Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G spectrum auction has reached its final stage. Major telecom operators have started meeting key financial requirements set by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
According to industry sources, leading operators Ufone and Zong have each deposited $15 million as mandatory earnest money. The deposits were made ahead of the scheduled auction date of March 10.
The development signals strong momentum toward the launch of 5G services in Pakistan. The auction is being closely monitored by policymakers, investors, and telecom analysts.
Earnest Money Deadline and Bidding Requirements
The PTA has set February 27 as the final deadline for submitting the $15 million earnest money. Only companies that deposit the required amount will qualify for bidding.
Officials confirmed that the earnest money will be adjusted against the final license fee for successful bidders. This requirement ensures serious participation and financial readiness.
Sources added that Jazz is also expected to deposit its earnest money within the next few days. If Jazz completes the payment, at least three major operators will participate in the 5G auction.
Under the auction framework, the process will be considered successful if at least 50 percent of the total 597 MHz available spectrum is sold. That equals nearly 300 MHz of spectrum allocation.
Regulators believe that participation from three operators would likely meet this benchmark. Competitive bidding is expected to increase transparency and market-driven pricing.
The PTA will publish the official list of qualified bidders on March 3. A pre-auction seminar will follow on March 4. A mock auction session is scheduled for March 5. The final 5G spectrum auction will take place on March 10.
Market Restructuring After Telenor Acquisition
Pakistan’s telecom market recently underwent significant restructuring. Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited completed the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan.
PTCL operates Ufone. Following this acquisition, the number of major telecom players in Pakistan has effectively reduced to three.
This consolidation may influence bidding dynamics in the 5G auction. Market analysts believe fewer players could mean more strategic spectrum targeting rather than aggressive price wars.
PTA officials said clarity on whether any new entrant will join the 5G bidding process will emerge after the February 27 deadline. So far, no new telecom operator has publicly confirmed participation.
5G Rollout to Boost Digital Economy
The upcoming 5G auction is seen as a milestone for Pakistan’s digital transformation. 5G technology promises ultra-fast internet speeds and low latency connectivity.
It will support advanced applications such as smart cities, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and industrial automation. Experts believe 5G infrastructure can accelerate Pakistan’s digital economy.
Investors are watching the auction closely. Successful allocation of spectrum will determine the pace of network rollout across urban and rural areas.
Telecom operators are preparing for network upgrades and infrastructure investments. The March 10 auction is expected to define the next decade of mobile connectivity in Pakistan.
The government views 5G as critical for economic growth and technological competitiveness. Industry stakeholders now await the final list of bidders and the outcome of the high-stakes spectrum sale.
