Pakistan 5G Auction Nears Final Stage as Telecom Firms Step In
Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G spectrum auction has moved into its final phase, with major telecom operators beginning to meet the financial requirements set by the regulator.
According to industry sources, leading mobile operators Ufone and Zong have each deposited the mandatory pre-bid earnest money of $15 million with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The auction is scheduled to take place on March 10.
The PTA has fixed February 27 as the deadline for the submission of earnest money. After this date, the regulator will publish the official list of applicants eligible to participate in the bidding process. Sources further indicated that Jazz is also expected to deposit the required amount within the next few days, signaling a strong likelihood of its participation.
Under PTA regulations, each potential bidder must submit $15 million to qualify for the auction. This amount will be adjustable against the final license fee for operators that successfully secure spectrum.
Officials familiar with the process said the auction will be deemed successful if at least 50 percent of the total 597 MHz spectrum—approximately 300 MHz—is sold. Participation from a minimum of three cellular operators is expected to be sufficient to meet this benchmark and ensure competitive bidding.
The 5G auction is drawing significant attention from policymakers and investors, as it is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s next-generation telecom landscape. The rollout of 5G is anticipated to enable ultra-fast internet speeds, low-latency applications, and the expansion of the country’s digital infrastructure.
Following the recent acquisition of Telenor Pakistan by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), which operates Ufone, the number of major telecom operators in Pakistan has effectively reduced to three. PTA officials noted that clarity on whether any new entrant will participate in the 5G bidding process will emerge once the February 27 deadline passes.
As per the announced timeline, the PTA will release the list of qualified bidders on March 3. This will be followed by a seminar for eligible participants on March 4 and a mock auction on March 5.
The final auction on March 10 is expected to mark a major milestone for Pakistan’s telecom sector, setting the stage for advanced digital services and long-term technological growth across the country.
