PTA and Government Gear Up for 5G Rollout with Auction Advisory Committee Briefing
Pakistan’s 5G journey has reached a crucial phase as the Auction Advisory Committee (AAC) prepares to brief Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on the upcoming 5G spectrum auction. This briefing will focus on key policy, regulatory developments, and the final recommendations submitted by National Economic Research Associates Inc. (NERA).
Final NERA Report Shapes 5G Auction Plans
NERA, a US-based consultancy firm, was hired by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in November 2024 to provide technical, economic, and market insights for Pakistan’s first-ever 5G spectrum auction. After months of research, the firm submitted its final report to the Auction Advisory Committee (AAC), also known as the Spectrum Advisory Committee (SAC), on November 15, 2025.
The report covered a comprehensive assessment of the telecom market, spectrum valuation, auction design, and potential investment risks. According to sources, the NERA report serves as the backbone for all final decisions regarding auction rules, reserve prices, and rollout strategy.
Role of the Auction Advisory Committee
The Auction Advisory Committee is tasked with reviewing the NERA report and providing policy guidance to the federal government. Its responsibilities include:
- Determining the structure of the 5G spectrum auction.
- Recommending reserve prices for each frequency band.
- Advising on the rollout strategy for nationwide 5G deployment.
- Ensuring fair competition among telecom operators while protecting consumer interests.
The committee’s briefing to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister is a key step before the government gives final approval for the auction launch.
Spectrum Allocation: Bands and Megahertz
According to official plans, a total of 606 megahertz of spectrum will be auctioned across six frequency bands:
- 700 MHz
- 1800 MHz
- 2100 MHz
- 2300 MHz
- 2600 MHz
- 3500 MHz
Each band is strategically important for 5G services. Lower bands like 700 MHz offer wide coverage and better signal penetration in rural areas, while higher bands such as 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz support ultra-fast speeds and high data capacity in urban centers.
Regulatory Developments and Market Decisions
The 5G auction process has been influenced by ongoing regulatory and market developments, including the PTCL–Telenor merger. PTA granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to PTCL for the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan in December 2025 after Phase II approval from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP).
Strict conditions were imposed to maintain market competition, ensuring that no single operator dominates the telecom sector. The final financial closure of the merger is expected in early 2026, which could impact the auction dynamics.
Despite earlier technical disputes over the 2600 MHz band, the government decided to move forward with the auction, citing the absence of any court stay order. This decision ensures that valuable spectrum does not remain idle, avoiding economic losses that could accumulate daily if delays persist.
Timeline and Auction Strategy
Officials have confirmed that the target timeline for the 5G spectrum auction is March 2026, subject to final approvals and the issuance of policy directives and the Information Memorandum.
The government aims to conduct a transparent and competitive auction, attracting both domestic and international telecom investors. The auction process will include:
- Pre-qualification of interested telecom companies.
- Transparent bidding rounds with clear reserve prices.
- Compliance with PTA regulations and consumer protection policies.
Economic and Social Impact of 5G in Pakistan
The rollout of 5G services is expected to revolutionize Pakistan’s digital ecosystem. Experts predict multiple benefits:
- High-speed Internet Access: 5G will enable faster mobile data speeds, benefiting businesses and consumers.
- Smart Cities and IoT: 5G connectivity supports smart infrastructure, traffic management, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
- Economic Growth: Enhanced telecom services can attract foreign investment, boost e-commerce, and create tech jobs.
- Education and Healthcare: 5G will improve remote learning, telemedicine, and emergency response systems.
- Innovation and Startups: Faster connectivity encourages tech startups to develop new apps, services, and solutions for the Pakistani market.
Challenges and Opportunities
While 5G offers tremendous opportunities, the rollout faces challenges:
- Spectrum Valuation: Setting fair prices is crucial to avoid underutilization or overpricing that could discourage operators.
- Infrastructure Investment: Telecom companies must invest heavily in towers, fiber optics, and network upgrades.
- Rural Connectivity: Extending coverage to remote areas is a logistical and financial challenge.
- Cybersecurity: 5G networks increase potential vulnerabilities, requiring strict security and privacy protocols.
The NERA report addresses these challenges, providing recommendations to ensure balanced growth while maximizing economic and social benefits.
International Perspective
Pakistan’s 5G auction is being closely monitored by international telecom investors and agencies. Successful implementation could position Pakistan as a leader in digital infrastructure in South Asia.
Countries that have successfully rolled out 5G, such as South Korea, the United States, and China, demonstrate that early and well-regulated spectrum auctions can accelerate innovation, improve connectivity, and boost GDP.
Government and PTA Commitments
The Pakistan government and PTA are committed to:
- Ensuring a transparent auction process.
- Maintaining a level playing field for all telecom operators.
- Encouraging public-private partnerships for infrastructure development.
- Promoting affordable and widespread 5G access across urban and rural areas.
By taking decisive steps, the authorities aim to avoid delays and launch 5G services in a timely and efficient manner.
Conclusion
The upcoming briefing by the Auction Advisory Committee to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar marks a critical step in Pakistan’s 5G journey. With the final NERA report in hand, regulatory clarity emerging, and key decisions regarding auction structure and spectrum allocation pending, Pakistan is set to enter the era of high-speed connectivity.
The 5G spectrum auction, planned for March 2026, promises to transform the nation’s telecom landscape, boost economic growth, and create digital opportunities for millions of Pakistanis. By balancing regulatory oversight with investor incentives, the government aims to ensure that Pakistan’s 5G rollout is successful, competitive, and inclusive.
FAQs About Pakistan 5G Spectrum Auction
What is the 5G spectrum auction in Pakistan?
The auction will sell 606 MHz of spectrum across six bands (700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, 3500 MHz) to telecom companies for 5G deployment.
Who is NERA and what role did they play?
NERA is a US-based consultancy hired by PTA to analyze the market, technical feasibility, and economic aspects of Pakistan’s first 5G auction.
When will the 5G spectrum auction take place?
The auction is targeted for March 2026, pending final approvals and issuance of policy directives.
How will the PTCL–Telenor merger affect the auction?
The merger has received NOC from PTA and CCP approval, which may influence spectrum competition and operator strategies.
What are the benefits of 5G in Pakistan?
5G will improve high-speed internet, support smart cities, boost e-commerce, create jobs, enhance healthcare and education, and encourage innovation.
