Pakistan 5G spectrum sales generated $507 million for the government following a long-delayed auction, with three operators securing a combined 480MHz across four frequency bands on March 11, 2026.
The auction covered the 700MHz, 2300MHz, 2600MHz, and 3500MHz bands. Jazz, Ufone, and Zong each acquired portions of the available telecommunications spectrum in a sale that marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
How Pakistan 5G Spectrum Was Divided Among Operators
Jazz acquired the largest share, purchasing 190MHz across all four bands. Ufone secured 120MHz in the 3500MHz band and an additional 60MHz in the 2600MHz band.
China Mobile-backed Zong purchased 60MHz in the 2600MHz band and 50MHz in the 3500MHz band. The three operators together accounted for 480MHz of the total spectrum offered.
Unsold Spectrum Lots Remain
More than 100MHz of spectrum went unsold during the auction. Unsold lots included one block in the 700MHz band, six blocks in the 3500MHz band, and all spectrum in the 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands that were put up for sale.
The outcome suggests that demand for certain telecom frequency bands remained below government expectations, despite the overall revenue figure exceeding half a billion dollars.
Government Policy Prioritizes Network Investment Over Revenue
Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja addressed the government’s approach to the auction. She stated the “aim is not to maximise upfront auction revenues, but to provide operators with the opportunity to invest in network expansion and infrastructure so that improved and high-quality digital services can be delivered to consumers across Pakistan.”
“The aim is not to maximise upfront auction revenues, but to provide operators with the opportunity to invest in network expansion and infrastructure so that improved and high-quality digital services can be delivered to consumers across Pakistan.”
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister for IT and Telecom, Pakistan
Khawaja noted that the government’s 5G policy was designed with the objective of enabling sustainable sector growth rather than maximizing short-term revenue.
Regulatory Background and Ufone-Telenor Merger
The auction followed years of regulatory delays that also held up the proposed merger between Ufone and Telenor Pakistan. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) allocated spectrum for a sale in August 2025, targeting completion before the end of that year.
The PTA is expected to approve the Ufone-Telenor Pakistan merger this week. The merger approval, combined with the spectrum allocation, positions the combined entity to expand its mobile network coverage across the country.
Pakistan’s 5G rollout has faced repeated delays compared to regional peers. The completion of this auction, alongside the anticipated merger approval, signals a more active phase of network development in the country.