Telecommunications operators in Morocco have invested significantly—over MAD 80 billion—by 2035 to develop and expand these services. Currently, the country boasts coverage in 10,690 areas through its existing 2G, 3G, and 4G networks.

Simultaneously, Pakistan has initiated its own rollout of 5G technology following a successful spectrum auction. Ufone plans to introduce its service within the upcoming days after receiving commercial operation rights from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The PTA completed the allocation process for the NGMS/5G auction on March 10, 2026. Jazz and Zong became the first two operators to start their services on March 19, 2026. This development marks a significant step forward for Pakistan’s telecommunications landscape.

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 60% of global 5G connections. In Pakistan, local mobile phone manufacturing is thriving, producing about three million units per month. This growth is expected to reduce the annual import bill by $1.5 billion.

Yet, challenges remain. The demand for 5G-enabled mobile phones is still very low in Pakistan. According to Muhammad Usman Sheikh, the industry must build consumer interest before fully realizing the potential of this technology.

In Morocco, plans are underway to target an additional 2,000 rural areas for connectivity improvement by 2026. The government also offers financial support of MAD 2,500 per subscription for satellite technologies.

As both nations advance their telecommunications capabilities, early reactions highlight cautious optimism. Zeeshan Mianoor remarked that “the industry is moving in the right direction, albeit gradually.” Details remain unconfirmed as both countries navigate this new technological landscape.

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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has approved the merger of Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (Ufone) and Telenor Pakistan on March 19, 2026. This merger is set to create a combined customer base of approximately 72 million subscribers, positioning the new entity as the second-largest telecom operator in Pakistan.

Currently, Jazz leads the market with 74 million monthly mobile subscribers, followed by Zong with 54 million. Before the merger, Telenor had 43 million subscribers, while Ufone had 29 million. The merger will significantly enhance the competitive landscape of the telecom sector in Pakistan.

The acquisition of Telenor Pakistan by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) was completed in December 2025 after receiving multiple regulatory approvals. The transaction was valued at NOK5.3 billion, approximately US$547 million.

As part of the merger process, the integration of the two companies is expected to take up to four weeks for legal verification. The merged entity will operate around 26,000 towers, many of which are located in close proximity to each other. However, regulators have imposed conditions on the integration process, stipulating that towers shared with other operators cannot be shut down without prior approval.

The no-objection certificate issued by the PTA allows Ufone to commence the integration with Telenor Pakistan. This development is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining service continuity for customers during the merger.

With a total of 202 million mobile subscribers in Pakistan, the merger is likely to reshape market dynamics and customer offerings. The combined resources and infrastructure of Ufone and Telenor could lead to improved services and competitive pricing for consumers.

As the integration progresses, further developments are anticipated, particularly regarding the operational strategies of the merged entity. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific changes that may occur in service offerings or pricing structures.

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The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has approved the merger of Pak Telecom Mobile Limited and Telenor Pakistan, a significant development in the telecommunications sector of Pakistan. This merger, finalized on March 19, 2026, will create a combined customer base of approximately 72 million subscribers, positioning the new entity as the second-largest mobile operator in the country.

Currently, Jazz leads the market with 74 million monthly mobile subscribers, followed by Zong with 54 million. Prior to the merger, Telenor had 43 million subscribers, while Ufone had 29 million. The consolidation of these two companies is expected to enhance competition in the market.

The merger follows the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) for NOK5.3 billion, equivalent to about US$547 million. This transaction was completed in December 2025 after receiving multiple regulatory approvals.

As part of the merger process, the newly formed entity will operate around 26,000 towers, with many located in close proximity to one another. The integration process is anticipated to take up to four weeks for legal verification, and regulators have imposed conditions to ensure that towers shared with other operators cannot be shut down without prior approval.

The no-objection certificate issued by the PTA allows Ufone to commence integration with Telenor Pakistan. The merger is subject to the fulfillment of standard conditions, including obtaining unconditional approvals within the next 15 days.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific strategies that the merged entity will adopt to compete with Jazz and Zong. However, the combined resources and subscriber base are expected to create a more formidable competitor in the Pakistani telecom landscape.

Overall, this merger marks a pivotal moment for the telecommunications industry in Pakistan, potentially reshaping market dynamics and consumer choices in the coming years.

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Ufone’s recent launch of 5G services marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s telecommunications landscape. The company has acquired substantial spectrum during the latest auction, positioning itself as a leader in the rollout of next-generation mobile services. This development is expected to enhance connectivity across the nation, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, where access to high-speed internet has been limited.

During the spectrum auction, Ufone secured 180 MHz in the 2,600 MHz band and the largest share in the 3,500 MHz band with an allocation of 120 MHz. This strategic acquisition allows Ufone to offer robust 5G services and compete effectively against other major players in the market, including Jazz and Zong. The total spectrum sold during the auction amounted to 480 MHz, generating $507 million for the government.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of this auction, stating, “The auction process was conducted in a transparent manner despite legal challenges.” He further noted, “I think today’s the time that we should now move faster, so that the youth of Pakistan is able to make use of the most modern technology.” This sentiment reflects the government’s commitment to advancing digital infrastructure in the country.

In addition to its spectrum acquisition, Ufone is set to merge with Telenor Pakistan, which will create the largest spectrum-holding telecom entity in Pakistan, referred to as MergeCo. This new entity will hold a spectrum portfolio of 292.4 MHz, surpassing Jazz by 8 MHz. Hatem Bamatraf, President and CEO of PTCL & Ufone, stated, “The combined entity, referred to as MergeCo, will possess a diversified spectrum portfolio of 292.4 MHz—surpassing its closest competitor by 8 MHz.” This merger is expected to further strengthen Ufone’s market position.

As Ufone prepares to roll out its 5G services, it joins Zong, which has already announced the commercial launch of 5G services in more than 16 cities. The competition between these telecom giants is likely to accelerate the deployment of advanced technologies across the country, enhancing the overall telecommunications landscape.

While Ufone’s advancements are promising, uncertainties remain regarding the full impact of the merger with Telenor and how it will reshape the competitive dynamics in the market. Analysts are keenly observing how these developments will influence service offerings and pricing strategies in the coming months.

Overall, Ufone’s entry into the 5G arena, coupled with its strategic merger, positions the company to play a pivotal role in the future of telecommunications in Pakistan. The government’s proactive approach in facilitating this auction and the subsequent developments indicate a strong push towards modernizing the country’s digital infrastructure.

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On March 19, 2026, Zong officially launched its 5G services in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital landscape. This rollout comes after years of preparation, with Zong having conducted the first 5G trial in Pakistan back in 2019.

The commercial launch includes more than 16 cities, such as Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta. Zong aims to deploy and upgrade over 1,000 5G sites nationwide throughout 2026, which is expected to enhance connectivity and speed across the country.

During trials, Zong achieved impressive speeds exceeding 1.4 Gbps, showcasing the potential of 5G technology in Pakistan. The government of Pakistan has set a strategic plan for telecom operators to add approximately 3,000 new network sites annually to support the growing demand for 5G services.

Pakistan, with over 240 million people and more than 190 million mobile phone users, stands to benefit significantly from this technological advancement. Zong’s 5G services are anticipated to support various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and industry, driving innovation and economic growth.

According to Zong, “Ushering in a new era of digital connectivity, innovation, and economic acceleration, Zong has a strategic commitment to deploy and upgrade 1,000+ 5G sites nationwide in 2026, driving scale, speed, and impact across Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.” This statement reflects the company’s dedication to leading Pakistan’s transition into a fully digital and connected future.

The rollout of 5G in Pakistan has faced delays due to regulatory, economic, and spectrum allocation challenges. However, with Zong’s recent launch, the country is poised to overcome these hurdles and embrace the benefits of advanced telecommunications.

As Zong continues to expand its 5G network, the implications for businesses and consumers alike are substantial. Enhanced connectivity is expected to facilitate new opportunities and efficiencies across various sectors, ultimately contributing to the overall economic landscape of Pakistan.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific timeline for the complete rollout of Zong’s 5G services, but the company is optimistic about its future impact.

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The recent 5G spectrum auction in Pakistan raised $507 million, a significant milestone for the country’s digital landscape. This auction, which took place on March 11, 2026, involved the sale of 480 megahertz of spectrum across various bands, including 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.6 GHz, and 3.5 GHz.

Major telecom companies participated in the auction, with Jazz acquiring 190 megahertz, Ufone obtaining 180 megahertz, and Zong securing 110 megahertz of spectrum. However, it is noteworthy that one of the three 700 MHz blocks and six blocks in the 3.5 GHz band remained unsold, and no bids were received for the 1800 MHz or 2.1 GHz frequencies.

The auction was completed in three rounds on the same day, showcasing a level of transparency praised by officials. “The auction was conducted with unprecedented transparency,” stated Attaullah Tarar, the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting. Shaza Fatima, the Minister for Information Technology, emphasized that this is the country’s largest spectrum auction.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced plans to eliminate right-of-way fees for telecom infrastructure, which previously stood at 36,000 PKR (approximately 129 dollars) per kilometer. This move is expected to facilitate the rollout of 5G services and improve existing 4G connectivity within four to five months.

According to Muhammad Aurangzeb, the Finance Minister, “The availability of spectrum would play a crucial role in supporting these advancements.” Commercial 5G launches are anticipated in major cities within six months, marking a significant leap forward for digital connectivity in the region.

As the telecom sector prepares for this new phase, the Spectrum Auction Assignment Stage is scheduled for March 12, 2026, which will further outline the distribution of the acquired spectrum.

This auction is seen as a major step toward faster internet speeds and improved digital connectivity in Pakistan, reinforcing the ambitions of companies like Jazz. Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of JazzWorld, remarked, “This spectrum acquisition reinforces JazzWorld’s digital ambition as we evolve into a full-scale ServiceCo, enabling us to progressively introduce 5G where it creates real value while expanding high-quality 4G connectivity for the masses.”

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full implications of the auction results and the timeline for the implementation of 5G services across the country.

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On March 10, 2026, Pakistan conducted a historic 5G spectrum auction, marking a significant step towards the rollout of next-generation mobile services in the country. The auction was overseen by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and aimed to sell a total of 597 MHz of spectrum, of which 480 MHz was successfully auctioned.

Jazz, one of the leading telecom companies in Pakistan, secured 190 MHz of spectrum during the auction, increasing its total holdings from 94.4 MHz to 284.4 MHz. Ufone and Zong also participated actively, acquiring 180 MHz and 110 MHz of spectrum, respectively. The auction raised a total of $507 million, highlighting the strong demand for 5G technology in the region.

The auction included various frequency bands, such as 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz. This diverse range of frequencies is expected to facilitate the deployment of robust 5G services across the country.

Key government officials, including Shaza Fatima Khawaja, praised the auction as a major milestone for Pakistan’s digital future. “The successful 5G spectrum auction is a major milestone for Pakistan’s digital future,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of this development.

Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of JazzWorld, expressed gratitude towards the government and PTA for their efforts in conducting the auction. He noted, “We appreciate the Government of Pakistan, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for conducting a historic spectrum auction that strengthens the foundation of Pakistan’s digital future.”

Following the auction, the assignment stage for specific frequency positions is scheduled for March 12, 2026. This will further clarify the operational aspects of the newly acquired spectrum.

5G services are expected to be launched in five major cities by the end of the year, which will significantly enhance mobile connectivity and support various applications, including online education and remote work. Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the critical nature of this transition, stating, “This is where all of this becomes extremely critical, in terms of crisis, to move seamlessly into online education [and] working from home.”

Aamir Ibrahim also announced that test trials of 5G will be available at 180 towers for Jazz customers starting Wednesday, allowing users to experience the benefits of the new technology ahead of its full rollout.

The auction process was conducted live to ensure transparency, reflecting the commitment of the PTA to maintain integrity in the telecommunications sector. As the country moves forward with these advancements, the implications for both consumers and businesses are substantial.

Details remain unconfirmed.

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In a significant development for the telecommunications sector, Pakistan held a successful 5G spectrum auction on March 10, 2026, raising $507 million. The auction, conducted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), saw major telecom operators Jazz, Zong, and Ufone secure vital frequencies for the rollout of next-generation mobile services.

The auction resulted in the sale of 480 MHz of spectrum, with Jazz emerging as the largest buyer, securing 190 MHz. Ufone followed closely, acquiring 180 MHz, while Zong obtained 110 MHz. This marks a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s digital landscape, as the country prepares to launch 5G services initially in Islamabad and provincial capitals.

Prior to this auction, the government had targeted the sale of 597 MHz of spectrum, but ultimately 480 MHz was sold. The auction included various frequency bands, such as two lots in the 700 MHz band, all five lots in the 2300 MHz band, all 19 lots in the 2600 MHz band, and 22 out of 28 lots in the 3500 MHz band. This comprehensive approach reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the digital infrastructure.

Pakistan first entered the 3G and 4G era between 2014 and 2016, and the successful completion of this auction is seen as a major milestone in the country’s ongoing digital transformation. Muhammad Aurangzeb, a key figure in the telecommunications sector, stated, “The NGMS/5G Spectrum Auction is a historic milestone that will accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation and strengthen the country’s digital economy.”

Shaza Fatima Khawaja, a government representative, emphasized the significance of the auction, calling it Pakistan’s largest spectrum auction. She noted, “If we can only successfully do the base auction in this, even then our spectrum availability will double.” This sentiment reflects the optimism surrounding the potential of 5G technology to enhance connectivity and spur economic growth.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously instructed that every detail of the auction be live and transparent, ensuring public trust in the process. The auction was conducted with full transparency, with all bidding processes broadcast live, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to accountability.

As Pakistan moves forward with its digital initiatives, Hafeez Ur Rehman remarked, “The day is a historic and joyous milestone for Pakistan, highlighting the country’s progress in digital transformation.” With 600 MHz of spectrum now available after the auction, the stage is set for a new era in telecommunications, promising improved services and connectivity for millions of users across the nation.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific timelines for the rollout of 5G services, but the successful auction lays a strong foundation for the future of mobile communications in Pakistan.

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In a significant development for the telecommunications sector, Pakistan successfully conducted a 5G spectrum auction on March 10, 2026, raising $507 million. The auction was overseen by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and saw participation from major telecom operators including Jazz, Zong, and Ufone, who secured essential frequencies to roll out next-generation mobile services.

The auction resulted in the sale of 480 MHz of spectrum, which is expected to enhance mobile connectivity across the country. Jazz emerged as the largest buyer, securing 190 MHz of spectrum, while Ufone and Zong acquired 180 MHz and 110 MHz, respectively. This auction is seen as a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey, which began with the introduction of 3G and 4G services between 2014 and 2016.

The PTA auctioned various lots, including two in the 700 MHz band, all five in the 2300 MHz band, all 19 in the 2600 MHz band, and 22 out of 28 lots in the 3500 MHz band. Originally, the government had targeted the sale of 597 MHz, but ultimately, 480 MHz was sold, marking a substantial increase in spectrum availability from the 274 MHz currently used prior to the auction.

Officials have highlighted the auction as a major milestone for Pakistan’s digital development. Muhammad Aurangzeb, CEO of Jazz, stated, “The NGMS/5G Spectrum Auction is a historic milestone that will accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation and strengthen the country’s digital economy.” This sentiment was echoed by Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who noted, “This is Pakistan’s largest spectrum auction and if we can only successfully do the base auction in this, even then our spectrum availability will double.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of transparency in the auction process, instructing that every detail be broadcast live to ensure public trust. The auction was conducted with full transparency, with all bidding processes made available for public viewing.

The initial rollout of 5G services is expected to take place in Islamabad and provincial capitals, which will enhance connectivity and open new avenues for digital services across the nation. The successful auction is anticipated to not only improve mobile services but also contribute to the overall growth of Pakistan’s digital economy.

As Pakistan moves forward with its digital initiatives, the successful conclusion of the 5G spectrum auction represents a crucial step towards modernizing its telecommunications infrastructure. Hafeez Ur Rehman remarked, “The day is a historic and joyous milestone for Pakistan, highlighting the country’s progress in digital transformation.” With the spectrum now available, the future of mobile connectivity in Pakistan looks promising.

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