The Pakistan government has announced that the 5G spectrum auction will take place during Ramadan 2026, aiming to launch 5G services in major cities within six months of the auction.
Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima stated that the spectrum auction will also improve existing 3G and 4G services. She said the government plans to complete the 5G spectrum auction by the end of February, allowing telecom operators to prepare for service rollout.
According to the minister, enhancements in 3G and 4G connectivity are expected to be visible within three to four months after the auction. Meanwhile, 5G services are targeted for major cities, including Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad, within six months.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is consulting with stakeholders on service quality standards and rollout conditions. Telecom companies are finalizing their preparations for the 5G spectrum auction to ensure a smooth implementation of the new network.
In Islamabad, Minister Fatima explained that all participating companies have been given three weeks to complete the necessary processes. Following consultations, the information memorandum detailing the auction rules will be finalized in the first week of February.
The government is also working on the “Smartphones for All” policy to make digital access more affordable for citizens. Fatima mentioned that 100,000 laptops are distributed annually to students, and Google has begun assembling Chromebooks in Pakistan, boosting local manufacturing.
Experts believe that the 5G spectrum rollout will accelerate Pakistan’s digital economy, improving internet speeds and enabling new technologies such as IoT, smart cities, and advanced mobile applications.
With the auction scheduled during Ramadan 2026, Pakistan is expected to join other countries in the region offering next-generation mobile networks, providing faster connectivity and broader digital access to its citizens.
The government aims to ensure that 5G services are reliable, affordable, and widely accessible, marking a significant step forward in Pakistan’s telecommunications sector.
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