PTA Makes First-Round Minimum Bids Mandatory in 5G Spectrum Auction, The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced stricter bidding rules for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, making minimum bids mandatory for incumbent mobile operators in the first round of the process. Failure to meet these requirements may lead to immediate disqualification from the auction.
Read More: Operators Warn Rigid Rules Could Delay Pakistan’s 5G Rollout
According to the regulator’s latest clarification, telecom operators that already hold spectrum licences must submit bids for a minimum number of lots in key frequency bands during the first round — otherwise their entire bid submission could be invalidated. In particular, incumbents will be required to place bids on at least five lots each in the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands for Round 1 to be considered valid.
What This Means for Operators
The move comes as part of PTA’s effort to discourage tactical or zero bids, where carriers might otherwise postpone serious offers until later rounds of the auction. Operators that fail to provide the required minimum bids risk:
- Disqualification from the auction process,
- Forfeiture of pre-bid deposits, and
- Loss of eligibility to compete in subsequent rounds.
PTA has emphasised that the minimum bid rule is mandatory only for the opening round, but will strongly shape operators’ strategy from the outset. Subsequent bidding rounds will allow more flexibility in pricing and bid increments, although all bids must comply with technical requirements and bid increment rules designed to keep the auction competitive.
Auction Timeline and Context
The 5G spectrum auction in Pakistan — expected to take place on March 10, 2026 — is a critical milestone for deploying next-generation mobile services in the country, with telecom authorities working to finalise framework terms and pricing before the event.
Stricter bidding requirements come amid ongoing debates between regulators and operators over the overall auction structure and rollout obligations, with industry players previously expressing concerns that stringent conditions could delay 5G adoption and increase costs.
This latest rule signals PTA’s intent to ensure serious participation and transparent competition from the outset as Pakistan prepares to launch its long-awaited 5G services.
