Information and Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced on December 23, 2025, that Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction will be completed by the end of January or early February next year, marking the largest such exercise in the country’s history with 600 MHz on offer. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, she emphasized that the move will significantly improve internet quality and enable 5G rollout, addressing current congestion faced by the nation’s 240 million users.
Key Highlights
- Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved Spectrum Advisory Committee recommendations on December 23.
- Recommendations to go to federal cabinet next, followed by PTA issuing information memorandum for stakeholder consultations.
- Auction targets completion by late January or early February 2026.
- 600 MHz spectrum to be auctioned — ten times more than past auctions’ typical 60 MHz.
- New bands introduced for the first time, boosting 3G/4G and introducing 5G services.
- Current spectrum at 274 MHz causes congestion, likened to “two lanes for traffic needing eight.”
Path to Improved Connectivity
Minister Khawaja explained the urgency, noting Pakistan’s internet speeds lag behind regional and international standards due to limited spectrum availability. With a growing population relying on digital services, the expanded auction aims to ease bottlenecks and enhance user experience.
On the very day that the bidding process for PIA is televised live, iA timeline for spectrum auction for 5G also announced.
Alhamdolillah, months of painstaking policy deliberations & negotiations led by PM @CMShehbaz delivering outcomes.
May Allah bless Pakistanis w ever… pic.twitter.com/g0bo31mogF
— Mosharraf Zaidi 🇵🇰 (@mosharrafzaidi) December 23, 2025
Finance Minister Aurangzeb highlighted the ECC’s swift approval, paving the way for cabinet review. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will then engage telecom operators to finalize details.
This initiative reflects the government’s focus on modernizing infrastructure, ensuring better access for businesses, education, and daily life.
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Boost for Digital Pakistan
The inclusion of additional bands promises not just faster speeds but reliable 5G deployment — a step forward in bridging the digital divide. Stakeholders await the process, hopeful for competitive bidding that benefits consumers nationwide.
Pakistan’s push toward advanced telecommunications underscores its commitment to technological progress, fostering economic growth and innovation for the future.
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