The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) retained NERA to advise on the design and implementation of a major spectrum auction aimed at significantly expanding mobile broadband capacity and enabling next-generation 4G and 5G services across Pakistan. A NERA team led by Managing Director Soren Sorensen supported the PTA on the award design, drafting of the information memorandum, and implementation of the bidding process, following government approval of the auction framework developed by NERA.

Pakistan successfully concluded its first major 5G spectrum auction on 12 March 2026, raising approximately $507 million. Three qualified mobile operators, Jazz, Zong, and Ufone, participated in the auction. A total of 480 MHz of spectrum was sold out of the 597.2 MHz offered, reflecting strong demand for additional spectrum to support higher network capacity and faster mobile internet speeds.

The auction was designed using a clock auction format and made spectrum available across six major frequency bands: 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz. Together, these bands provide operators with flexibility to enhance coverage and capacity and support the rollout of advanced mobile services nationwide.

For more information on the auction, visit the PTA website.