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Pakistan Launches 5G Services Following Major Spectrum Auction
Pakistan officially enters the 5G era as Jazz, Zong & Ufone roll out services in major cities after a $507M spectrum auction. Faster internet is here.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-19
Pakistan Launches 5G Services Following Major Spectrum Auction

Pakistan has taken a major step toward digital transformation as leading telecom operators began rolling out 5G services in select areas after securing licences through a high-stakes spectrum auction.

The federal government recently auctioned 480 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum for $507 million, marking a significant milestone in the country’s telecommunications sector. The bidding saw intense competition among Zong, Jazz, and Ufone, particularly for the critical 2,600MHz band used for 5G connectivity.

Under the allocation, Jazz secured 190MHz, Ufone 180MHz, and Zong 110MHz. The licence agreements were formally signed by officials of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and representatives of the telecom companies.

In its initial rollout phase, Jazz announced that 5G services have been activated across 180 sites in major urban centres, including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, as well as Rawalpindi, Multan, and Faisalabad. The company highlighted improved speeds, lower latency, and enhanced network reliability while continuing to expand its 4G infrastructure nationwide.

Ufone, meanwhile, secured the largest share in the 3,500MHz band with a 120MHz allocation. The company also confirmed it is in the final stages of acquiring Telenor. Following the merger, the combined entity — MergeCo — is expected to hold the largest and most diversified spectrum portfolio in Pakistan, enabling broader nationwide coverage across both urban and rural regions.

Zong announced that it has already commercially launched 5G services in over 16 cities and plans to deploy more than 1,000 5G sites across the country by 2026. The company noted its early leadership in the field, having conducted Pakistan’s first 5G trial in 2019.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the development as a “wonderful beginning” and a milestone for Pakistan’s economy, particularly in sectors such as industry, agriculture, and information technology.

He emphasized that the spectrum auction was conducted transparently despite past legal challenges and praised the efforts of key officials, including IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and other stakeholders, for ensuring its success.

The prime minister also stressed the importance of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, stating that Pakistan must accelerate its technological progress to empower its youth and remain competitive globally. He expressed optimism that 5G services would eventually reach every corner of the country.

Officials believe that the rollout of 5G will significantly improve internet speeds, enhance digital services, and strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global technology landscape, while also boosting the quality and reach of existing 4G networks.
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DigitalPakistan

PakistanTech

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