PTA Announces New Date for Pakistan’s 5G Spectrum Auction 2026

Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G rollout has taken a major step forward as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced a revised date for the country’s 5G spectrum auction. The Auction Advisory Committee has now decided to hold the auction on March 10, 2026, revising the earlier plan that scheduled the process for February 26.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held to review the auction framework, timelines, and stakeholder consultations for Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS).
High-Level Meeting Reviews 5G Auction Roadmap
The meeting was chaired by Muhammad Aurangzeb, and attended by Shaza Fatima Khawaja, along with senior officials from relevant ministries and regulatory bodies.
Participants reviewed the overall preparedness for the auction, including spectrum availability, auction design, and procedural milestones. After deliberations, the committee agreed to adjust the timeline to ensure a smooth and transparent completion of the auction process.
Updated 5G Auction Timeline Announced
Under the revised roadmap, several key dates have been confirmed:
- Information Memorandum (IM) published: January 9, 2026
- Consultation period extended until: February 6, 2026
- Final Information Memorandum release: February 13, 2026
- Information session for bidders: February 16, 2026
- Application submission deadline: February 27, 2026 (by 4:00 pm PST)
- Announcement of applicants: February 27, 2026
- List of qualified bidders: March 3, 2026
- 5G Spectrum Auction date: March 10, 2026
Following the auction, the assignment stage will begin immediately, after which provisional results will be announced.
Spectrum Bands to Be Offered
Officials confirmed that the auction will cover multiple spectrum bands across low, mid, and high frequencies to support nationwide 5G deployment.
The available spectrum is expected to include:
- 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz paired bands for wider coverage
- 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz unpaired bands
- 3500 MHz band, globally preferred for high-speed and low-latency 5G services
In total, approximately 597.2 MHz of spectrum is planned to be offered in the auction.
What 5G Means for Pakistan
According to officials, the 5G auction is a critical milestone for Pakistan’s digital future. The technology is expected to deliver:
- Faster mobile internet speeds
- Lower latency
- Improved network capacity
It will also support emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart cities, industrial automation, and advanced digital services across multiple sectors.
Commercial Launch Timeline
After winning the auction, successful bidders will be required to submit performance bank guarantees within 15 business days. Commercial 5G services are expected to roll out within six to seven months after license issuance, subject to network readiness and regulatory compliance.
Final Thought
With the 5G spectrum auction now scheduled for March 10, 2026, Pakistan has moved closer to entering the next phase of mobile connectivity. The revised timeline reflects the government’s effort to ensure a well-structured auction process, paving the way for faster internet, innovation, and digital growth across the country.












