How PTA Will Assign 5G Spectrum Blocks Across Different Bands. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified key details regarding the assignment of 5G spectrum blocks, addressing industry concerns related to spectrum fragmentation. According to PTA, all spectrum awarded through the upcoming 5G auction will be assigned in contiguous blocks, ensuring efficient usage and better network performance.
This announcement provides much-needed clarity for telecom operators preparing to participate in Pakistan’s first-ever 5G spectrum auction.
PTA Confirms Contiguous Spectrum Allocation
In an official statement, PTA confirmed that every successful bidder will receive spectrum in contiguous blocks, rather than fragmented frequencies scattered across a band. Contiguous spectrum is critical for delivering high-speed, low-latency 5G services, as it allows operators to deploy wider bandwidth channels.
The authority emphasized that spectrum fragmentation will be avoided during the assignment phase to support optimal network planning and long-term service quality.
Understanding the Spectrum Assignment Stage
PTA explained that the assignment stage is separate from the allocation stage. While the allocation stage determines how much spectrum a bidder wins, the assignment stage will decide the exact frequency position within each band.
Instead of bidding on specific frequency numbers, operators will compete for relative positions within a spectrum band, such as:
- Bottom of the band
- Middle of the band
- Top of the band
This approach is designed to maintain flexibility while ensuring fairness among bidders.
How Bidding for Band Positions Will Work
During the assignment phase, bidders will not select exact frequency values. Instead, they will place bids for preferred relative positions within a band.
For example, if multiple operators win spectrum in the same frequency band, one operator may be assigned the lower-end frequencies, another the middle portion, and another the upper-end frequencies. The exact frequency location will only be finalized once all position bids are concluded.
Middle Position Bidders Face Uncertainty
PTA highlighted that bidders competing for middle positions within a band will not know their exact frequency placement at the time of bidding. This is because their final position depends on:
- Which bidder secures the bottom position
- Which bidder secures the top position
As a result, middle-position assignments will be finalized only after all top and bottom placements are confirmed. PTA stated that this method is standard practice and ensures a logical and interference-free frequency arrangement.
Assignment Rules Apply Across All 5G Bands
The authority confirmed that this assignment structure will apply across all spectrum bands, including key 5G frequency ranges such as:
- 2600 MHz band
- 3500 MHz band
These bands are considered crucial for 5G deployment, offering a balance between coverage and high data capacity. The use of contiguous blocks in these ranges is expected to significantly improve network efficiency.
Placement of Unallocated Spectrum in the 3500 MHz Band
PTA also addressed concerns regarding unsold or unallocated spectrum, particularly in the 3500 MHz band. According to the authority, any spectrum that remains unallocated in this band will be placed at the top of the frequency range.
Specifically, unassigned spectrum will occupy the highest available frequencies below 3580 MHz, ensuring that allocated spectrum remains contiguous for winning bidders.
Rules for Unsold Spectrum in Other Bands
For spectrum bands other than 3500 MHz, PTA stated that the placement of unsold spectrum will follow predefined rules outlined in the Information Memorandum.
These rules were published earlier as part of the auction framework and are intended to maintain transparency and consistency across all frequency bands involved in the auction.
Pricing Structure for Spectrum Assignment
PTA clarified that the assignment stage will follow the same pricing principles as the allocation stage. However, assignment prices will be charged in addition to the allocation prices already paid by successful bidders.
The authority further confirmed that:
- Assignment stage opening prices will be set at zero
- Bidders will compete upward based on demand for preferred band positions
This pricing mechanism is designed to allow market forces to determine the value of specific frequency positions.
Why Contiguous Spectrum Matters for 5G
Industry experts believe PTA’s decision to assign contiguous spectrum blocks is a positive step for Pakistan’s 5G future. Contiguous spectrum enables:
- Higher data speeds
- Lower latency
- Improved network stability
- Better support for advanced applications like IoT, smart cities, and autonomous systems
Without contiguous blocks, operators would struggle to deliver true 5G performance.
Conclusion
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s clarification on the 5G spectrum assignment process provides critical transparency for telecom operators and stakeholders. By ensuring contiguous spectrum blocks, competitive position-based bidding, and clear rules for unallocated frequencies, PTA aims to create a fair and efficient 5G auction framework.
