Islamabad — Pakistan has taken a major step toward the launch of commercial 5G mobile services after the federal cabinet on Wednesday approved the recommendations of the Spectrum Auction Advisory Committee to hold a 5G spectrum auction in February 2026, government officials confirmed.
The decision came during a special session of the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, following earlier clearance by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) — which labelled the planned auction as the largest in Pakistan’s history.
Largest Spectrum Sale Yet
Under the approved plan, the government will offer approximately 600 MHz of spectrum — a significant increase over the 274 MHz currently in use — for 5G and enhanced 4G services. This includes priority bands such as the 600 MHz low-band for wider coverage and additional mid- and high-bands like 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz, which support high-capacity services.
Officials say the upcoming auction will not only enable 5G rollout but also help decongest existing networks and improve overall broadband quality across the country.
Federal Cabinet Approves 5G Spectrum Auction
Roadmap to Auction and Implementation
Policy Directive: The Ministry of Information Technology will soon issue a formal policy directive to kick off the process. ProPakistani
PTA Role: Based on this directive, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will publish an Information Memorandum, inviting applications and outlining terms, pricing models, and base rates for prospective bidders. Geo News
Consultation: Telecom companies and industry stakeholders will be consulted to ensure competitive bidding and effective deployment.
The ECC has also reportedly determined the auction pricing structure, including USD-linked base prices and payment terms, with an upfront payment requirement of 50 % and the balance spread over five years, aligning Pakistan’s 5G pricing with regional benchmarks.am eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.
5G Launch Timeline and Coverage
Ministry officials and IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja have indicated that once the auction concludes — expected by early February 2026 — 5G services could be rolled out within approximately six months, depending on operator readiness and infrastructure build-out.
The rollout is expected to prioritise key urban centres including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and other major cities, with enhanced internet speeds and lower latency anticipated to benefit consumers and businesses alike.
Strategic Impact
Government leaders framed the spectrum auction as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s Digital Pakistan and Connect 2030 plans, which aim to transform the country’s digital footprint by increasing internet speeds, boosting digital inclusion, and enabling broader economic growth through technology.
By expanding available spectrum and modernising mobile infrastructure, policymakers hope to elevate Pakistan’s internet speed and connectivity standards, currently constrained by limited spectrum availability, and to drive investment in next-generation mobile networks.
