Pakistan has generated approximately five hundred and seven million United States dollars in the first phase of its inaugural 5G spectrum auction, according to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. The auction involved the sale of several frequency bands aimed at supporting the country’s transition toward next generation mobile connectivity. Among the participating telecom operators, Zong acquired one hundred and ten megahertz of spectrum, while Ufone secured one hundred and eighty megahertz. Market leader Jazz obtained one hundred and ninety megahertz during the initial phase of bidding, reflecting strong interest from operators in expanding their network capabilities ahead of the expected rollout of 5G services.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Chairman Hafeez ur Rehman stated that a significant portion of the available spectrum was successfully sold during the first stage of the auction. Out of the total five hundred ninety seven point two megahertz of spectrum offered by the regulator, around four hundred eighty megahertz has already been allocated through the bidding process. In the seven hundred megahertz band, two out of three available lots were sold, while all available lots in the two thousand three hundred megahertz band were successfully auctioned. Similarly, the entire nineteen lots offered in the two thousand six hundred megahertz band were purchased by telecom operators, while twenty two out of twenty eight lots in the three thousand five hundred megahertz band also attracted successful bids.
Officials indicated that the successful completion of the first stage will increase overall spectrum availability in the country by approximately one point seven percent, which is expected to improve mobile broadband capacity and strengthen the foundation for the deployment of 5G services. The additional spectrum will allow operators to expand network coverage and enhance service quality for mobile internet users across Pakistan. Authorities have also emphasized that improved connectivity will support emerging digital technologies and enable better access to online education, digital services, and remote work platforms.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated that the government had auctioned around six hundred megahertz of spectrum during the process and highlighted that the entire auction was conducted live to ensure transparency. Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also noted that the Prime Minister had directed authorities to conduct the auction publicly so that the process remains open and accountable. He explained that conducting the auction online presented technical challenges, but the successful participation of telecom operators demonstrated strong confidence from the private sector in the government’s digital development agenda. Officials believe that the outcome of the first phase represents an important step toward strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and expanding the country’s mobile broadband ecosystem.
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