Islamabad: Pakistan moved a step closer to launching 5G services on Thursday after the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority confirmed that Jazz, Ufone, and Zong qualified for the upcoming spectrum auction.
PTA Chairman Hafeez-ur-Rehman briefed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and announced that all three operators submitted the mandatory $15 million bid bond. As a result, the regulator declared them eligible to compete in the high-stakes auction.
The development signals fresh momentum for Pakistan’s long-delayed 5G rollout. Authorities expect the auction to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the country’s telecom infrastructure.
Officials told lawmakers that PTA will offer six spectrum bands during the auction, including four new bands entering the market for the first time. In total, the regulator plans to auction at least 300 MHz of spectrum.
Moreover, PTA has finalized the auction timeline. Operators must submit their bids by February 27, while the auction will take place on March 10. By setting clear deadlines, the authority aims to ensure transparency and smooth execution.
Industry experts believe that additional spectrum will expand network capacity and reduce congestion. Consequently, consumers should experience faster mobile data speeds and improved connectivity.
PTA assured the parliamentary committee that it will conduct the auction in a free, fair, and transparent manner. Officials emphasized that strict oversight mechanisms will guide the bidding process.
Furthermore, the newly auctioned spectrum will lay the groundwork for nationwide 5G deployment. Once operational, 5G services are expected to support advanced technologies, boost economic growth, and enhance digital services across Pakistan.
