Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is set to move forward with the next technical stage of Pakistan’s 5G rollout as it prepares to conduct the spectrum assignment process for telecom operators. The regulator has scheduled the assignment stage for March 12, 2026, during which the exact frequency positions within each band will be determined for the operators that secured spectrum during the recently completed auction. The process will take place at the authority’s auditorium in Islamabad and represents a necessary step before operators can begin detailed planning and deployment of next generation mobile networks across the country.
The assignment stage follows the completion of Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction that generated approximately $507 million through the sale of 480 megahertz of spectrum. The auction concluded after three bidding rounds and involved several key frequency bands intended to support high speed mobile broadband services. During the auction process, telecom operators including Jazz, Ufone and Zong successfully secured spectrum allocations, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to introduce advanced telecommunications services. The spectrum offered by the regulator covered multiple bands including 700 megahertz, 2300 megahertz, 2600 megahertz and 3500 megahertz, providing the technical foundation required for the deployment of fifth generation mobile networks.
Among the participating companies, Jazz emerged as the largest spectrum buyer, acquiring a total of 190 megahertz across several frequency bands. The company secured 50 megahertz in the 3500 megahertz band, 70 megahertz in the 2600 megahertz band, 50 megahertz in the 2300 megahertz band and 20 megahertz in the 700 megahertz band. Ufone obtained 180 megahertz including 120 megahertz in the 3500 megahertz band and 60 megahertz in the 2600 megahertz band, while Zong secured 110 megahertz during the auction. These allocations will now be positioned precisely within each band during the assignment stage, enabling operators to plan network deployment and optimize their use of the newly acquired spectrum.
According to PTA Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman, the spectrum assignment process will determine the exact frequency placement of the blocks purchased by telecom operators, a technical requirement before infrastructure development and service deployment can begin. The auction and subsequent assignment process are expected to support Pakistan’s transition toward next generation mobile connectivity by enabling faster internet speeds, improved network capacity and expanded digital services across the country. Industry observers note that the successful completion of these steps will allow operators to move closer to launching commercial 5G services and strengthen the country’s broader digital infrastructure.
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