PTCL unveils 5G rollout schedule in Pakistan following spectrum acquisition

Pakistan telecom

Karachi, March 13, 2026 – Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has announced the schedule for rolling out 5G internet services across Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital connectivity landscape.

According to a statement submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday, PTCL’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML), secured 180 MHz of spectrum across the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands in the recently held Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS)/5G spectrum auction.

Spectrum Allocation Details

Spectrum BandAllocation to PTML (MHz)
2600 MHz60
3500 MHz120
Total180

The Assignment Stage on March 12, 2026, confirmed PTML’s specific frequency positions within the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands. The total spectrum acquisition cost amounted to USD 156.75 million, securing the company’s position to deliver high-speed 5G internet services nationwide.

5G Rollout and Service Plans

PTML will sign the NGMS/5G license with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) after completing all regulatory formalities. Once operational, 5G services will enhance mobile broadband experiences for customers across PTML’s brands, including Ufone, Telenor, and Onic.

PTCL emphasized that the rollout of 5G services will be phased, focusing on improving connectivity, higher data speeds, and lower latency for urban and rural users alike. The company also confirmed that any significant developments will be communicated to PSX in accordance with applicable laws.

Significance for Pakistan

The launch of 5G services is expected to transform Pakistan’s telecom sector, boost digital adoption, and enable innovations in IoT, smart cities, and industrial applications. PTCL’s move positions the company at the forefront of next-generation connectivity, contributing to the country’s digital economy growth.