ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is scheduled to begin the second phase of its 5G spectrum auction tomorrow, where telecom operators will compete to determine the positioning of the frequency blocks they previously acquired.
This next phase will focus on the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands, using an assignment-based bidding system. Companies will bid for premium, middle, or lower positions within these spectrum ranges, which will affect the placement of their allocated frequencies.
The regulator noted that if participating firms reach a mutual agreement on their spectrum positions, the allocation will be finalized without competitive bidding. Otherwise, the process will proceed through open bids.
PTA has set an initial positioning fee of $100,000, which could rise up to $1 million if a second bidding round becomes necessary.
In the first phase of the auction, 480 MHz out of the total 597.2 MHz spectrum was successfully sold. During that round, Pak Telecom Mobile Limited secured 180 MHz, Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited acquired 190 MHz, and Zong obtained 110 MHz.
The initial phase generated roughly $507 million in revenue, with the authority anticipating an additional $1–2 million from positioning bids in the upcoming stage.
