All 3 Telcos Qualify for Upcoming 5G Auction as PTA Confirms Launch Date

Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G rollout moved closer on Thursday as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that all three major telecom operators—Jazz, Ufone, and Zong—have qualified for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction.

Briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology, PTA Chairman Hafeez-ur-Rehman said each operator had deposited the mandatory USD 15 million bid bond, making them eligible to participate.

Officials said a total of six spectrum bands, including four new ones, will be offered, with at least 300 MHz expected to be auctioned. The auction is scheduled for March 10, while the bid submission deadline is February 27.

PTA assured lawmakers that the auction process would be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, adding that the new spectrum would significantly improve mobile data speeds and lay the foundation for nationwide 5G services.