Pakistan is taking significant steps toward its first 5G spectrum auction, with PTA sources reporting that nearly 80 percent of mobile phones in the country are compatible with the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands required for 5G connectivity. The auction, expected by the end of February 2026, will release approximately 597.2 MHz of spectrum below six gigahertz, covering the 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz bands. This initiative is a key component of the government’s 2025-26 national transition plan for 5G and aims to establish a foundation for next-generation mobile networks across Pakistan.
Officials from PTA indicated that the spectrum release will not only enable 5G services but is also expected to significantly improve existing 4G networks. Average 4G download speeds in urban areas, which currently hover around four megabits per second, are projected to increase to 20 to 25 megabits per second following the auction. The regulatory framework requires operators to meet strict Quality of Service obligations, ensuring that commercial 5G services provide a minimum downlink speed of 50 megabits per second at launch. The 2300 MHz band is intended to offer a balance between coverage and capacity in urban centers, while the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands will deliver higher throughput and lower latency for high-traffic zones.
The rollout of 5G will initially focus on major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. PTA sources emphasized that operators must expand fiber-to-the-site infrastructure from 20 percent to 60 percent, laying a critical foundation for long-term improvements in mobile broadband services nationwide. Industry analysts suggest that this expansion is essential for sustaining the performance of 5G networks and supporting higher data demands in urban and semi-urban areas. While some insiders have questioned the 80 percent device readiness figure, the upcoming auction is expected to boost mobile data performance and enable Pakistan to transition more effectively toward next-generation mobile technologies.
In addition to enhancing speeds and coverage, the spectrum auction is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. By releasing spectrum across multiple bands and focusing on both 4G enhancements and 5G deployment, PTA aims to ensure that operators are equipped to meet growing consumer demand and industry requirements. The initiative also aligns with broader national objectives to improve digital infrastructure, support enterprise connectivity, and drive economic growth through advanced telecommunications services. With preparations underway, Pakistan is on the cusp of a significant shift in mobile network capabilities, setting the stage for a new era of high-speed digital communication across the country.
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