Pakistan is preparing to welcome its third telecom operator into the 5G arena, as Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has officially authorized Ufone to begin commercial deployment. The regulator has issued a formal commencement letter, a critical step that clears the company to proceed with its nationwide rollout. Following this approval, Ufone is expected to introduce its 5G services within the coming days.
According to regulatory procedures, telecom companies that acquire a 5G licence must first carry out network testing across selected or randomly chosen sites. These test locations are then evaluated by PTA to ensure compliance with technical benchmarks and service quality standards. Once the authority is satisfied with performance and reliability, it grants a commencement letter, enabling operators to launch services commercially.
Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction took place on March 10, 2026, when PTA finalized the allocation phase of the NGMS/5G auction. During this stage, a total of 480 megahertz of spectrum was distributed among leading telecom providers. Jazz acquired 190 megahertz, Ufone secured 180 megahertz, and Zong obtained 110 megahertz. The assignment stage was completed on March 14, 2026, allowing operators to begin preparations for commercial deployment.
Jazz and Zong were the first to act, quickly applying for and receiving their commencement letters on the same day as their licences. Both companies officially launched 5G services on March 19, 2026, marking Pakistan’s first commercial rollout. Initial reports showed Jazz covering around 180 sites, including Islamabad and major cities, while Zong expanded services across more than 16 urban centers.
With Ufone now cleared to launch, Pakistan’s 5G landscape is rapidly evolving, making March 2026 a defining period in the country’s transition toward advanced mobile connectivity.
