PTA updates regulatory framework with IM amendments ahead of 5G auction

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has notified amendments to the Information Memorandum (IM), including revisions to the licence template, ahead of the upcoming NGMS/5G spectrum auction, as authorities move to finalise the regulatory framework for next-generation mobile services rollout in Pakistan.

The base price, rollout obligations as well as licence fee terms and conditions have been maintained in the final IM.

Under the revised framework, the regulator has reduced uplink speed benchmarks from 25% to 20% of downlink speeds for premium service. The amendments also shift performance measurement from minimum to median downlink speeds.

According to the latest notification, changes have been introduced in the IM and licence template structure to further clarify compliance requirements, auction procedures, and post-award operational obligations for prospective operators. The notification forms part of the pre-auction documentation finalisation process.

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The development comes as the regulator moves towards release of the final IM, with the spectrum auction scheduled for March 10, 2026, following earlier timeline adjustments to accommodate stakeholder consultations and documentation updates.

According to the final IM, quality of service thresholds are defined in three phases:
(1) Phase 1: Baseline Standards (2026 –
2028)

1. The initial QoS parameters to be achieved in first Phase:
2. Median downlink speed of 20 Mbps for 4G;
3. Median downlink speed of 50 Mbps for 5G; and
4. Uplink speeds maintained at 20% of downlink speed.

(2) Phase 2: Enhanced Standards (2028- 2030)

(a) Mid-term QoS standards to be achieved in Second Phase:

1. Median downlink speed of 35 Mbps for 4G;
2. Median downlink speed of 75 Mbps for 5G; and
3. Uplink speeds maintained at 20% of downlink speed.

(3) Phase 3 & 4 (combined): Premium Service Standards (2030 – 2035)

1. Final phase QoS Standards to be achieved:
2. Median downlink speed of 50 Mbps for 4G;
3. Median downlink speed of 100 Mbps for 5G; and
4. Uplink speeds maintained at 20% of downlink speed.

The upcoming auction includes multiple spectrum bands across low, mid and high frequency ranges to support nationwide 5G deployment, enhance mobile broadband capacity and enable advanced digital services.