After years of delays, hopes for the launch of 5G services in Pakistan have resurfaced, signalling that the long-awaited spectrum auction could occur before Ramadan.
Officials familiar with the process said momentum has picked up following coordinated efforts by the government and regulatory authorities. The key question now is whether the 5G spectrum auction can be completed on schedule.
Sources confirmed that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has completed all core preparations for the auction. A senior PTA official told V News that the spectrum auction design is final. Moreover, detailed planning on network architecture, technology standards, quality of service, and rollout strategy has also been completed.
According to PTA officials, the auction is expected to take place on February 26. It will be the largest telecom spectrum auction in Pakistan’s history. Around 600 MHz of spectrum is set to be offered. The process is projected to generate at least $630 million in non-tax revenue for the government.
Following the auction, successful telecom operators will receive a technology-neutral license valid for 15 years. The rollout of 5G services will take place in phases. In the initial phase, operators must offer a minimum download speed of 50 Mbps.
Read: Pakistan to Hold 5G Spectrum Auction in February as Users Top 152 Million
The PTA has also linked the 5G rollout with major improvements in existing 4G services. Officials said operators will be required to increase 4G speeds and overall service quality by four to five times after the auction. This addresses long-standing complaints about network performance nationwide.
In the early stages, 5G services will be introduced in major cities and selected commercial zones. These are places where 5G-compatible devices are more widely available. Initial rollout areas include Islamabad’s Blue Area and F-10, Karachi’s Defence and Clifton, and key commercial centres in Lahore and other provincial capitals.
During the first year, telecom operators must provide 5G coverage at a minimum of 10% of their existing network sites. Where available, 5G speeds are expected to be up to 14-15 times faster than current networks. Areas without 5G coverage will continue to benefit from upgraded 4G services.
PTA officials clarified that the 5G network will be fully backwards compatible. Users without 5G-enabled devices will continue to access uninterrupted 4G services, even in areas where 5G is deployed. The new technology will operate as an additional layer on the existing telecom infrastructure.
Addressing questions about satellite internet, the PTA said the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board is currently reviewing the case of Starlink. Once regulatory clearance is granted, the PTA will issue a license to Starlink upon completion of all legal requirements.
