Pakistan 5G Spectrum Auction

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced a new date for the much-anticipated Pakistan 5G Spectrum Auction 2026, now scheduled for March 10, 2026. The auction, initially planned for February 26, 2026, has been rescheduled to allow additional time for stakeholder consultations and to ensure a smooth, transparent process. The auction is a crucial step in deploying next-generation mobile services (NGMS) across the country.

Pakistan 5G Spectrum Auction 2026

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Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, along with IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and senior officials from relevant ministries, reviewed the auction framework and procedural milestones. The updated schedule reflects the government’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and regulatory compliance, aiming to create a strong foundation for Pakistan’s nationwide 5G rollout.

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Committee Review and Auction Decision

The Auction Advisory Committee held a detailed meeting to review preparations for the 5G spectrum auction. This included spectrum availability, auction design, and consultation with all relevant stakeholders. Officials emphasized that the rescheduling would not compromise the auction’s timeline but would ensure that all procedural requirements are completed carefully.

• Committee chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb
• Attended by IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and senior regulatory officials
• Reviewed spectrum allocation, auction design, and procedural milestones

This approach ensures that the auction process is transparent, competitive, and technically robust, paving the way for successful 5G deployment in Pakistan. Stakeholders now have additional time to review the information memorandum and prepare for the application process.

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Updated Auction Roadmap and Key Dates

The PTA has also released an updated roadmap for the auction, highlighting important milestones leading up to March 10. The Information Memorandum (IM) was published on January 9, 2026, and the consultation period has been extended until February 6, 2026. The Final Information Memorandum will be available on February 13, 2026, followed by an information session for prospective applicants on February 16.

Milestone	Date
Consultation Period End	February 6, 2026
Final Information Memorandum	February 13, 2026
Information Session	February 16, 2026
Application & Pre-Bid Deposit	February 27, 2026
Qualified Bidders Announcement	March 3, 2026
Auction & Assignment Stage	March 10, 2026

• Application deadline includes submission of pre-bid deposit
• PTA will announce the list of qualified bidders on March 3
• Extended consultation ensures all stakeholders can provide input

These milestones are designed to maintain transparency while giving bidders sufficient time to prepare, ensuring a fair and competitive auction environment.

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Spectrum Bands and Technical Details

The auction will cover multiple spectrum bands across low, mid, and high frequencies to support nationwide 5G coverage. Paired bands like 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz will provide wide-area coverage and capacity enhancement, while unpaired bands such as 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and the globally preferred 3500 MHz band will enable high-speed, low-latency 5G services. In total, around 597.2 MHz of spectrum will be offered during the auction.

• 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz paired bands for coverage
• 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, 3500 MHz unpaired bands for high-speed services
• Total spectrum: 597.2 MHz

These spectrum allocations are vital for enabling advanced applications such as artificial intelligence, smart cities, industrial automation, and other digital services that require fast, reliable connectivity. The diverse spectrum portfolio ensures both urban and rural areas benefit from enhanced mobile networks.

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Post-Auction Process and 5G Rollout

Following the allocation stage on March 10, the assignment stage will be conducted, and provisional results will be announced. Winning bidders will then be required to submit performance bank guarantees within 15 business days. Once the licenses are issued, commercial 5G services are expected to roll out within six to seven months, depending on network readiness and regulatory compliance.

• Allocation and assignment stages ensure organized license distribution
• Performance bank guarantees secure commitment from winning bidders
• Commercial 5G rollout projected within six to seven months

This post-auction process ensures that Pakistan’s 5G network is launched efficiently and responsibly, providing consumers with faster data speeds, lower latency, and access to innovative digital technologies.

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Significance for Pakistan’s Digital Future

The Pakistan 5G Spectrum Auction 2026 marks a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation. By enabling widespread 5G deployment, the auction will facilitate improved mobile internet services, support emerging technologies, and boost economic growth. Faster connectivity and low-latency networks will benefit businesses, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and smart city initiatives across the country.

• Enables faster internet speeds and reliable connectivity
• Supports AI, industrial automation, and smart city applications
• Strengthens Pakistan’s position in the digital economy

Through careful planning and transparent implementation, the auction will create an ecosystem where technology-driven services can thrive, empowering both consumers and industries with next-generation mobile solutions.

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Conclusion

The rescheduled Pakistan 5G Spectrum Auction 2026 on March 10 is a crucial step toward the country’s digital future. With 597.2 MHz of spectrum across low, mid, and high-frequency bands, the auction will enable advanced 5G services nationwide. From faster mobile data speeds to the implementation of AI, smart cities, and industrial automation, the auction lays the foundation for technological innovation in Pakistan.

By ensuring transparency, extending consultation periods, and providing clear timelines, the PTA is creating an inclusive and competitive process for all prospective bidders. Successful completion of this auction will mark the beginning of a new era in Pakistan’s mobile and digital infrastructure.

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FAQs

What is the new date for Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction?
The auction is now scheduled for March 10, 2026.

Which spectrum bands will be offered in the auction?
The auction will include 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz bands.

When is the application deadline for bidders?
Applications, including pre-bid deposits, must be submitted by February 27, 2026, at 4:00 pm PST.

When will commercial 5G services roll out in Pakistan?
Commercial 5G services are expected within six to seven months after license issuance.

How much total spectrum will be available in the auction?
Approximately 597.2 MHz of spectrum will be offered.

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