Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction has entered its final phase as major telecom operators begin meeting the financial requirements set by the regulator.

Sources told ProPakistani that two leading operators, Ufone and Zong, have each deposited the mandatory pre-bid earnest money of $15 million with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) ahead of the scheduled auction on March 10.

The PTA has set February 27 as the final deadline for the submission of earnest money, after which the list of applicants will be published. Sources said Jazz is also expected to deposit the required amount within the next one or two days, making its participation in the auction likely.

Under PTA rules, each prospective bidder must submit $15 million to qualify, with the amount adjustable against the final license fee for successful bidders.

Officials said the auction will be considered successful if at least 50 percent of the total 597 MHz spectrum, or around 300 MHz, is sold. Regulators believe participation from at least three cellular operators would be enough to meet this threshold and ensure competitive bidding. The auction is being closely watched by policymakers and investors, as it is expected to shape the future of next-generation telecom services in the country.

Following the recent acquisition of Telenor Pakistan by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), which operates Ufone, the number of major telecom operators in Pakistan has effectively reduced to three. PTA officials said clarity on whether any new player will enter the 5G bidding process will emerge after the February 27 deadline.

According to the announced schedule, the PTA will issue the list of qualified bidders on March 3.

This will be followed by a seminar for qualified participants on March 4 and a mock auction on March 5. The final 5G spectrum auction on March 10 is expected to lay the foundation for ultra-high-speed connectivity, low-latency applications, and broader digital infrastructure development across the country.