PTA Moves to Secure Strong 5G Network

By Staff Reporter
February 20, 2026

Pakistan has moved a step closer to launching next-generation mobile connectivity as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) introduces mandatory bidding requirements for telecom operators in key “core” spectrum bands for the country’s upcoming 5G auction.

According to the latest auction framework, telecom operators will now be required to bid for spectrum in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands during the first round of the 5G auction process.

These mid-band frequencies are globally regarded as the backbone of 5G networks because they provide the ideal balance between coverage and capacity needed for high-speed and low-latency connectivity.

Mandatory Mid-Band Investment

The PTA’s move is aimed at ensuring meaningful deployment of 5G infrastructure across Pakistan rather than limited upgrades using lower-frequency spectrum.

Under the revised conditions:

• Operators must purchase spectrum in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands in the opening round of the auction.

• A special spectrum cap has been introduced to prevent any single operator from monopolizing a band.

• Telecom companies are required to acquire at least 100 MHz of spectrum during the auction process.

Regulators believe these measures will prevent spectrum fragmentation and guarantee the network capacity required to deliver enterprise-grade 5G services nationwide.

Industry experts widely consider the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands the “sweet spot” for 5G rollout because they offer both wider coverage and high data throughput, making them suitable for urban and semi-urban deployments.

Auction Details and Rollout Targets

Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction is scheduled to take place on March 10, 2026, following approval by the Spectrum Advisory Committee.

Approximately 597 MHz of spectrum will be offered across multiple low-, mid-, and high-frequency bands ranging from 700 MHz to 3500 MHz to support nationwide deployment of next-generation mobile services.

The auction will include:

• 700 MHz

• 1800 MHz

• 2100 MHz

• 2300 MHz

• 2600 MHz

• 3500 MHz

These bands are expected to enable faster mobile broadband speeds, improved network reliability, and support for emerging technologies such as smart cities, AI-driven services, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Infrastructure and Coverage Obligations

As part of PTA’s rollout framework:

• Each operator must deploy 1,000 new telecom sites annually

• 200 additional sites will target underserved areas

• Operators must increase tower fiberization every year

• Mandatory 5G coverage maps must be published

Initial commercial deployment is expected to begin in Islamabad and provincial capitals before expanding to rural regions.

Following licensing and infrastructure readiness, commercial 5G services are expected to launch within six to seven months after the auction concludes.

Building Pakistan’s Digital Backbone

With mandatory participation in core mid-band spectrum now enforced, policymakers hope the upcoming auction will lay the groundwork for a resilient and high-performance digital ecosystem capable of supporting next-generation services across sectors.

The March auction is widely viewed as a defining milestone in Pakistan’s long-delayed but increasingly structured transition toward full-scale 5G connectivity.

Sources:

• PTA Sets Tough 5G Conditions for All Telcos Before Launch

• How Telecom Operators Can Prepare for Pakistan 5G Auction