PTA Finalizes Information Memorandum for 5G Spectrum Auction

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has finalized the Information Memorandum (IM) for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, sources told ProPakistani.

The IM will be issued soon after formal approval by the authority, paving the way for the launch of the auction process. According to sources, completion of the IM marks a key procedural step following the federal government’s policy directive for auctioning next-generation mobile spectrum.

Sources familiar with the development told ProPakistani that the finalized IM outlines the legal and regulatory basis of the auction, its objectives, and PTA’s mandate under the government’s policy directive. The document provides background on market conditions, spectrum availability, and the broader policy goals of introducing next-generation mobile services to support digital transformation, improved connectivity, and economic growth.

According to sources, the IM contains detailed technical and auction-related information, including the spectrum bands and blocks to be auctioned, frequency arrangements, and technology-neutral usage rights.

It also specifies spectrum caps to ensure fair competition, explains the auction design and methodology, bidding rules, timelines, eligibility criteria, and participation conditions for existing operators as well as potential new entrants, in line with international best practices.

Following the issuance of the policy directive, sources said the chief executive officers of all cellular mobile operators met Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja. During the meeting, telecom operators thanked the federal government for accommodating key industry demands in the policy directive, particularly the decision to fix the dollar rate on the day of the auction.

The operators assured the minister of their participation in the 5G auction, while also expressing hope that industry concerns related to quality-of-service requirements and 5G rollout obligations would be addressed.

The federal minister told the meeting that Pakistan is the most spectrum-starved country in the region and stressed that the auction of around 600 MHz of spectrum would significantly help improve the quality of mobile services across the country.

According to sources, the minister emphasized that additional spectrum is critical to addressing network congestion, enhancing user experience, and supporting future data growth.

The federal government issued the policy directive for the 5G spectrum auction a day before yesterday, making multiple low-, mid-, and high-band frequencies available under a transparent and competitive framework.

Key features of the directive include technology-neutral spectrum usage, fixed base prices, a locked dollar conversion rate for spectrum fees, flexible payment options, and a 15-year licence tenure. Sources said the auction is expected to be conducted after the issuance of the Information Memorandum and completion of the required regulatory process by PTA.