Pakistan

Pakistan has successfully concluded its long-anticipated 5G spectrum auction, marking a major step forward in the country’s digital transformation. The multi-band auction, conducted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), generated approximately USD 507 million in revenue and resulted in the allocation of 480 MHz of spectrum across several key frequency bands.

The auction represents the first major spectrum release in over a decade and provides mobile operators with the resources required to expand both 4G capacity and future 5G deployments.

Multi-Band Spectrum Allocation Overview

The auction included a diverse mix of low-band, mid-band, and capacity spectrum, reflecting a strategy to balance coverage and high-speed data services.

• 700 MHz – low-band coverage spectrum
• 2300 MHz – capacity layer for mobile broadband
• 2600 MHz – high-capacity LTE and 5G layer
• 3500 MHz – primary 5G mid-band spectrum

While most spectrum was successfully assigned, some portions remained unsold, particularly in the 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands, indicating limited operator interest in legacy or already-utilized frequency ranges.

Operator Spectrum Holdings from the Auction

Three major operators — Jazz, Ufone, and Zong — secured spectrum in the auction, with allocations distributed across multiple bands to support both immediate network improvements and future 5G rollout.

Operator	Total Spectrum Acquired	700 MHz	2300 MHz	2600 MHz	3500 MHz
Jazz	190 MHz	20 MHz	50 MHz	70 MHz	50 MHz
Ufone	180 MHz	-	-	60 MHz	120 MHz
Zong	110 MHz	-	-	60 MHz	50 MHz

Jazz emerged as the largest spectrum holder in the auction, securing a balanced portfolio across low-band and mid-band frequencies. Ufone focused heavily on acquiring a large contiguous block in the 3.5 GHz band, while Zong concentrated on capacity expansion in mid-band spectrum.

Band-Level Auction Results

The auction achieved strong demand in most bands, particularly those aligned with 5G deployment strategies.

Band	Total Lots Offered	Lots Sold	Status
700 MHz	3	2	Partially sold
2300 MHz	5	5	Fully sold
2600 MHz	19	19	Fully sold
3500 MHz	28	22	Mostly sold
1800 / 2100 MHz	-	0	Unsold

The strong uptake in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands highlights operator focus on capacity and 5G readiness, while lower interest in legacy bands reflects existing spectrum holdings and refarming

Impact on Pakistan’s Mobile Market

The auction addresses long-standing spectrum constraints in Pakistan’s telecom sector, enabling operators to improve network performance and prepare for next-generation services. Authorities expect immediate improvements in 4G service quality, followed by phased 5G deployment in major urban areas within months.

In parallel, regulatory changes such as the removal of right-of-way charges for telecom infrastructure are expected to accelerate fiber rollout and support faster network expansion nationwide. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Summary of Pakistan 5G Spectrum Auction

Operator	Total Spectrum	Primary 5G Band (3500 MHz)	Key Strength
Jazz	190 MHz	50 MHz	Balanced multi-band portfolio
Ufone	180 MHz	120 MHz	Strong 5G mid-band position
Zong	110 MHz	50 MHz	Capacity-focused expansion

Outlook

With new spectrum resources secured, Pakistan is now positioned to accelerate its transition toward 5G connectivity. The combination of mid-band capacity and improved regulatory conditions is expected to drive network investments, enhance mobile broadband performance, and support emerging digital services across the country.

All the details are reflected in our database and can be found here: https://www.spectrum-tracker.com/Pakistan

Similar news