5G Spectrum Auction Likely During Ramadan; Major Cities to Get Service in Six Months

Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima has announced that Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G spectrum auction is expected to take place during the month of Ramadan, with the government aiming to complete the process by the end of February.

Speaking to the media at Parliament House, the minister said that following the auction, mobile broadband services are expected to improve significantly within three to four months, particularly in terms of 3G and 4G performance, as network capacity and quality are upgraded.

Shaza Fatima added that the government’s target is to launch 5G services in major cities within six months after the auction. She noted that all telecom operators have welcomed the Information Memorandum issued for the 5G auction and have expressed confidence in the process.

According to the minister, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is currently holding consultations with stakeholders on key elements of the Information Memorandum, including quality of service standards and rollout obligations. Telecom companies have been given a three-week window to submit feedback and finalize their preparations.

She said the Information Memorandum is expected to be finalized in the first week of February, after which the country will be fully prepared to move ahead with the 5G spectrum auction.

The minister further stated that telecom operators are now in the final stages of technical and financial readiness for the auction, describing the rollout of 5G as a major step toward strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.

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