PTA Finalizes Preparations for 5G Spectrum Auction, Awaits Government Policy Directive

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has completed its internal preparations for the long-awaited auction of 5G spectrum and has finalized the draft of the Information Memorandum (IM), according to official sources. However, the formal issuance of the document remains pending as PTA awaits a policy directive from the federal government.

PTA Finalizes Preparations for 5G Spectrum Auction, Awaits Government Policy Directive

Sources indicate that the recommendations of the Spectrum Advisory Committee were approved over a week ago, but despite this approval, the required policy directive has yet to be issued. PTA officials state that once the directive is received, the Information Memorandum will be released after incorporating key elements, including the base price and other fundamental auction terms.

PTA sources further revealed that telecom operators will be given comparatively less preparation time following the release of the Information Memorandum, signaling an accelerated auction timeline. The authority has reiterated that its objective is to conduct the 5G spectrum auction before the start of Ramadan under all circumstances.

See Also: Breaking: Federal Cabinet Approves 5G Spectrum Auction, Low Prices to Accelerate Rollout

Efforts are currently underway to issue the Information Memorandum within the ongoing week. According to PTA officials, a total of 600 MHz of spectrum will be offered in the auction, spanning multiple frequency bands critical for next-generation mobile services.

These include 194 MHz of prime spectrum in the 2600 MHz band, along with spectrum in the 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 3500 MHz bands. PTA has identified the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands as its top priority due to their importance in delivering high-speed and high-capacity 5G services.

Overall, the authority aims to auction more than 300 MHz of spectrum, marking a significant step toward the commercial rollout of 5G services in Pakistan and the advancement of the country’s digital infrastructure.