By ProPK Staff
Published: Jan 26, 2026 | 12:10 pm
Nearly 80 percent of mobile phones in Pakistan already support the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz frequency bands required for 5G services, according to sources within the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
These mid-band frequencies form a core part of Pakistan’s upcoming Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) or 5G spectrum auction, which is expected to take place by the end of February 2026.
As the country moves closer to its first-ever 5G auction, PTA sources say the process is expected to significantly improve mobile data performance nationwide. However, telecom industry insiders have cautioned that the reported handset readiness figures may be overstated.
The government has officially designated 2025–26 as Pakistan’s national transition period for 5G. In line with this, PTA issued its Information Memorandum (IM) on January 9, 2026. The document outlines auction rules, available spectrum blocks, and eligibility criteria, giving bidders around 45 days to complete required documentation.
The auction is expected to include approximately 597.2 MHz of spectrum below 6 GHz, covering the 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz bands.
PTA sources say the release of additional spectrum will not only enable 5G but also substantially enhance existing 4G services. Post-auction, average 4G speeds are expected to increase from around 4 Mbps to 20–25 Mbps, particularly in congested urban areas.
The availability of new mid-band spectrum will allow operators to expand capacity and improve user experience even before full-scale 5G deployment begins.
For 5G services, the auction framework includes mandatory Quality of Service obligations. Commercial 5G is expected to deliver a minimum downlink speed of 50 Mbps initially, with higher speeds as networks mature.
The 2300 MHz band will balance coverage and capacity in urban areas, while the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands will support higher throughput and lower latency in high-traffic zones.
Commercial 5G rollout is projected to begin within six to seven months after the auction, starting in major cities including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. Operators will also be required to expand fiber-to-the-site infrastructure from 20 percent to 60 percent, laying the foundation for long-term mobile broadband improvements across Pakistan
