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’s 5G spectrum auction is advancing as $30m in earnest money has been deposited ahead of the February 27 deadline. With Ufone and Zong confirmed and Jazz expected to join, the March 10 sale of 597 MHz aims to raise over $634m and accelerate next-generation mobile services nationwide.
Pakistan’s upcoming spectrum auction is expected to generate $300 to $700 million while accelerating 5G rollout, improving broadband speeds by 25 percent, expanding coverage, and strengthening fibre infrastructure nationwide.
Pakistan plans to auction 600 MHz spectrum next month to enhance mobile connectivity and support digital economy growth. The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to promote AI adoption, expand digital inclusion, strengthen infrastructure, and accelerate technology-driven economic transformation across industries.
Pakistan will auction 597.2 MHz of sub-6 GHz spectrum across six bands in 2026, divided into 62 lots. With new bands opening for the first time and strict caps on spectrum ownership, PTA aims to ensure fair competition while giving operators the capacity to expand 4G and deploy 5G nationwide.
Robi Axiata has pulled out of Bangladesh’s 700 MHz spectrum auction after a strategic review, citing timing and network priorities. The move leaves Grameenphone as the only bidder, prompting the regulator to revise auction rules to limit spectrum concentration and maintain competition.
Pakistan plans to auction 600 MHz of new spectrum to improve mobile services and launch 5G for the first time. The government says limited spectrum availability has constrained digital growth and that the auction will unlock economic potential and support nationwide digitisation.
Indonesia will auction 80 MHz in the 1.4 GHz band on October 13, with Telkom Indonesia, MyRepublic, and Viberlink entering the bidding stage. The spectrum is expected to expand 4G/5G capacity, improve coverage, and support affordable broadband, advancing Indonesia’s digital infrastructure goals.
Turkey has announced a $2.125 billion 5G spectrum tender for October 2025, with commercial service expected in April 2026. Covering 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands, the licenses run until 2044, marking a major step in Turkey’s push to become a regional digital hub.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator rejected Banglalink’s below-market offer to buy 5MHz spectrum outside the ongoing auction, citing risks to sector stability and auction integrity. The decision underscores the importance of transparent, fair spectrum allocation.
Pakistan is set to enhance its telecom infrastructure with an upcoming spectrum auction. The government has released 567 MHz of additional spectrum across multiple bands to support 4G and 5G services. The auction aims to meet growing mobile data demand, boost economic growth, and improve broadband coverage nationwide.