ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has completed the second phase of its 5G spectrum auction, generating $510 million in revenue for the government, officials said.
The development was described as a major step toward introducing advanced mobile internet technology in the country.
In a message posted on social media, the Embassy of Poland in Pakistan congratulated the country on the successful spectrum auction. The move was described as an important milestone toward the next phase of digitalisation.
Support for Pakistan’s digital transformation and cooperation in innovative and future-oriented technologies was also expressed by the embassy.
“Poland looks forward to supporting 🇵🇰 digital transformation and strengthening cooperation in innovative and future-oriented technologies,” the Embassy responded to a tweet of the Federal Minister Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
According to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Chairman Hafeez ur Rehman, bidding for the 2600 MHz band was completed in three rounds. Bidding for the 3500 MHz band continued for five rounds before companies selected their positions.
Total revenue from the first and second phases of the 5G spectrum auction reached $510 million, equivalent to about 142 billion Pakistani rupees, the PTA chairman said.
“Poland looks forward to supporting 🇵🇰 digital transformation and strengthening cooperation in innovative and future-oriented technologies” the Embassy of Poland
A total of 480 MHz of spectrum was sold during the auction held on March 10. The sale was described by officials as one of the largest spectrum auctions globally.
Telecom Operators Secure Spectrum
Three major mobile operators participated in the auction: Jazz Pakistan, Zong, and Ufone.
According to the results, Jazz acquired 190 MHz, Ufone secured 180 MHz, and Zong obtained 110 MHz of spectrum.
Officials said such a large spectrum auction had never previously been held in Pakistan.
All lots in the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands were sold. Out of 28 lots in the 3500 MHz band, 22 lots were allocated to buyers.
Government Sees Boost to Digital Vision
Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the spectrum allocation phase had already been completed, with about 480 MHz of spectrum purchased.
The introduction of 5G technology was described as an important step in strengthening Pakistan’s Digital Pakistan vision.
Faster internet services and the growing demand for modern technologies were expected to be addressed through the rollout.
A representative of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited, Naveed Butt, said the government had fulfilled its responsibility by completing the auction process.
Telecom operators were now expected to deliver improved and higher-quality services to consumers, he said.
Strong interest shown by telecom companies in the auction was also noted. Improvement in the quality of telecommunications services in the country was expected as a result.
Faster Internet and Digital Growth Expected
The last major spectrum auctions for 3G and 4G services in Pakistan were conducted in 2013 and 2014.
A significant increase in mobile internet users was recorded after those auctions.
Experts said the introduction of 5G technology would increase mobile internet speeds and create new opportunities in digital services, e-commerce, and technology sectors.
Licences are expected to be issued to telecom companies following the auction. A phased rollout of 5G services in major cities is expected within the coming months.
Key Features of 5G
Technology expert Dr Asad Ali said the key features of 5G include higher bandwidth, lower latency, and the ability to support a greater number of connected devices.
Faster internet speeds are expected for users. Delays in online gaming, video calls, and high-resolution streaming are also expected to be significantly reduced compared with 4G networks.
5G networks operate across low, mid, and high frequency bands. Greater network capacity and stable connectivity for large numbers of users are therefore possible.
New possibilities are also expected for digital applications, Industry 4.0, smart cities, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
Honorary President of the Global Freelancers Union, Tufail Ahmed Khan, said high-quality and high-speed internet is essential for the growth of freelancing, e-commerce, and other online sectors in Pakistan.
Significant growth in freelancing has already been observed in recent years, he said. An increase in IT exports and foreign remittances has also been recorded.
If world-class internet connectivity becomes available in Pakistan, further expansion in freelancing, e-commerce, and online businesses is expected.
Growth in IT exports, remittances, and new employment opportunities could also follow.
Economic Impact
Senior journalist and economic analyst Mehtab Haider said Pakistan is moving steadily toward digitalisation.
Improved internet connectivity was described as critical to that process.
The recent spectrum auction is expected to improve both existing 4G services and future 5G networks, particularly in major cities.
Although the revenue from the auction is modest compared with the national budget, the broader benefit is expected in the form of a stronger digital economy and improved connectivity.
Internet services have become an essential part of daily life, he added. Greater use for economic activity, education, and business was therefore necessary.
Delays in 5G Rollout
Preparations for introducing 5G in Pakistan have been underway for several years.
The government first announced plans in 2022 to auction 5G spectrum, with an initial target of December 2022.
However, administrative and policy issues delayed the process.
Another target was set for July 2023, but that deadline was also missed. A similar announcement was made during the caretaker government in August 2024, though progress remained limited.
Officials cited legal disputes over spectrum, delays in policy approvals, and financial and regulatory challenges in the telecom sector as major causes of the delay.
A significant portion of the 2600 MHz band was also tied up in legal cases, preventing earlier auctions.
Spectrum Situation in Pakistan
Pakistan has used only about 274 MHz of spectrum since 1987, placing pressure on network speed and service quality.
Experts said the latest auction is expected to expand mobile network capacity and improve internet services across the country.
