Islamabad, March 10, 2026: The government of Pakistan on Tuesday raised $507 million in the long-awaited 5G spectrum auction, selling 480 MHz of spectrum to telecom operators to enable the rollout of next-generation mobile services across the country.
The auction concluded after three rounds, with the results announced by Hafeez Ur Rehman, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), alongside Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
According to the PTA chairman, a total of 480 MHz spectrum was sold against the initial target of 597 MHz. The auction included the sale of two out of three lots in the 700 MHz band, all five lots in the 2300 MHz band, all 19 lots in the 2600 MHz band, and 22 out of 28 lots in the 3500 MHz band.
Rehman described the auction as a “historic and joyous milestone” for Pakistan, noting that it marked a significant step forward in the country’s digital transformation. He also acknowledged the role of telecom operators for actively participating in the bidding process and helping ensure competitive pricing.
The PTA chairman said the next stage of the auction, scheduled in the coming days, would involve the assignment of specific frequency lots within each band. Telecom operators will internally decide whether to utilize upper, middle, or lower segments of the spectrum bands.
Speaking on the occasion, IT Minister Shaza Fatima said the auction represented a major milestone in Pakistan’s telecommunications history, emphasizing that the entire process was conducted with complete transparency.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that every detail of the auction be conducted openly and broadcast live to ensure public trust,” she said.
The minister commended the PTA, industry partners, international consultants, and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication for their roles in organizing the auction.
Fatima also recalled that Pakistan first entered the 3G and 4G era between 2014 and 2016 during the tenure of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, adding that those earlier spectrum auctions laid the groundwork for today’s digital expansion.
“With additional spectrum now available, Pakistan is moving from being spectrum-starved toward meeting regional benchmarks,” she said.
The minister added that the newly acquired spectrum would significantly enhance internet speeds and connectivity for millions of Pakistanis. Initial 5G services are expected to be launched in Islamabad and other provincial capitals before expanding to additional cities.
She also acknowledged the role of the Spectrum Advisory Committee, the Ministry of Finance, and other government institutions in facilitating the auction, while praising the media for supporting the live broadcast of the event.
