Telecom users across Pakistan are set for a major upgrade as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is expected to issue 5G licenses to telecom companies during the current week, ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Officials said the move will allow companies to begin preparations for launching next-generation mobile services in major cities. Licenses will be issued simultaneously to the three telecom operators that won the spectrum auction, after each submits the required $15 million bank guarantee under the license terms.
One operator has already submitted its guarantee, while the other two are expected to complete the process in the coming days. Once PTA receives the guarantees, it will formally issue the licenses and sign agreements with all three companies.
A formal license signing ceremony is expected to take place in Islamabad later this week, attended by senior government officials. Telecom companies have reportedly purchased 5G equipment in advance and are ready to begin services shortly after licensing.
Initially, 5G services will launch in selected areas of major cities, with coverage expanding gradually. License conditions also require operators to improve 4G networks, install around 1,000 new sites each, and set up at least 200 additional sites in remote or low-coverage areas.
The government is expected to collect approximately $510 million in revenue from the 5G spectrum auction held on March 10 and 12, where 480 MHz out of 597 MHz of spectrum was sold.
Also read: Pakistan’s 5G Auction Enters Second Round
