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5G Pilots to Start Next Week
The auction sold 480 MHz of spectrum, raising $510 million to boost internet speeds from 4 Mbps to nearly 20 Mbps, supporting Pakistan’s digital transformation.
- On March 13, 2026, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, announced 5G pilot projects will begin next week in major cities in Pakistan alongside Pakistan Telecommunication Authority officials.
- A multi-band NGMS auction on March 10 finalised the sale of 480 MHz of spectrum and a position-assignment stage allowed telecom operators to select blocks in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands.
- Telcos have begun 5G tests after three operators received 480 MHz allocations, boosting total national spectrum to over 7,500 MHz and raising average internet speeds from 4 Mbps to nearly 20 Mbps.
- Under the prime minister's directive, officials are finalising a smartphone leasing policy and establishing an AI Council to guide digital economy and AI development.
- Several countries inquired about Pakistan's 5G plans during Mobile World Congress, the position-assignment added $3 million, and the IT Ministry and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority urged tax reductions despite Federal Board of Revenue control.
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Pakistan completes 5G spectrum auction, set to launch next-gen services
PTA completes position assignment for acquired spectrum blocks.IT minister says 5G pilot projects to begin next week in major cities.New spectrum expected to boost speeds from 4 Mbps to 20 Mbps.Pakistan generated $510 million from the landmark...
Pakistan raises $510 million from landmark 5G spectrum auction
Pakistan generated $510 million (Rs142.6 billion) from the landmark auction of Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) spectrum, as the telecom regulator completed the position assignment auction to finalize the placement of 5G spectrum blocks acquired by operators. The announcement was made by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman during a press briefing alongside Minister for Information Technology and Telecommuni…
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Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Right
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L 25%
C 25%
R 50%
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