The number of 5G Ready Mobile Phones in Pakistan has surged, with sources at the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) claiming nearly 80% of devices currently in use can support the mid-band frequencies required for 5G services. This high percentage of 5G-ready devices comes as Pakistan prepares to hold its first-ever 5G spectrum auction by the end of February 2026.
According to PTA sources, most smartphones in the country already support the 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz bands, which are central to enabling 5G coverage once the spectrum is released. The upcoming auction will include approximately 597.2 MHz of spectrum below 6 GHz, spanning the 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600 and 3500 MHz bands.
While the PTA’s estimation suggests a strong foundation of 5G Ready Mobile Phones in Pakistan, some telecom industry insiders say the figures might be overstated. Regardless, the availability of compatible devices is a key factor in ensuring a smooth rollout of next-generation mobile services.
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The expanded spectrum is expected not only to unlock 5G services but also to significantly boost existing 4G performance. After the spectrum auction, average 4G data speeds could jump from around 4 Mbps to 20–25 Mbps, particularly in congested urban areas.
Under the planned auction conditions, new Quality of Service (QoS) obligations aim to ensure minimum performance standards for commercial 5G offerings — initially targeting downlink speeds of at least 50 Mbps. Major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta are expected to be among the first to see early 5G deployments.
The readiness of devices remains a fundamental part of the 5G Ready Mobile Phones in Pakistan narrative, positioning the country for a faster and broader adoption of next-generation connectivity once 5G networks go live.
