Pakistan Set to Finalize 5G Spectrum Auction Decisions This Week
Nov 12, 2025
The federal government of Pakistan is set to hold a crucial meeting of the Auction Advisory Committee this week to finalize decisions for the country’s first-ever 5G spectrum auction, expected to take place in February or March 2026.
Key Details of the 5G Auction Plans
Sources told ProPakistani that the meeting will likely occur after the return of Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has tasked its 5G consultant to present a comprehensive roadmap for the auction and subsequent rollout of next-generation mobile technology.
The report is expected to cover:
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Market Readiness Assessment to evaluate operator preparedness and consumer demand.
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Spectrum Valuation and Pricing Strategy for competitive yet sustainable bidding.
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Spectrum Band Allocation Plan outlining technical and regulatory assignments.
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Rollout Obligations and Coverage Targets to ensure nationwide connectivity.
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Policy and Regulatory Recommendations to create a transparent and efficient auction process.
This framework will guide the government in structuring the 5G spectrum auction efficiently, balancing technical, economic, and legal considerations.
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Delays and Challenges
While the 5G auction was initially planned for the end of 2025, it has faced several delays due to:
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Ongoing court cases involving spectrum allocations.
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The pending merger of Ufone and Telenor, currently under PTA review following clearance by the Competition Commission of Pakistan.
Authorities expect a final decision on the merger in the coming weeks, removing one of the key hurdles to the auction.
Industry Concerns and Recommendations
Experts note that Pakistan’s 5G rollout faces structural and economic challenges, including:
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Operator hesitancy amid economic instability.
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High spectrum pricing and taxation.
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Pending litigation on 146 MHz of spectrum.
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Infrastructure gaps and limited affordability of 5G-enabled devices.
Industry stakeholders have urged the government to adopt rational pricing models and consider deferred payment options to attract investment and ensure the successful launch of 5G services.
With the 5G auction on the horizon, Pakistan aims to usher in a new era of high-speed mobile connectivity, boosting digital transformation across business, education, and healthcare sectors.
