Pakistan concluded its 5G spectrum auction on Tuesday, selling 480 megahertz for $507 million by the end of the third round of bidding.

 

The auction saw participation from three telecom operators, Zong, Jazz, and Ufone competing primarily for the 2600 megahertz frequency band. Zong secured 110MHz, Ufone 180MHz, and Jazz 190MHz.

 

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had offered multiple frequency bands, including 700 MHz for $32.5 million, 1800 MHz for $16.8 million, 2100 MHz for $70 million, 2300 MHz for $10 million, 2600 MHz for $12.5 million, and 3500 MHz for $6.5 million per lot.

 

The bidding process began in the presence of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarrar, former IT Minister Syed Aminul Haque, and the chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, along with committee members.

 

After the first round, the compiled results were released. PTA had offered 190MHz in lots of 10MHz each, but bidders requested 30 lots. Eleven additional lots totaling 110MHz were added to the auction, and the PTA increased the bid price of the 2600MHz band by five percent of its base price.

 

For the 3500MHz band, 28 lots of 10MHz were available, but bids were placed for only 20 lots. Breaks were observed before the second and third rounds of bidding.

 

Addressing the event, Finance Minister Aurangzeb acknowledged the role of the spectrum committee and the IT ministry in ensuring the auction. He said, “I’ve always said digital is not an end in itself; it’s a means to an end. Faster, cheaper, better it’s as simple as that.”

 

He added, “When we talk about jobs, when we talk about how the private sector has to lead the country, this is exactly what the government should be doing … providing the ecosystem and helping out.” 

 

He also mentioned the relevance of the auction to new technologies, including AI, blockchain, and Web 3.0, as well as its role in supporting 5G rollout.

 

IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja called the day “maybe one of the most important days in the history of Pakistan” and highlighted challenges in connectivity due to the absence of major auctions since the introduction of 3G and 4G. 

 

She said the spectrum availability would double and users could expect improved 4G quality within four to five months.

 

Shaza also outlined government efforts in satellite internet, international cable connections, and fibre network expansion, noting the removal of right of way charges to reduce internet costs.

 

Telecom companies described spectrum as an invisible infrastructure central to digital connectivity.