ISLAMABAD: Nearly 80% of mobile phones in Pakistan are already compatible with the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz frequency bands required for 5G services, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced, ahead of the country’s first 5G spectrum auction.
The 5G auction, expected to take place by the end of February 2026, will include around 597.2 MHz of spectrum below 6 GHz, covering frequency bands from 700 MHz to 3500 MHz. This release of additional spectrum is aimed at supporting both next-generation 5G services and significant improvements in existing 4G networks.
According to PTA sources, average 4G speeds are expected to rise from the current 4 Mbps to approximately 20–25 Mbps in urban areas following the auction. For 5G, operators will be obligated to meet minimum Quality of Service requirements, offering initial downlink speeds of at least 50 Mbps, with faster speeds as networks develop further.
The 2300 MHz band will provide a balance of coverage and capacity in cities, while the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands will support higher throughput and lower latency in high-traffic locations. Commercial 5G services are expected to launch within six to seven months after the auction, focusing initially on major cities such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta.
The PTA has also emphasized that operators will need to expand fiber-to-the-site infrastructure from 20% to 60%, laying the foundation for long-term mobile broadband improvements nationwide.
The government has designated 2025–26 as Pakistan’s national transition period for 5G. As part of preparations, the PTA issued the Information Memorandum (IM) on January 9, 2026, detailing auction rules, available spectrum blocks, and eligibility requirements, giving prospective bidders roughly 45 days to complete the necessary documentation.
With these steps, Pakistan is on track to introduce 5G services, enhance mobile internet speeds, and improve network capacity, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation.
