The federal government has issued a policy directive for the auction of radio frequency spectrum, aimed at enhancing next-generation mobile services in Pakistan, in line with the Digital Pakistan vision.
The directive, issued by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), highlights the rapid growth of broadband subscribers, now exceeding 152 million, and the increasing demand for high-speed mobile broadband services nationwide.
Under the policy directive, portions of the radio spectrum in the 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz bands have been made available for auction.
The government emphasized that radio frequency spectrum is a scarce national resource and must be utilized in the public’s best interest while remaining compliant with Pakistan’s international obligations related to IMT and advanced mobile technologies.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been directed to conduct a transparent and competitive auction process for the available spectrum.
As per the directive, 15 MHz paired spectrum in the 700 MHz band, 3.6 MHz paired in the 1800 MHz band, and 20 MHz paired in the 2100 MHz band, along with significant unpaired spectrum in the 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz bands, will be auctioned.
The PTA will issue an Information Memorandum detailing the auction procedure, eligibility criteria, and participation requirements. Existing cellular mobile operators, as well as new entrants, will be eligible to participate, subject to spectrum caps.
The auction is expected to pave the way for enhanced mobile broadband capacity and readiness for next-generation technologies, including 5G.
