Pakistan Moves Toward Second Phase of Telecom Spectrum Auction for 2600 and 3500 MHz Bands

Islamabad — Pakistan’s telecom regulator is preparing to launch the second phase of its spectrum auction process, a move that will determine the final positioning of key frequency bands acquired by telecom operators during the initial auction round.

According to officials familiar with the process, the upcoming stage will focus on the assignment of specific positions within the frequency bands already purchased by telecom companies. This step is considered essential because it determines where exactly each operator’s spectrum block will be placed within the available range.

Regulatory authorities explained that the second phase will be conducted through an assignment-based auction mechanism. The process will mainly involve the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz spectrum bands, which are widely used globally for high-speed mobile broadband services and emerging digital connectivity technologies.

During the upcoming auction stage, telecom operators will have the opportunity to bid for preferred positions within these frequency ranges. Companies can compete to secure upper, middle, or lower positions within the available spectrum blocks depending on their technical and commercial requirements.

Industry experts say the positioning of spectrum is important because it can influence network performance and operational efficiency. Certain positions in the frequency band may offer better compatibility with existing network infrastructure, which is why telecom operators often compete strongly for specific placements.

However, regulators have indicated that a competitive bidding process may not necessarily be required. Officials stated that if participating telecom companies reach a mutual agreement on how the spectrum positions should be allocated, the regulatory authority can finalize the assignments without conducting a formal bidding round.

If no agreement is reached among the operators, the regulator will proceed with a competitive auction in which telecom companies will bid against each other to secure their preferred spectrum positions.

Authorities have also set a base fee for the positioning process. According to regulatory guidelines, the initial positioning fee has been set at $100,000. However, if competitive bidding takes place, the price could increase significantly and may reach up to $1 million depending on demand for specific positions within the frequency bands.

The telecom regulator believes that the structured assignment process will ensure transparency and efficient utilization of spectrum resources, which are considered one of the most valuable assets in the telecommunications sector.

The upcoming phase follows the successful completion of the first stage of the spectrum auction held earlier by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. During that phase, approximately 480 MHz of spectrum was sold to telecom operators.

The government reportedly generated around $507 million in revenue from that initial auction round, marking one of the major financial gains from telecom sector reforms.

Officials say the second phase will help complete the spectrum allocation framework and allow telecom companies to move forward with network upgrades and expansion plans.

Experts believe the process will play an important role in improving mobile broadband services and strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure in the coming years.