Pakistan has moved a step closer to launching 5G after the government completed its spectrum auction on Tuesday, raising $507 million. A total of 480 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum was sold after three rounds of bidding among telecom operators, including Jazz, Ufone, and Zong.
Jazz secured the largest share with 190MHz, while Ufone acquired 180MHz and Zong purchased 110MHz. Telecom companies competed mainly for the 2,600MHz band, which is considered important for 5G services.
The government had offered spectrum in several frequency bands, including 700MHz, 1,800MHz, 2,100MHz, 2,300MHz, 2,600MHz, and 3,500MHz. Operators are required to purchase at least 100MHz to support 5G rollout.
After the auction, Jazz CEO Amir Ibrahim announced that the company would begin 5G test trials at 180 towers starting Wednesday. Telecom operators plan to introduce 5G services in five major cities within the next five to six months. Officials say the new spectrum will not only enable 5G but also improve the quality and speed of existing 4G services.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja called the auction a major step for Pakistan’s digital future. She said the additional spectrum would improve connectivity and help the country move towards a stronger digital economy.
