Pakistan Officially Kicks off 5G Spectrum Auction

Pakistan has formally launched the auction for 5G spectrum, marking the start of the country’s next phase of digital connectivity.

The auction was inaugurated by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Attaullah Tarar, along with the chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

Three telecom companies that qualified for the process are participating in the auction. PTA has offered around 600 megahertz of spectrum for bidding as part of the 5G rollout plan.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb described the event as a historic milestone for Pakistan’s digital economy. He said spectrum availability had long been a key challenge, but coordination between PTA and the Frequency Allocation Board helped make the auction possible.

Aurangzeb also noted that the government abolished Right of Way charges for fiber deployment, which previously stood at about Rs. 36,000 per kilometre, to encourage telecom investment and accelerate digital infrastructure development.

Addressing the ceremony, IT Minister Shaza Fatima said Pakistan first entered the 3G and 4G era during the government of Nawaz Sharif in 2013 to 14 and is now preparing to move into the 5G era while also improving existing 4G services.

She said the removal of Right of Way charges will speed up fiberization across the country. According to the minister, improvements in 4G services are expected within four to five months, while 5G services could become available in major cities within six months.

Officials said the first round of bidding will run for 60 minutes. PTA officials said the auction will be conducted in two stages across five rounds of bidding. Three telecom operators currently operating in Pakistan submitted bids to participate in the process.

Government officials added that faster connectivity through 5G will support new technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, while strengthening digital services including online education and remote work.