Pakistan is set to expand its 5G footprint further as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has granted Ufone permission to begin commercial 5G operations, making it the country’s third telecom operator to enter the next-generation mobile services market.

The regulator has issued a commencement letter to the company, fulfilling a key regulatory requirement ahead of the official launch. Ufone is now expected to roll out its 5G services within the coming days.

Under PTA’s regulatory framework, telecom operators awarded 5G licences are required to first conduct testing on selected or random network sites. These sites are then inspected by the authority to ensure compliance with technical and service quality standards. Once satisfied, PTA issues a commencement letter, allowing operators to proceed with commercial deployment.

Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction was held on March 10, 2026, during which PTA completed the allocation stage of the NGMS/5G licensing process. A total of 480 megahertz of spectrum was auctioned, with Jazz securing 190 megahertz, Ufone 180 megahertz, and Zong 110 megahertz. The assignment stage was completed on March 14, 2026, enabling operators to begin network planning and rollout preparations.

Jazz and Zong were the first to move ahead after securing their licences, applying for commencement letters immediately and receiving approval on the same day. Both operators launched their commercial 5G services on March 19, 2026, marking Pakistan’s initial entry into the 5G era.

Jazz reportedly began its rollout with around 180 sites across Islamabad, provincial capitals, and major urban centres, while Zong expanded its 5G services to more than 16 cities.

With Ufone now receiving regulatory clearance, Pakistan’s 5G ecosystem is expected to broaden further, making March 2026 a pivotal month in the country’s transition to next-generation mobile connectivity.