As Pakistan prepares for its first-ever 5G spectrum auction, new details emerging from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) suggest that a large portion of mobile users may already be technically prepared for the transition.
According to PTA sources, nearly 80 percent of mobile phones currently in use in Pakistan support the key frequency bands required for 5G services — a development that could significantly ease the country’s shift to next-generation connectivity.
Phones Already Support Key 5G Frequency Bands
PTA officials revealed that most smartphones in Pakistan already support the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands, which are essential for 5G operations.
These mid-band frequencies are considered a critical component of the upcoming Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) / 5G spectrum auction, expected to take place by the end of February 2026.
5G Declared a National Priority
The federal government has officially designated 2025–26 as Pakistan’s national transition period for 5G.
In line with this plan, the PTA issued the Information Memorandum (IM) on January 9, 2026, outlining:
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Auction rules
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Available spectrum blocks
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Eligibility criteria for bidders
The document allows interested operators approximately 45 days to complete all required documentation.
Spectrum Details for the Upcoming Auction
According to PTA sources, the auction is expected to offer around 597.2 MHz of spectrum below 6 GHz, including the following frequency bands:
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700 MHz
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1800 MHz
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2100 MHz
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2300 MHz
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2600 MHz
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3500 MHz
This wide range of spectrum is expected to support both 5G deployment and improvements in existing mobile services.
4G Speeds Expected to Improve Significantly
Officials noted that the release of additional spectrum will not only enable 5G but will also greatly enhance current 4G performance.
After the auction:
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Average 4G speeds could rise from around 4 Mbps
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Expected to reach 20–25 Mbps, particularly in congested urban areas
The availability of new mid-band spectrum will help operators manage network load and improve user experience even before full-scale 5G rollout begins.
What to Expect From Initial 5G Services
Under the auction framework, telecom operators will be required to meet mandatory Quality of Service (QoS) standards.
According to PTA sources:
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Initial commercial 5G services will offer minimum downlink speeds of 50 Mbps
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Higher speeds are expected as networks mature
The 2300 MHz band will provide a balance between coverage and capacity in cities, while the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands will support higher data speeds and lower latency in high-traffic areas.
Timeline for 5G Rollout in Pakistan
Commercial 5G services are expected to launch within six to seven months after the auction.
Initial coverage will focus on major cities, including:
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Islamabad
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Lahore
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Karachi
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Peshawar
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Quetta
As part of auction conditions, operators will also be required to expand fiber-to-the-site infrastructure from the current 20 percent to 60 percent, laying the foundation for long-term improvements in mobile broadband across Pakistan.
