Pakistan 5G 5G Spectrum Auction Pakistan Internet Telecom Pakistan Digital Pakistan — Officials monitor the first round of Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction in Islamabad as telecom companies begin bidding.

Pakistan begins auction for high speed 5G internet spectrum

Government begins 5G spectrum auction to improve internet speed, expand 4G coverage, and prepare the country for next generation mobile services.

By Fahad Last updated Mar 10, 2026

5G Spectrum – (Web Desk) – The auction for Pakistan’s fastest internet speed 5G spectrum began in Islamabad on Tuesday. The first round of bidding started earlier in the day.

The government had already confirmed that the auction would take place as planned. Trial sessions were also completed with the three telecom companies taking part in the process. These companies include Jazz, Zong, and Ufone.

On Monday, IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima shared details during a background briefing. She said the government tried to design the auction in a way that benefits all three companies.

She also explained that Pakistan’s current telecom system is running on only 274 megahertz of spectrum. Because of this limited capacity, users often face network problems.

According to the minister, the government’s main goal is to improve the quality of 4G services and expand coverage across the country. At the same time, the rollout of 5G services will begin after the auction is completed.

Officials said the government is offering around 600 MHz of spectrum in this auction. Four new bands have also been included in the process. Telecom companies taking part in the auction must buy at least 100 MHz each.

With a minimum of 300 MHz to be acquired by the telecom companies, the availability of spectrum in the system will be doubled, and as a result, current issues faced by consumers will largely be resolved, Ms Fatima added.
In order to ensure that all three telecom operators enter the 5G service, the spectrum auction policy has made it mandatory for the participants to acquire the 3500 MHz and 2600 MHz bands, as these are essential to operate the 5G service.

The 700 MHz band has also been offered for the first time. It is essential for long-distance coverage and will help provide basic telephony services in populated areas.

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The government is expected to generate approximately $300 million to $700 million through the spectrum auction.

There will be different rounds of bidding, which may continue for several rounds.