PTA Sets New Timeline for 5G Auction
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has announced a revised auction date.
The 5G spectrum auction will now take place on March 10, 2026. Earlier, the government planned the auction for late February. However, officials adjusted the timeline after further review. The Auction Advisory Committee approved the change during a recent meeting. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the session. Senior officials from telecom and IT ministries attended. As a result, the committee agreed on updates to ensure a smooth process.
Updated Roadmap and Spectrum Details
The consultation period began earlier this month. It now runs until February 6, 2026. Authorities will publish the final information document on February 13. An information session for applicants follows on February 16. Interested companies must submit applications by February 27.
The PTA will announce qualified bidders by March 3. The auction includes low, mid, and high frequency bands. Therefore, operators can support wide coverage and high capacity.
Available options include 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands. In addition, unpaired bands cover 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz. Altogether, nearly 597 MHz of spectrum will be offered. Officials say this mix supports speed, coverage, and low latency.
What Comes After the Auction
The allocation stage begins on March 10. Afterward, authorities will announce provisional results. Winning bidders must submit bank guarantees within 15 working days. Commercial services may launch within seven months. Officials say the rollout will support AI, smart cities, and automation. As a result, Pakistan moves closer to next-generation connectivity.
