Regulatory Update: Pakistan Issues Policy Directive for NGMS and 5G Spectrum Auction
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), following a policy directive from the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication (MOIT&T), has issued an Information Memorandum (IM) regarding the upcoming auction of spectrum for Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) and 5G technology. This initiative aims to accelerate the "Digital Nation Pakistan" vision and meet the growing demand for high-speed mobile broadband.
Proposed Changes to Spectrum and Regulations
The Government of Pakistan has authorized the auction of significant radio frequency resources across multiple bands. The proposed changes include:
Technology-Neutral Assignment: Spectrum assignments will be technology-neutral, allowing for the deployment of 5G and any subsequent advanced mobile technologies.
New Spectrum Allocations: The auction includes the following frequency blocks:
700 MHz Band: 15 MHz (paired)
1800 MHz Band: 3.6 MHz (paired)
2100 MHz Band: 20 MHz (paired)
2300 MHz Band: 50 MHz (unpaired)
2600 MHz Band: 190 MHz (unpaired)
3500 MHz Band: 280 MHz (unpaired)
Spectrum Rationalization: Existing Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) will be required to comply with a rationalization plan to ensure optimal utilization of contiguous spectrum holdings in the 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands.
Licensing: New licenses issued to successful bidders will be valid for a period of 15 years.
Impact on Manufacturers and Industry Stakeholders
The directive outlines several measures intended to stimulate the local market and facilitate the rollout of 5G infrastructure:
Incentives for 5G Equipment: The federal government proposes the duty-free import of 5G-related equipment to accelerate network adoption.
Local Manufacturing: There is a specific focus on promoting local manufacturing of telecommunications hardware to improve the digital ecosystem.
Smartphone Affordability: Plans are in place to reduce taxation on 5G smartphones to encourage consumer upgrades and increase device penetration.
Infrastructure Sharing: New regulations will facilitate infrastructure sharing to enhance tenancy ratios and efficiency.
Technical Parameters and Testing
Manufacturers should take note of the following technical implications:
Permitted Radio Bands: Device compatibility must be ensured for the newly auctioned bands, particularly the 700 MHz and 3500 MHz (C-Band) ranges, which are critical for 5G deployment.
Quality of Service (QoS): New licenses will incorporate enhanced QoS standards and phased network rollout obligations, which may influence device performance requirements and testing protocols in the region.
Type Approval: As 5G services are launched, manufacturers will need to ensure all radio devices intended for the Pakistani market meet updated PTA type approval requirements for the newly assigned frequencies.
Deadlines and Feedback
The Information Memorandum (IM) containing the specific terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria for the auction was officially issued on January 09, 2026. While the document outlines the final policy directive from the Ministry, stakeholders and potential bidders are encouraged to review the IM available on the PTA website for specific procedural deadlines related to the auction process and participation.
