Pakistan Plans Largest Spectrum Auction in History
Pakistan is preparing to hold the largest spectrum auction in its history, with regulators planning to offer 600 megahertz of spectrum, a volume that significantly surpasses previous telecom sales conducted over the past decade.
While briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology, Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Hafeez-ur-Rehman stated that only 69 MHz of spectrum had been auctioned through four separate sales during the last 12 years. He described the scale of the upcoming 5G auction as unprecedented in comparison to earlier allocations.
Government to Offer 600 MHz for 5G
Officials informed the committee that at least 300 MHz of spectrum will be put up for auction, with more than half of the total available spectrum expected to be sold. Under the proposed framework, each telecom operator will be required to acquire a minimum of 100 MHz, a measure aimed at ensuring serious participation and facilitating effective network deployment.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said the auction will support the rollout of 5G services and also improve existing 4G network performance. Expected download speeds under the upgraded infrastructure could reach up to 20 Mbps.
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In the first phase, 5G services will be introduced in Islamabad and the provincial capitals, with plans to expand coverage nationwide in subsequent stages.
Minimum 100 MHz Purchase Set for Operators
Members of the committee described the size of the auction as a turning point for Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. Lawmakers emphasized that the economic and social advantages of advanced connectivity should extend to the broader population.
