The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced strict conditions for telecom operators ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming 5G spectrum auction. The PTA chairman confirmed that bids for the 5G auction must be submitted by February 27.
The regulator has introduced tough rollout obligations. Operators must meet clear infrastructure, coverage, and quality benchmarks before launching 5G services. The move aims to improve connectivity and reduce network congestion nationwide.
Pakistan’s telecom sector is now preparing for one of its most important technology upgrades. The 5G launch is expected to transform digital services, business operations, and mobile internet speeds.
Mandatory Rollout Targets and Spectrum Requirements
Under the new policy, each telecom operator must install 1,000 new sites every year. Additionally, 200 dedicated sites must be deployed annually in areas facing serious network issues.
5G services will launch in both urban and rural areas. However, initial rollout will begin in Islamabad and provincial capitals. Operators must also increase tower fiberization every year to strengthen backhaul capacity.
PTA has made it mandatory for companies to submit a 5G coverage map. This will ensure transparency and accountability in expansion plans.
In the first auction round, operators must purchase spectrum in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands. A special spectrum cap has been introduced. No single operator can buy the entire spectrum in one band.
Currently, 274 megahertz of spectrum is available for auction. Each operator must purchase at least 100 megahertz as part of the conditions. PTA believes this will improve service quality and reduce network congestion.
The chairman expressed hope that more than 50 percent of the available spectrum will be sold. If half of the spectrum is auctioned, PTA will consider the process successful.
Financial Relief and Industry Consultation
The PTA chairman acknowledged that previous dollar-denominated auctions caused financial stress. Telecom companies suffered due to exchange rate volatility.
To ease the burden, Right of Way (RoW) charges have been reduced from Rs. 3,600 to zero. This step is expected to accelerate fiber deployment and infrastructure growth.
The telecom industry was extensively consulted before finalizing auction terms. Operators presented their concerns before the Auction Advisory Committee.
According to PTA, eight out of ten industry demands were accepted. This reflects a collaborative approach between the regulator and telecom companies.
Importantly, operators will fund fiber expansion through their own budgets. No money will be taken from the Universal Service Fund (USF) for fiberization.
PTA Clarifies Mobile Phone Taxes and 5G Device Plans
The PTA chairman clarified that the authority has no role in mobile phone taxation. These taxes are imposed by the government through the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
He noted that FBR has reduced taxes on used mobile phones. PTA has also encouraged local manufacturing of affordable 5G smartphones.
The regulator wants companies to produce 5G-enabled devices within Pakistan. Affordable smartphones are considered critical for mass 5G adoption.
The chairman added that as 5G technology expands, cheaper devices will naturally enter the market. Increased competition will likely lower prices.
Pakistan’s 5G auction marks a major shift in digital policy. Strict rollout conditions signal a focus on quality, transparency, and nationwide coverage. The coming weeks will determine how aggressively telecom operators bid for the available spectrum.
