Pakistan has taken a major step toward launching 5G mobile services as the federal cabinet has approved the recommendations of the Spectrum Auction Advisory Committee, setting the stage for a 5G spectrum auction in February 2026, official sources confirmed.
The approval was granted during a special meeting of the federal cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to sources, the cabinet endorsed the auction of the 600 MHz spectrum, which is considered critical for wide-area 5G coverage and improved network performance.
Cabinet Clears 5G After ECC Approval
Officials said the cabinet’s decision follows clearance by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) a day earlier, indicating strong government backing for the rollout of next-generation mobile services.
During the meeting, Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima briefed cabinet members on the preparations for the auction, the expected bidding process, and the broader roadmap for introducing 5G services across Pakistan.
PTA to Invite Telecom Operators
Sources revealed that the Ministry of Information Technology will soon issue a formal policy directive for the 5G auction. Based on this directive, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will invite applications from telecom operators interested in participating in the bidding process.
The auction is expected to attract major mobile operators as the 600 MHz band offers better indoor coverage, wider reach, and improved data speeds — key requirements for successful 5G deployment.
What 5G Could Mean for Pakistan
The launch of 5G is expected to transform Pakistan’s digital landscape, enabling faster internet speeds, lower latency, and new opportunities in sectors such as education, healthcare, fintech, smart cities, and industrial automation.
Government officials remain optimistic that the auction will generate strong interest and accelerate Pakistan’s transition toward a digital economy, while improving mobile connectivity for millions of users.
