Pakistan Sets February 2026 Deadline for 5G Spectrum Auction and Nationwide Rollout
Pakistan is preparing to enter the 5G era as the government officially targets February 2026 for the country’s 5G spectrum auction, followed by a commercial launch within five to six months. Authorities say the primary goal is fast deployment of next-generation mobile services, not short-term revenue generation.
Federal Cabinet to Approve 5G Auction Framework
According to official sources, the federal cabinet will take the final decision on the auction model and base prices for six major spectrum bands. These recommendations were finalized by the Spectrum Advisory Committee and approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).
The Ministry of Information Technology has already forwarded a summary to the cabinet for final approval, which may be cleared in the next cabinet meeting or through a circulation process.
PTA to Issue 5G Information Memorandum After Approval
Once cabinet approval is granted, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will immediately release the Information Memorandum (IM) for the 5G auction. Telecom companies will then receive 40 to 45 days to prepare their bids.
Officials confirmed that the entire auction process will be completed before February 15, 2026, in line with the Prime Minister’s directive.
Open Auction With Local and International Participation
The 5G spectrum auction will be conducted transparently and in the presence of the media. Local telecom operators such as Jazz, Ufone, and Zong are expected to participate.
There will be no restrictions on foreign companies, allowing international telecom operators to compete under the same rules.
Spectrum Bands Included in Pakistan’s 5G Auction
PTA plans to auction spectrum across multiple frequency bands, including:
600 MHz
700 MHz
1800 MHz
2100 MHz
2300 MHz
2600 MHz
3500 MHz
A total of 194 MHz of prime spectrum will be auctioned in the 2600 MHz band, while the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands have been identified as top priorities for 5G deployment. Overall, more than 300 MHz of spectrum is expected to be offered.
Government Prioritizes Affordable Spectrum Prices
PTA officials say each operator needs around 100 MHz of spectrum to ensure quality service and efficient 5G rollout. Instead of maximizing auction revenue, the government aims to keep spectrum prices affordable so telecom companies can invest heavily in infrastructure.
International consultants, after analyzing spectrum pricing in 70 countries, recommended lower base prices due to the high capital requirements of 5G networks.
Lower Prices Than Previous 4G Auctions
Authorities emphasized that comparisons with the 4G spectrum auction are misleading. Market conditions and investment requirements for 5G are significantly different.
Each spectrum band will have a separate base price, set in line with consultant recommendations. The government is focusing on long-term digital growth rather than immediate financial gains.
5G Launch Planned in Major Pakistani Cities
Following the auction, 5G services are expected to launch in 2026 in major cities including:
Islamabad
Lahore
Karachi
Other large urban centers
During the first year, the government aims to boost average internet speeds from 4 Mbps to 25 Mbps. Over the next five years, the target is to deliver 100 Mbps connectivity to users.
Network Expansion and Tower Fiberization Targets
To support nationwide 5G rollout, telecom operators will receive annual targets for:
Installing new mobile towers
Increasing tower fiberization
These measures are expected to significantly enhance network quality, coverage, and capacity, ensuring a smoother transition to 5G across Pakistan.
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