Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Pakistan raised $510 million through its landmark 5G spectrum auction in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands. With the assignment stage complete, telecom operators will begin pilot services next week. The initiative aims to triple network capacity and significantly increase national internet speeds, accelerating the “Digital Pakistan” vision.
Zong has successfully acquired 5G spectrum, doubling down on its commitment to a “Digital Pakistan.” The company will leverage its 17,000+ sites and new AI-ready cloud platforms to drive industrial modernization and high-speed consumer connectivity. The rollout will also see immediate improvements to 4G quality across its 44 million data users.
VEON’s Jazz secured 190 MHz in Pakistan’s 5G auction, the largest share among bidders, for approximately $239.5 million. The auction tripled the nation’s available spectrum, enabling Jazz to enhance 4G quality and launch 5G services in major cities by late 2026, supporting a transition to AI-driven digital services for 100 million users.
Pakistan raised $507 million in its inaugural 5G auction, with Jazz, Ufone, and Zong acquiring 480 MHz of spectrum. The move doubles national capacity, heralding faster 4G within months and 5G rollouts by late 2026. Notably, Pakistan also became the first Asian nation to eliminate right-of-way charges for fiber.
Pakistan has officially kicked off its 5G auction today with Jazz, Zong, and Ufone participating, aiming to double national spectrum capacity and launch next-generation services in major cities within six months while simultaneously improving 4G network quality.
Ufone and Zong have each deposited US$15 million to qualify for Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction, which offers 597 MHz across multiple bands. The PTA hopes to raise over US$634 million, though operators face strict rollout and investment requirements that raise concerns about 5G’s financial viability.
PTA has completed the Information Memorandum for Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction, outlining auction design, spectrum availability, and participation rules. The move follows a new policy directive aimed at easing financial risk and accelerating nationwide 5G rollout.
Pakistan is moving forward with its 5G spectrum auction, offering 194 MHz in the 2600 MHz band despite legal disputes over part of the spectrum. Officials say the absence of a stay order allows the process to continue, aiming to attract investment and strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure.
Pakistan prepares for a February 5G auction as experts finalize pricing options, but a court delay over the critical 2600MHz band remains the key obstacle to unlocking new spectrum for growing national data demand.
Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction is delayed due to PTCL’s incomplete submissions for its Telenor acquisition, stalling regulatory approval by the Competition Commission. Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed the independent regulatory process as the main bottleneck amid merger uncertainties.