China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak), operating as Zong 4G, has signed a memorandum of understanding with ZTE and its authorised local distributor Siccotel to introduce affordable 5G smartphones in Pakistan ahead of the country’s long-awaited 5G spectrum auction.
Under the agreement, ZTE will launch a range of entry-level and mid-to-high tier 5G devices, alongside gaming-focused smartphones designed for high-performance users and the youth segment. The initiative is aimed at accelerating market readiness for 5G adoption.
To support wider access, the partnership will roll out Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes, allowing customers to acquire advanced smartphones through flexible payment options. Zong said all devices will be priced competitively and bundled with its service packages, including value-added offerings such as gaming, esports, entertainment, and data-centric plans.
The move comes as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority prepares to conduct a 5G spectrum auction next month. A government directive issued earlier this month outlines the auction of 15 MHz of paired spectrum in the 700 MHz band and 50 MHz of unpaired spectrum across the 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz bands.
Base prices range from $650,000 per MHz for the 3500 MHz band to $14 million per MHz for the 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands. The auction is scheduled for February 26.
Industry reports indicate that operators remain concerned about the financial burden of rapid 5G deployment. The directive requires telecom operators to roll out 1,000 new sites annually and upgrade 10 percent of existing towers to 5G in the first year. It also mandates annual investments of between $150 million and $200 million, excluding spectrum fees.
Pakistan’s 5G rollout has faced repeated delays over several years due to regulatory and structural factors, including the prolonged PTCL–Telenor Pakistan merger, which was completed at the start of this year.
