PTA has released the final Information Memorandum for Pakistan 5G spectrum auction, maintaining the key policy structure as the country prepares for the bidding process scheduled for March 10, 2026. The updated document confirms that the overall framework remains largely intact following the completion of industry consultations earlier this month.
According to officials, feedback from telecom operators and input from appointed consultants were reviewed during the consultation phase. However, PTA retained core elements of the auction design, including quality of service benchmarks, rollout obligations, base pricing structure, and payment terms. Only minor technical clarifications were introduced to address ambiguities raised by stakeholders, without altering the broader regulatory direction. The consultation process formally concluded on February 6, after which PTA reviewed queries and updated responses before issuing the finalized memorandum. The initial Information Memorandum had been published on January 9, signaling the start of formal engagement with industry participants.
Under the approved auction framework, approximately 597.2 MHz of spectrum will be made available across low, mid, and high frequency bands to support nationwide 5G deployment. The offering includes paired spectrum in the 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands, alongside unpaired spectrum in the 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz bands. This multi band approach is designed to enable operators to build a balanced 5G network combining coverage and capacity. Low band spectrum such as 700 MHz is typically suited for wider geographic coverage and improved indoor penetration, while mid and high bands like 3500 MHz are generally deployed to deliver higher data speeds and capacity in dense urban areas.
PTA has also outlined a structured timeline leading up to the auction. The deadline for submission of applications, including the mandatory pre bid deposit, is February 27 at 4:00 pm PST. The list of applicants will be published the same day, while the names of qualified bidders will be announced on March 3 after regulatory scrutiny. An information session for prospective participants is scheduled for February 16 to address procedural and technical queries before the bidding stage begins. The auction itself will start with the allocation phase on March 10, followed by the assignment stage and announcement of provisional results.
Following the completion of the auction and issuance of licenses, commercial rollout of 5G services is expected within six to seven months, subject to regulatory approvals and network readiness. The release of the final Information Memorandum signals that Pakistan’s telecom sector is now entering the decisive phase of its long anticipated 5G transition, with operators preparing strategies around spectrum acquisition, investment commitments, and phased deployment plans.
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