5G auction phase two moves to fifth round for 3500 MHz band

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The second phase of Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction has begun, with bidding now underway for the 3500 MHz band.

First Round

In the first round, all three major telecom operators showed interest in securing positions within the 3500 MHz spectrum band, indicating strong demand for the high-frequency spectrum.

Second Round

During the second round of bidding, all participating telecom operators maintained their previously selected positions, reflecting a cautious and strategic approach as the auction progressed.

Third Round

In the third round, all three telecom companies once again expressed active interest in the 3500 MHz band, indicating continued competition among the operators for the valuable spectrum.

Fourth Round

In the fourth round all three telecom operators continued to participate actively showing interest in in the 3500 MHz band.

Fifth Round

The auction has now entered the fifth round for the 3500 MHz band, with all three telecom operators continuing to participate actively.

2600 MHz Spectrum Positioning Finalized

The PTA has also completed the bidding process for the positioning of the 2600 MHz spectrum in the second stage of the 5G assignment. All three telecom operators have finalized their preferred positions within the band.

The bidding process was formally initiated by IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, along with the IT Secretary and the chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

According to the chairman PTA Hafeez Ur Rehman, the bidding for positioning in the 2600 MHz band has already been completed, while bidding for positioning in the 3500 MHz band is currently ongoing. The results for both spectrum bands will be announced together.

Also Read: NGMS/5G spectrum auction termed historic milestone for digital transformation

Pakistan Enters 5G Era, Opens Doors for Investment: Shaza Fatima

Speaking on the occasion, IT Minister Shaza Fatima highlighted that the second phase of the 5G spectrum auction is currently underway, opening new opportunities for foreign investment and modernizing the country’s technological infrastructure. “Our economy is stabilizing, and technology is being utilized to its full potential,” she said.

Shaza Fatima emphasized the importance of 5G for national security, stating that the spectrum allows Pakistan to enter new technological frontiers and aligns with the Prime Minister’s Digital Nation vision. She also noted that internet speeds will significantly improve once 5G networks are operational.

The minister recalled that the first phase of the 5G spectrum auction was successfully completed last Tuesday, with 480 MHz out of a total 597 MHz sold. She called it a historic auction, adding that today’s second phase focuses on spectrum band positioning. Previously, Pakistan operated on only 274 MHz of spectrum, placing it among the countries with the least available spectrum. With the current auction, the country’s position has improved to a middle-tier level.

Shaza Fatima stressed that the new technology will benefit youth, agriculture, healthcare, trade, and especially national security, pointing out that cyber operations last year played a crucial role in national defense.

First phase of 5G auction

The first phase of the 5G auction was completed last Tuesday, where 480 MHz out of a total 597 MHz spectrum was sold. According to PTA, all lots in the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands have been booked, while 22 out of 28 lots in the 3500 MHz band were sold.

In the previous auction, Zong purchased 110 MHz, Ufone acquired 180 MHz, and Jazz bought 190 MHz. The first phase generated a total of $507 million in revenue for the regulator.