PTA Gives New Date for 5G Spectrum Auction. Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G spectrum auction has been rescheduled. The Auction Advisory Committee has decided that the 5G spectrum auction will now be held on March 10, 2026. Earlier, the government had planned to conduct the auction on February 26, 2026. The revised date was finalized after a detailed review of preparations and timelines.
Auction Advisory Committee Meeting Details
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Auction Advisory Committee held to review the overall auction framework. The meeting focused on timelines, stakeholder consultations, and readiness for Next Generation Mobile Services. The session was chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and attended by Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, along with senior officials from relevant ministries and regulatory bodies.
Review of Auction Preparations
During the meeting, the committee reviewed key aspects of the auction process. These included spectrum availability, auction design, and important procedural milestones. After discussion, members agreed that minor adjustments were needed to ensure the process is completed smoothly within the revised schedule. Officials emphasized that the goal is to conduct a transparent and well-organized auction.
Information Memorandum Timeline
Under the updated roadmap, the Information Memorandum was published on January 9, 2026. This marked the start of the consultation period for stakeholders. The consultation period has now been extended until February 6, 2026, giving telecom operators and other stakeholders more time to provide feedback.
The Final Information Memorandum will be published on February 13, 2026. An information session for interested applicants is scheduled for February 16, 2026, where detailed guidance about the auction process will be shared.
Application and Qualification Schedule
The deadline for submission of applications, including the pre-bid deposit, has been set for February 27, 2026, by 4:00 pm PST. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority will announce the list of applicants on the same day. The list of qualified bidders will then be published on March 3, 2026, following scrutiny and evaluation.
Spectrum Bands Included in the Auction
According to officials, the auction will cover multiple spectrum bands to support nationwide 5G deployment. These include low, mid, and high-frequency bands to ensure wide coverage and improved capacity. The available spectrum is expected to include paired bands in 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz.
In addition, unpaired spectrum will be offered in 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and the globally preferred 3500 MHz band. These bands are especially important for delivering high-speed and low-latency 5G services. In total, around 597.2 MHz of spectrum is planned to be offered in the auction.
Importance of 5G for Pakistan
Officials described the auction as a critical step toward Pakistan’s 5G rollout. Fifth-generation mobile technology will enable faster internet speeds, lower latency, and better network reliability. It is also expected to support advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart cities, industrial automation, and modern digital services across the country.
Auction Day and Post-Auction Process
The allocation stage of the auction will begin on March 10, 2026. After the allocation phase, the assignment stage will take place, followed by the announcement of provisional results. This process will determine which telecom operators secure spectrum licenses.
Winning bidders will be required to submit performance bank guarantees within 15 business days. Officials stated that commercial 5G services are expected to roll out within six to seven months after license issuance, subject to network readiness and regulatory compliance.
Conclusion
The revised date for Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction provides additional time to ensure a smooth and transparent process. With clear timelines, defined spectrum bands, and strong regulatory oversight, the auction marks a major step toward launching 5G services in Pakistan. Once implemented, 5G is expected to transform connectivity, boost digital growth, and support emerging technologies nationwide.
