Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has officially launched the second phase of the country’s 5G spectrum auction, moving into the assignment stage to determine the positioning of spectrum bands acquired in the first phase. The process, conducted under the supervision of PTA Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman along with board members and senior officials, is being carried out online with participation from all three qualified telecom operators. Each round of bidding lasts fifteen minutes, followed by an equal period for result compilation, and a thirty-minute break is provided after each round. The ongoing auction is focused on the 2600 MHz band, while the 3500 MHz spectrum will be auctioned subsequently.
During this phase, operators are competing for top, middle, and low band positions, a key factor in determining network performance and rollout efficiency. If two or more companies seek the same position, the auction continues until a single operator secures the slot. The base price for each band position in the 2600 MHz spectrum has been set at $100,000 for the current round, which may increase to one million dollars if further rounds are required. Should operators reach a mutual agreement on band placement, PTA will confirm the results without additional bidding. This assignment stage ensures that telecom operators can optimize their spectrum for future 5G rollout plans while maintaining transparency and fairness in the allocation process.
The first phase of Pakistan’s 5G auction concluded earlier this week, resulting in the sale of 480 MHz out of 597.2 MHz available. China Mobile Pakistan Zong secured 110 MHz, Ufone purchased 180 MHz, and Jazz acquired 190 MHz, generating approximately $507 million in revenue for PTA. The second phase is expected to bring an additional one to two million dollars from the positioning bids as operators finalize their spectrum allocations. PTA officials emphasized that the auction process is being conducted with the utmost focus on transparency, ensuring that operators have equal opportunity to secure prime band placements that will enhance network quality and accelerate nationwide 5G deployment.
The ongoing 5G auction marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation and telecommunications sector. Industry experts note that securing optimal positions in both the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands will allow operators to enhance network coverage, reduce latency, and offer advanced services to consumers. This development aligns with broader government initiatives to strengthen digital infrastructure, expand high-speed internet access, and promote innovation in mobile communications. As Pakistan moves forward with its 5G rollout, the results of the spectrum assignment stage will play a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape of the telecom industry, providing the foundation for enhanced connectivity and technological growth across the country.
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