First round of Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction completed

ISLAMABAD: The first round of Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction concluded on Tuesday, with telecom companies submitting bids for several available frequency bands as the country moves closer to launching next-generation mobile services.

According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), bids were placed for two of the six spectrum bands offered during the opening round of the auction. Three telecom companies participated in the bidding process.

Officials said 190 megahertz of spectrum was available in the 2600MHz band during the first round. The regulator received 30 bids competing for 19 lots in this band, including 11 additional bids that pushed competition beyond the available lots.

Due to the excess demand for the 2600MHz spectrum, the authority said a new price would be determined for the band.

In the 3500MHz band, 280 megahertz of spectrum was made available, comprising 28 lots. The authority received bids for 20 of those lots during the first round.

Officials said the second round of the auction would begin shortly and would last around 30 minutes.

Officials highlight importance of 5G rollout

Speaking at the event in Islamabad, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said internet load-shedding remained a major obstacle to reliable connectivity in the country. He added that the introduction of 5G services would help provide faster and more advanced internet services.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb described the auction as an important milestone for the country’s IT sector. He said the government was taking steps to stabilise the economy and expand digital infrastructure.

Aurangzeb added that the government aimed to ensure faster and more affordable internet for citizens, while also acknowledging the role of former IT minister Amin Ul Haque in advancing the initiative.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the launch of 5G would mark the transition from 4G to more advanced connectivity in Pakistan.

She said access to modern internet services had become a necessity and expressed confidence that the auction process would conclude successfully. The minister added that improved connectivity would help accelerate economic growth and support the country’s digital economy.