ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is finally preparing for the long-awaited launch of 5G services, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirming that all preparations for the 5G spectrum auction are complete. The auction is now officially set for February 26, 2026.
The journey to 5G in Pakistan has been long and complicated. Over the past five to six years, successive governments, the Ministry of IT, and PTA have promised 5G. However, delays caused by spectrum pricing disputes, economic challenges, high dollar rates, and telecom operators’ concerns repeatedly postponed the launch.
According to a senior PTA official, the 5G network is ready for phased deployment. “We’ve designed it to expand easily while maintaining strict quality standards,” the official said. Telecom operators have expressed interest, and the auction structure has been finalized, signaling a strong likelihood of execution this time.
This spectrum auction will be Pakistan’s largest-ever, offering nearly 600 MHz of spectrum. The government expects a minimum of $630 million in tax-free revenue. Successful bidders will receive 15-year technology-neutral licenses, allowing them to deploy 5G at their own pace while meeting quality requirements.
The first phase rollout guarantees a minimum download speed of 50 Mbps. Operators must also enhance 4G network speeds 4–5 times to ensure no users are left behind.
Where 5G Will Be Available First
The launch will follow a phased approach in line with global best practices. Initially, 5G will be available in major cities and high-demand areas:
- Islamabad: Blue Area, F-10
- Karachi: Defence, Clifton
- Lahore and provincial capitals: Key commercial hubs
Operators are required to deploy 5G on at least 10% of existing network sites in the first year. Coverage will gradually expand based on demand, device availability, and user capacity. In areas with 5G, speeds will be 14–15 times faster than current networks, while other areas will enjoy enhanced 4G services.
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The PTA emphasizes that the launch is not just about faster internet but improving Pakistan’s mobile connectivity nationwide. Questions regarding Starlink are still under review by the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB). Once approved, PTA will issue the license promptly.
