Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued the final amendments to the Information Memorandum for Pakistan’s upcoming NGMS/5G spectrum auction scheduled in 2026.
The updated framework was released on 13 February 2026 following stakeholder consultations, setting revised technical, operational, and service quality requirements for telecom operators participating in the auction.
The authority also announced an information session for prospective applicants on 16 February 2026 to clarify the revised licensing structure, bidding mechanism, and rollout obligations tied to next-generation mobile services.
A key change in the revised memorandum is the adoption of median-based Quality of Service (QoS) benchmarks instead of minimum thresholds. Under the updated framework, service standards will be implemented in phased stages extending to 2035.
During the first phase from 2026 to 2028, operators must deliver median downlink speeds of 20 Mbps for 4G and 50 Mbps for 5G, with uplink speeds set at 20 percent of downlink performance. Enhanced standards for 2028–2030 raise median speeds to 35 Mbps for 4G and 75 Mbps for 5G. In the final combined phases through 2035, operators will be required to achieve median speeds of 50 Mbps for 4G and 100 Mbps for 5G.
The amendments also revise auction mechanics and bidding procedures. Each bidder will now be allowed to extend the bidding phase by two rounds instead of three. Updated rules further clarify how bids are processed within the Electronic Auction System, including refined procedures for handling partially processed bids and determining processed prices based on excess demand.
Technical licensing conditions have also been updated to address spectrum coordination, transmission power limits, and cross-border interference management. The framework outlines standardized synchronization structures for 4G and 5G networks and emphasizes cooperation among operators to minimize signal interference within Pakistan and along international borders.
In addition, the revised license template removes references to advanced technologies in the definition of licensed services and introduces a formal definition of “median” for QoS evaluation. Updated appendices detailing network rollout requirements, spectrum assignment terms, and service quality standards have also been attached to the final memorandum.
The upcoming 5G spectrum auction is expected to accelerate Pakistan’s digital infrastructure development, expand high-speed connectivity, and support long-term telecommunications growth nationwide.