Pakistan’s broadband user base has surpassed 152 million, underscoring rapid growth in digital connectivity and rising data demand nationwide.
The government will open the upcoming 5G spectrum auction to both existing mobile operators and new investors. Officials see the auction as a key step toward expanding high-speed mobile services nationwide.
The policy allows spectrum sales across six frequency bands. These include 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz. Authorities have fixed the base price of the 700 MHz band at $6.5 million per MHz. They have priced the 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands at $14 million per MHz.
Lower bands carry more accessible prices. The government set the 2300 MHz band at $1 million per MHz and the 2600 MHz band at $1.25 million per MHz. It priced the 3500 MHz band, a core frequency for 5G globally, at $650,000 per MHz.
Read: Pakistan Announces Major 600 MHz Spectrum Auction to Enable 5G
Operators will pay spectrum fees in Pakistani rupees. The authorities will lock the dollar exchange rate at the time of payment. The auction follows a technology-neutral framework, allowing operators to deploy any current or future mobile technology, including 5G.
The 5G licence requires a phased rollout of the network. Operators must meet clear targets for city coverage, site expansion, and fibre-to-tower connectivity. Regulators will also enforce stronger quality-of-service standards to improve user experience.
Winning bidders will receive a new 15-year licence. The framework allows spectrum trading and sharing, giving operators greater flexibility in managing network capacity.
The federal government aims to hold the 5G spectrum auction in mid-February. In line with the policy directive, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority will issue an Information Memorandum to guide potential bidders. Officials expect the auction to attract fresh investment, accelerate 5G deployment, and strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy.
