Pakistan 5G Telecom Auction High Speed Internet Digital Transformation PTA — Telecom operators submit pre-bid deposits as Pakistan gears up for the 5G spectrum auction, promising faster internet nationwide.

PTA Chairman confirms $45m pre-bid deposits ahead of 5G auction

Pakistan prepares for 5G spectrum auction as telecom operators invest $45 million, boosting nationwide high-speed internet and connectivity.

By Fahad On Feb 26, 2026

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority – (Web Desk) – Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, Maj. Gen. (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication that three major telecom operators—Jazz, Ufone, and Zong—have each deposited $15 million as pre-bid earnest money, totaling $45 million. This formally sets the stage for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction.

“By submitting $15 million each as an advance participation fee, these operators are showing strong confidence in Pakistan’s 5G rollout,” he said while briefing the committee, chaired by MNA Syed Amin ul Haq.

The PTA chairman confirmed that the 5G auction is scheduled for March 10, 2026, with the government aiming to generate over $634 million in revenue, depending on competitive bidding and final spectrum pricing. Minimum success criteria have been set to encourage serious participation and maintain market stability.

Describing the auction as a key milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation, he emphasized that it will significantly improve broadband connectivity nationwide. Multiple spectrum bands will be available, and each bidder must secure a minimum of 100 MHz.

The initial 5G rollout will focus on federal and provincial capitals. Telecom companies have been instructed to enhance network readiness, including expanding the fiberization of mobile towers, to ensure smooth service deployment.

PTA confirms March 10 spectrum auction; merger of Ufone and Telenor in final stages ahead of bidding.
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The committee appreciated the PTA’s efforts in successfully steering the 5G spectrum auction process and emphasized that the ultimate objective is to ensure that the benefits of 5G technology—high-speed and reliable internet services—reach the general public and contribute to socio-economic growth in Pakistan.

The committee also discussed budgetary proposals relating to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and its attached departments for the upcoming financial year.

After detailed deliberations, the committee approved a total budgetary outlay of Rs. 71,839.863 million for the ministry and its attached departments, including both ongoing and new development projects, for the financial year 2026–27.

The committee also took up “The Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2026” (Government Bill). The Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication informed members that consideration of the bill had earlier been deferred to allow consultations with the Parliamentary Legislative Committee and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). However, due to time constraints, the consultations could not be held.

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Consequently, the committee agreed to defer the bill until the consultative process is completed, after which it will be presented before the committee for approval.