Pakistan kicks off 5G spectrum auction

The federal government on Tuesday formally kicked off the long-awaited 5G spectrum auction, marking a major step towards the launch of next-generation mobile services and faster digital connectivity in the country. The auction process is being conducted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), with the first round of bidding scheduled to last 60 minutes. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar jointly inaugurated the auction alongside PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman. Officials said the first round of bidding will last 60 minutes, with three telecom operators, including Jazz, Zong and Ufone, participating in the auction.