PTA Issues Final Amendments to NGMS/5G Spectrum Auction IM
Islamabad : ( By Naeem Mehboob ) The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued the final notification on amendments to the Information Memorandum (IM) for the upcoming NGMS/5G Spectrum Auction, following stakeholder consultations. The auction is scheduled for 13 February 2026.
In connection with the amendments, PTA will hold an Information Session for prospective applicants on 16 February 2026.
According to the sources, The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has issued a policy directive to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to conduct the auction of next-generation mobile (IMT) spectrum, with an estimated minimum non-tax revenue of USD 630.4 million.
The auction will cover the 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz bands, marking the most extensive spectrum release in Pakistan to date. Allocations include 15 MHz paired in 700 MHz, 3.6 MHz in 1800 MHz, 20 MHz in 2100 MHz, 50 MHz in 2300 MHz, 190 MHz in 2600 MHz, and 280 MHz unpaired in the 3500 MHz band, considered critical for 5G deployment.
The policy allows technology-neutral spectrum use, enabling operators to deploy advanced mobile generations, including 5G, under existing regulations. Both existing cellular mobile operators and new entrants may participate, subject to spectrum caps.
Base prices in US dollars are set as follows: 700 MHz paired at USD 6.5 million per MHz, 1800 MHz paired at USD 14 million per MHz, 2100 MHz paired at USD 14 million per MHz, 2300 MHz unpaired at USD 1 million per MHz, 2600 MHz unpaired at USD 1.25 million per MHz, and 3500 MHz unpaired at USD 0.65 million per MHz. Payments will be made in Pakistani rupees at the prevailing State Bank exchange rate.
Operators have the option to pay in full by the first anniversary of license issuance or choose deferred payments: a minimum 50% in the first year and the remainder in five equal yearly instalments. Interest on unpaid amounts is KIBOR + 3% per annum. Licenses will last 15 years, allowing spectrum trading and sharing as per PTA regulations.
The directive also mandates spectrum rationalization in the 1800 and 2100 MHz bands post-auction to ensure efficient use of contiguous holdings. Licensees winning spectrum are required to follow new obligations and financial rules for phased network expansion to improve service quality.
For complete details, interested parties are advised to visit the PTA website or access the official notification here.
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