Pakistan’s 5G Spectrum Auction has generated $510 million, or about Rs142.6 billion, after the telecom regulator completed the assignment of positions for newly acquired spectrum blocks. The update was shared by PTA Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman during a press briefing alongside IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, following the conclusion of the multi-band auction process.
Officials said 480 MHz of spectrum was sold during the main bidding on March 10, raising $507 million. The latter position-assignment stage added another $3 million, bringing the total proceeds to $510 million.
The PTA chief described the sale as one of the world’s largest spectrum auctions by volume. He said the government had completed its part by holding the auction, and telecom operators must now turn that spectrum into better services for users.
The position assignment auction was used to determine the exact placement of spectrum blocks secured by operators. This stage covered the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands, where bidders competed for lower-, middle-, and upper-block positions to improve network performance and reduce interference.
No separate assignment process was needed for the 700 MHz band because it was secured by a single operator during the main auction.
5G Pilot Projects In Pakistan To Start Next Week
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said 5G pilot projects will begin in major cities next week. She added that a commercial rollout is expected in the coming months, signalling the next phase of Pakistan’s digital transition.
The minister said several countries asked about Pakistan’s 5G plans during the Mobile World Congress, reflecting growing international interest in the country’s digital transformation. She also credited the PTA, the Frequency Allocation Board and other institutions for making the auction possible, while acknowledging the armed forces for vacating the required spectrum.
Read: Pakistan 5G Spectrum Auction Set for Tuesday
Officials said the new spectrum should significantly improve connectivity across Pakistan. According to the PTA chairman, average internet speeds are expected to rise from around 4 Mbps to nearly 20 Mbps after deployment.
He also said the 5G rollout would not lead to higher package prices. In response to a question, he noted that mobile packages had increased by only 10-15% over the past three years, despite higher operating costs.
Khawaja further said the government is finalising a smartphone leasing policy under the prime minister’s directive to improve access to smart devices. She added that the Ministry of IT and the PTA have consistently supported reducing taxes on mobile services and devices, although those taxes fall under the Federal Board of Revenue.
