Pakistan to launch 5G services first in Islamabad and provincial capitals, says IT Minister Shaza Fatima
On Tuesday, the federal government generated $507 million from Pakistan’s highly anticipated 5G spectrum auction, selling 480 MHz of spectrum against a target of 597 MHz. Three telecom operators successfully secured frequencies to deploy next-generation mobile services.
The auction wrapped up after three competitive rounds, with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman announcing the results alongside Federal IT and Telecommunication Minister Shaza Fatima.
He noted that the auction included the sale of two 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 of 28 lots in the 3500 MHz band, bringing the total spectrum sold to 480 MHz.
The PTA chairman called the day “a historic and joyous milestone” for Pakistan, highlighting the country’s strides in digital transformation. He also praised the telecom operators for their active participation, which ensured competitive bidding.
Looking ahead, he said the next phase of the auction, scheduled for the day after tomorrow, will involve assigning specific lots within each band, with operators choosing frequencies in the upper, middle, or lower segments of each band.
On the occasion, IT Minister Shaza Fatima described the auction as a landmark moment in Pakistan’s telecommunications history. She stressed that the event was fully transparent, with all bidding broadcast live from the PTA control room.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed that every detail of the auction be live and transparent, ensuring public trust,” she said, praising the PTA, industry partners, international consultants, and the Ministry of IT for their contributions.
Fatima recalled Pakistan’s entry into the 3G and 4G era between 2014 and 2016 under former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, noting that those auctions laid the groundwork for today’s digital progress. “With the 600 MHz spectrum now available, Pakistan moves from being spectrum-starved to meeting regional benchmarks,” she added.
She highlighted that the new spectrum will boost internet speeds and connectivity for millions, promising enhanced mobile experiences. Initially, 5G services will be launched in Islamabad and provincial capitals, marking Pakistan’s entry into the league of countries offering next-generation mobile networks.
The minister also acknowledged the key roles played by the Spectrum Advisory Committee (SAC), the Ministry of Finance, and other government bodies, while commending the media for supporting the live coverage of the auction.
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