Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Spectrum Auction in Pakistan, PTA, Ufone, Zong, Jazz, Altius Telecom, Ericsson, Far EasTone, MWC 2026, among others.
Pakistan Gears Up for 5G Revolution with Major Spectrum Auction
Pakistan is set to auction 5G frequency bands tomorrow to introduce next‑generation mobile connectivity in major urban centers, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will offer 11 spectrum bands through an electronic bidding process to major operators such as Ufone, Zong, and Jazz. Officials say the phased rollout aims to improve internet speeds without raising costs for consumers. Pakistan currently has over 130 million broadband connections, but limited spectrum has strained networks.
Sky‑High Ambitions: Brookfield’s Altius Telecom InvIT Eyes ₹9,000 Crore IPO
Brookfield Asset Management‑backed Altius Telecom Infrastructure Trust plans to raise up to ₹9,000 crore through a combination of pre‑IPO funding and an initial public offering later this year. About ₹3,000 crore is expected from the pre‑IPO round, with the remainder coming via the IPO, likely in the second half of 2026. The capital will help reduce debt and include a secondary stake sale by Brookfield. Altius, India’s second‑largest telecom tower operator with over 2.57 lakh sites, grew fast through acquisitions including towers from Reliance Jio and American Tower Corporation.
Ericsson and Far EasTone Join Forces to Drive 5G Advanced and 6G Innovation
Ericsson and Taiwan’s Far EasTone have signed a three‑year strategic agreement (2026–2028) to modernize the operator’s network and accelerate its shift to 5G Advanced technology while laying a foundation for AI‑native networks and future 6G development. Under the partnership, Ericsson will upgrade Far EasTone’s RAN and Core infrastructure with programmable, high‑performance solutions that improve spectral efficiency, energy performance, and reliability. The collaboration also focuses on automation and AI integration to enhance operations and support advanced services, enabling scalable future growth with energy‑saving and sustainable goals. Signed at Mobile World Congress 2026, the deal strengthens a long‑standing relationship between the two companies.
SHAFANA FAZAL
