Islamabad (Jan. 10, 2026) – Pakistan is moving closer to the launch of 5G mobile services as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued an Information Memorandum (IM) for the auction of 5G spectrum, signaling a major step toward faster internet connectivity in the country.
The IM was issued in line with federal government directives and outlines key rules, conditions, and obligations for telecom operators participating in the 5G rollout.
According to the PTA, a total of 597.2 MHz of spectrum across six frequency bands will be offered in the upcoming auction. This includes 30 MHz in the 700 MHz band, 7.2 MHz in the 1800 MHz band, 40 MHz in the 2100 MHz band, 50 MHz in the 2300 MHz band, 190 MHz in the 2600 MHz band, and 280 MHz in the 3500 MHz band.
The auction will allow telecom companies to acquire spectrum needed to expand 5G services in major cities.
The IM specifies that every telecom operator must deploy 1,000 new base stations annually. During the first phase, 5G services will be launched in Islamabad and the four provincial capitals. Telecom operators will also be required to convert 10 percent of existing towers in these cities to support 5G connectivity.
The memorandum increases minimum speeds for 4G services from 4 Mbps to 20 Mbps, with operators required to raise speeds to at least 10 Mbps in the first year. For 5G services, minimum speeds have been set at 50 Mbps.
PTA officials said that 5G services will be rapidly expanded in major urban centers to ensure widespread availability.
Telecom companies have 20 days to submit proposals regarding the IM, after which PTA will issue the final Information Memorandum.
Analysts said the move represents a significant milestone in Pakistan’s digital infrastructure development, promising faster internet speeds, improved connectivity, and enhanced support for new technologies across the country.
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