PTA completes 2600 MHz spectrum positioning in 5G auction phase two
Technology
Second phase of the 5G spectrum auction will focus on the 2600 MHz spectrum bands.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has completed the bidding process for the 2600 MHz spectrum band positioning today (Thursday) as part of the second phase of the 5G assignment.
All 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 is 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
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.
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.
