Licensing Aamir Shahzad stated the sale of 597 megahertz (MHz) across various bands could fetch between $300 million and $700 million. Three existing operators must obtain at least 100 MHz. The first round focuses on the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands, with the rollout expected within three to six months after the process finishes.

Faster Speeds and Service Standards

PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman highlighted that the auction aims to improve data speed and service quality. Broadband speeds should rise by 25%. Under new regulations, minimum 4G download speeds will increase to 20Mbps by 2026-27, while 5G will start at 50Mbps and reach 100Mbps by 2030-35. These measures aim to boost the average revenue per user (ARPU), which recently grew from $0.7 to $1.3.

Infrastructure and Local Handset Production

To support the rollout, the government removed the annual right-of-way fee of Rs36,000 per kilometer to promote fiberization. Telecom operators have started ordering 5G equipment. Meanwhile, local factories have already produced over 500,000 5G-enabled smartphones. Operators are required to expand coverage beyond major hubs like Karachi and Lahore, increasing fiber-to-the-site ratios to 35% by 2035.

This auction follows years of planning to upgrade Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. The PTA aims to bypass the delays seen in the 5G launch by setting foundations for future 6G upgrades.