Pakistan’s 5G Auction Nears Final Stage as Telcos Submit $15 Million Deposits

Pakistan’s much-anticipated 5G spectrum auction has entered its final phase, with major telecom operators completing key financial requirements ahead of the bidding process.

Sources informed ProPakistani that two leading telecom companies, Ufone and Zong, have each deposited the mandatory pre-bid earnest money of $15 million with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. This step secures their participation in the upcoming auction scheduled for March 10, 2026.

The deposits mark a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward 5G deployment, signaling strong industry interest and readiness to invest in next-generation connectivity. The 5G auction aims to expand high-speed mobile broadband across the country, enhance digital services, and support technological innovation in multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, and enterprise solutions.

With the final pre-bid requirements met, attention now turns to the auction itself, where operators will compete for limited spectrum blocks necessary to launch commercial 5G services. Analysts expect the auction to be closely contested, given the strategic importance of 5G for telecom providers aiming to maintain market competitiveness.

The rollout of 5G is anticipated to transform Pakistan’s digital ecosystem, enabling faster internet speeds, lower latency, and enhanced support for emerging technologies such as IoT, AI applications, and smart city initiatives. Regulators and industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the process to ensure transparency, fair competition, and efficient allocation of spectrum resources.

As Ufone and Zong confirm their participation, industry watchers anticipate that the March 10 auction could set the stage for rapid 5G deployment, marking a new chapter in Pakistan’s telecommunications landscape.