PTA sets March 10 as new date for 5G auction

The Auction Advisory Committee has decided to hold Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction on March 10, 2026, revising the earlier government plan that had set February 26, 2026, as the auction date.

Officials said the schedule was finalized after thorough regulatory coordination and extensive consultations with stakeholders. This approach aims to provide sufficient preparation time for participants while ensuring compliance with all procedural and regulatory requirements. The PTA emphasized that the auction will give all interested parties a fair opportunity to participate and that the process has been designed to encourage optimal competition.

Authorities advised telecom companies to carefully review the Information Memorandum for NGMS/5G in Pakistan and stay updated through official announcements on the PTA website. The finalized schedule also reflects the regulator’s commitment to clarity and transparency, aiming to avoid confusion and ensure that all technical and financial aspects are clearly communicated to potential bidders in advance.

The auction is expected to take place in the last week of February 2026, marking a major step in Pakistan’s digital development and the expansion of next-generation mobile services across the country. Industry analysts say the move could significantly improve connectivity, mobile internet speeds, and overall telecom infrastructure.

Telecom experts also highlighted that a smooth auction process is critical to attract investment, boost competition, and accelerate the rollout of 5G technology nationwide. The PTA assured that all preparations, including licensing, spectrum allocation, and regulatory checks, will be completed ahead of the auction to ensure a seamless process.