5G auction phase two moves to 3500 MHz after 2600 MHz band finalised

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

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has completed the bidding process for the 2600 MHz spectrum band positioning today (Thursday) with all the three telecom operators, Jazz, Ufone, and Zong, have confirmed their preferred positions within the band.

The first round of bidding for the 3500 MHz spectrum was scheduled to begin at 12:30 PM, with the results for both 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands expected to be announced together once the process is complete.

Operators Maintain Positions Within 2600 MHz band

All three operators placed bids for their preferred positions within the 2600 MHz band. Following this, competition remains ongoing among Jazz, Ufone, and Zong as they finalize their placements. With operators maintaining their initial choices, the PTA has now moved the process into the third round of bidding.

Stage Two of Assignment

The second phase of the PTA’s 5G spectrum assignment process advanced after operators indicated their preferred positions. This stage is part of the post-auction procedure, aimed at determining the exact placement of spectrum blocks acquired during Pakistan’s recent multi-band 5G auction.

Bidding Price

In the second round, a bidding price of $0.1 million applies if two or more operators compete for the same position, triggering competitive bidding. The initial round of the assignment auction was conducted without any price, as operators simply indicated their preferred positions. However, overlapping interests pushed the process into the second round.

The assignment exercise is crucial for finalizing the layout of spectrum frequencies before operators proceed with network planning and preparations for launching 5G services in Pakistan.

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.