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Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction is no longer awaiting a policy green light: its assignment stage was completed on March 13, 2026. Jazz, Ufone, and Zong received 480 MHz of the 597.2 MHz offered. By July 14, the National Assembly Standing Committee reported 5G service launches in 22 cities, but that did not mean nationwide coverage.
What happened to Pakistan’s 5G auction?
The original “awaits policy green light” description reflected the position reported on December 31, 2025. At that point, PTA had finalized a draft Information Memorandum, but formal issuance was still awaiting a government policy directive, according to PhoneWorld’s report. That status was superseded by the events that followed.
- February 26, 2026: A National Assembly committee briefing said the auction was scheduled for March 10. Jazz, Ufone, and Zong had each submitted a USD 15 million advance participation fee, and the framework required each participating bidder to acquire at least 100 MHz. National Assembly briefing.
- March 10, 2026: Jazz, Ufone, and Zong took part in the allocation stage. The auction offered 597.2 MHz across six bands: 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz. A total of 480 MHz was allocated. Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
- March 13, 2026: The assignment stage, which set precise frequency positions within bands, was reported complete. APP reported total proceeds of $509.6 million, approximately Rs. 142.6 billion. APP assignment-stage report.
- July 14, 2026: A National Assembly committee reported that operators had launched 5G service in 22 cities, initially using existing towers and network infrastructure. National Assembly committee report.
The IT minister had said on March 12 that pilot projects were expected in major cities in the coming weeks and that service would likely be available in federal and provincial capitals within six to eight months. That was a forecast at the time; it is not proof that service launched in every capital on that schedule. Radio Pakistan’s March 12 report.
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Which companies won spectrum, and how much?
APP’s March 13 assignment report gives the following operator totals and band-level positions. The 3500 MHz awards add to 220 MHz, including the 60 MHz that remained unsold; the 2600 MHz awards total 190 MHz.
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| Operator | Total spectrum allocated | 2600 MHz assignment | 3500 MHz assignment | Reported payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jazz | 190 MHz | 70 MHz | 50 MHz | $239.38 million |
| Ufone | 180 MHz | 60 MHz | 120 MHz | $156.75 million |
| Zong | 110 MHz | 60 MHz | 50 MHz | $113.47 million |
These are auction outcomes, not a comparison of network quality. The cited records do not provide comparable operator-by-operator coverage or service-performance results. The assignment report also says 60 MHz in the 3500 MHz band remained unsold. APP.
What do the auction totals mean?
The 597.2 MHz figure is the amount offered across six bands; 480 MHz is the amount allocated. The March 13 APP report put proceeds at $509.6 million (approximately Rs. 142.6 billion). Radio Pakistan’s March 12 account rounded the proceeds to $510 million while reporting the minister’s announcement that the auction was complete. Radio Pakistan.
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The National Assembly committee later said spectrum available in Pakistan rose from 274 MHz to 754 MHz following the auction. That is a reported national spectrum figure, not a measure of how much bandwidth an individual customer will receive. National Assembly committee report.
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Does auction completion mean 5G is available across Pakistan?
No. Spectrum allocation gives operators the airwaves needed to build services; it does not establish where a customer can connect. The July 14 parliamentary account reported launches in 22 cities and said operators initially used existing towers and network infrastructure, with new 5G infrastructure expected in later phases. A city-level launch does not guarantee uninterrupted coverage throughout that city, and the cited report is not a current operator coverage map.
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At the auction ceremony on March 10, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said “improved digital connectivity would deliver faster, cheaper and better services,” as reported by the Press Information Department. That is an expectation, not a measured finding: the available reports do not establish a quantified consumer speed improvement caused by the auction. Press Information Department release.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should a consumer check before trying 5G?
Availability depends on both the operator’s service in a specific location and the device. Before buying a phone for 5G use, check the operator’s coverage information for the places you use the phone and confirm the handset supports the bands used by that operator. The auction records do not verify compatibility for any particular phone model.
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A July National Assembly committee report said approximately 92% of smartphones used in Pakistan were manufactured or assembled locally and 8% imported. It also said taxes on imported phones go to the Federal Board of Revenue, while PTA registers devices through DIRBS after taxes are paid; PTA should not be described as collecting those taxes. National Assembly committee report.
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