Pakistan is gearing up for one of the most transformative steps in its telecom history with plans to hold a 5G spectrum auction during Ramadan 2026.
A move expected to bring ultra-fast high-speed internet service to millions of users across the country.
Federal authorities and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) are finalising preparations for this long-awaited milestone, which could reshape the nation’s digital landscape.
After years of delays and planning, the upcoming auction aims to allocate the radio frequency spectrum needed for fifth-generation mobile networks (5G).
Enabling significantly faster data speeds, lower latency, and improved connectivity in major urban centres.
Officials say that once the spectrum is allocated, telecom companies will begin rolling out 5G services within months—potentially this year—revolutionizing internet access and supporting Pakistan’s broader digital economy goals.
Ramadan 2026 5G Spectrum Auction: Timeline & Expectations
Officials from the Ministry of Information Technology and Communications have confirmed that the telecom sector is targeting Ramadan 2026, which falls between February and March this year, for the 5G spectrum auction.
This timing was reaffirmed by the Federal Minister for IT & Telecom, Shaza Fatima, who highlighted the government’s intent to complete the foundational regulatory work before the holy month.
Previous reports indicated that the auction could occur on February 26–28, marking the official start of the commercial services launch.
Once the auction is complete, telecom companies will be legally entitled to use the allotted bands to build and expand 5G networks across different cities.
This scheduled timeline—during Ramadan—has garnered attention because it symbolises a significant investment in the nation’s digital future at a time when millions of Pakistanis are already shifting towards increased online activity and mobile usage.
What Spectrum Will Be Auctioned & Why It Matters
The planned 5G spectrum auction expected to include hundreds of megahertz of new frequencies essential to next-generation mobile internet.
Officials have previously stated that several bands—including 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz—will be part of the offering, making it one of the most significant spectrum allocations in Pakistan’s telecom history.
Securing adequate spectral resources is crucial for expanding network capacity and improving quality of service across both urban and rural regions.
Pakistan currently operates with only 274 MHz of spectrum for mobile services, one of the lowest allocations in the region, resulting in slow internet speeds and network congestion.
The 5G auction could boost this significantly, enabling higher data throughput and enhanced user experiences nationwide. (
Telecom operators also expected to face new network rollout and quality obligations under the auction terms.
Under the proposed frameworks, operators may be required to install thousands of additional cell sites each year and meet minimum speed benchmarks to ensure consumers experience meaningful improvements in connectivity after the 5G launch.
How 5G Will Transform Connectivity in Pakistan
Once implemented, 5G technology promises to alter how people and businesses use mobile internet dramatically:
- Ultra-fast speeds: Data downloads and uploads will be significantly faster than 4G, enabling smoother streaming, faster file transfers, and improved app performance.
- Lower latency: Reduced response times will enhance real-time applications like online gaming, video conferencing, and remote work tools.
- Enhanced capacity: Networks will support more devices simultaneously, crucial for dense urban populations and innovative technologies.
- Innovation enabling: 5G lays the foundation for technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous systems, and smart infrastructure.
Officials say this shift could drive economic growth, support digital startups, and boost Pakistan’s competitiveness in Southeast Asia’s fast-evolving tech space.
Coverage Plans & Initial Rollout Cities
Although the auction is just the beginning, the PTA and government have already outlined that major urban centres are likely to be among the first to receive 5G services once licences are awarded.
These cities include:
- Karachi
- Lahore
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi
- Faisalabad
- Peshawar
- Multan
These locations already have relatively strong fibre backbones and existing network infrastructure. ideal starting points for the first-phase 5G deployment.
Efforts will later expand to smaller cities and regions as operators build out their networks.
Challenges & Industry Concerns Ahead of Auction
Despite the optimistic outlook, several industry challenges remain:
1. Investment & Commercial Viability:
Telecom operators have expressed concerns about the high cost of the rollout obligations outlined in the Information Memorandum.
It could necessitate a significant annual infrastructure investment. It could potentially exceed $150 million per operator, in addition to spectrum license fees.
Critics argue it could weaken commercial returns in a market with low average revenue per user.
2. Tax & Pricing Issues:
Mobile industry stakeholders have also urged the government to address mobile phone tax rates, since high duties could slow consumer uptake of 5G-capable devices.
As of now, no clear tax relief measures have established, adding uncertainty for operators and consumers alike.
Impact on Internet Quality & Consumer Expectations
Pakistan has faced increasing public frustration over slow internet speeds and inconsistent mobile coverage. Prompting policymakers to prioritise the spectrum auction.
Lawmakers and telecom experts have criticised claims of high service satisfaction as disconnected from ground realities. There an urgent need for network improvements.
5G anticipated to improve peak speeds and help resolve capacity constraints that have long plagued Pakistan’s mobile networks—especially in densely populated metropolitan areas.
Preparing for a 5G-Enabled Future
To support the upcoming auction and 5G readiness, local companies and international partners are already taking early steps.
For example, ZTE and Pakistan’s Zong have signed agreements to deliver affordable 5G smartphones ahead of the spectrum sale. These agreements include flexible payment options that could boost the adoption of devices among consumers.
These initiatives show that stakeholders across the ecosystem are preparing for a shift toward 5G—from infrastructure deployment to device availability.
What Comes Next
As Pakistan finalises auction logistics ahead of Ramadan 2026, the telecom sector’s focus now turns toward completing regulatory frameworks. The future of mobile connectivity in the country will determined by the auction pricing and quality-of-service conditions.
The successful completion of the 5G auction could usher in a new era of digital growth and position Pakistan among more competitive regional markets. (Ary News)