The GSMA has commended Pakistan for its strategic approach to 5G deployment, highlighting the country’s focus on mid-band spectrum as a key factor for long-term digital growth. The latest spectrum auction is being viewed as a crucial milestone in accelerating Pakistan’s transition to next-generation connectivity.

Pakistan recently concluded a multi-band auction, allocating a total of 480 MHz of spectrum across several key frequency ranges. These include 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.6 GHz, and 3.5 GHz bands, distributed among leading telecom operators such as Jazz, Ufone 4G, and Zong CMPak Ltd.

According to GSMA, Pakistan’s emphasis on the mid-band “sweet spot,” particularly the 3.5 GHz range, is essential for balancing coverage and capacity in 5G networks. This spectrum band is widely regarded as optimal for delivering both high-speed connectivity and broad network reach, making it a preferred choice for countries advancing their 5G infrastructure.

With the latest allocation, Pakistan’s total assigned mobile spectrum has increased significantly from 274 MHz to 754 MHz. This nearly threefold expansion provides a stronger foundation for telecom operators to roll out faster and more reliable services, supporting the growing demand for mobile data and digital applications.

GSMA also stressed the importance of continued policy support and timely spectrum availability to ensure the success of 5G deployment. Regulatory clarity, infrastructure investment, and industry collaboration will play a vital role in maximizing the benefits of this technological shift.

The expanded spectrum capacity is expected to unlock new opportunities across various sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, healthcare, and education. Enhanced connectivity can drive innovation, improve service delivery, and contribute to overall economic growth.

Industry observers see this development as a positive signal for Pakistan’s digital future. With a well-planned spectrum strategy and increasing operator readiness, the country is now better positioned to harness the full potential of 5G technology in the coming years.