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Pakistan moves closer to 5G rollout as PTA prepares to issue licenses after a major spectrum auction raising over $500 million.
Read more: Pakistan’s 5G Era Begins: IT and Finance Ministers Outline Vision for the Country’s Digital Future
Pakistan is moving closer to the introduction of commercial 5G mobile services as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority accelerates the process of granting licenses to telecom operators following a major spectrum auction.
Officials familiar with the development said licenses could begin to be issued as early as next week, allowing operators to move forward with preparations for launching next-generation connectivity across the country ahead of Eid‑ul‑Fitr.
The recent spectrum auction generated more than $500 million for the government and involved the allocation of approximately 480 MHz of spectrum across several frequency bands, including 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz. Major telecom operators such as Jazz, Zong and Ufone secured spectrum that will enable them to deploy 5G services.
As part of the licensing process, operators must provide a bank guarantee of $15 million before the regulator completes the authorization procedure.
Industry officials say the initial rollout is expected to begin in major metropolitan areas, including federal and provincial capitals, where network demand and data consumption are highest. Broader expansion will take place gradually as operators expand network infrastructure and deploy additional spectrum.
The arrival of 5G is expected to deliver faster internet speeds, reduced network delays and improved performance for digital services, supporting Pakistan’s broader push toward technology-driven economic growth.
