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Islamabad – Pakistan’s telecommunications regulator confirmed Wednesday that a 5G spectrum auction will proceed on March 10, potentially generating between $300 and $700 million for the government, according to officials.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will offer 597 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum in multiple bands during the auction, with three existing telecom operators mandated to acquire a minimum of 100 MHz each, PTA Director General Licensing, retired Brigadier Aamir Shahzad, told reporters.

Shahzad explained that even a conservative scenario – the sale of 300 MHz without significant competitive bidding – would yield at least $300 million for the government. A full sale of the available 597 MHz, with moderate competition, could reach $700 million, though he indicated this outcome was less probable.

The auction will employ a multi-round electronic clock auction format, with the primary allocation phase beginning on March 10. The 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands will be the initial focus, Shahzad said.

Following the auction, the rollout of 5G services is expected to take three to six months, contingent on the necessary infrastructure development, he added.

PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman stated the auction is anticipated to improve service quality and data speeds. “Around 50 million novel users have been added in the system during the last five years, but only 10MHz was increased in the 2021 spectrum auction,” Rehman said.

Rehman also noted that improved data services and expanded coverage are expected to increase the average revenue per user (ARPU) for telecom operators, which has already risen from $0.7 to $1.3. He anticipates further increases as data consumption grows.

The PTA projects mobile broadband speeds will improve by approximately 25 percent after the auction. The authority has offered incentives to telecom companies while simultaneously increasing obligations related to service quality and coverage area, Rehman said. “This will help the country to embrace further upgradations like 6G and not like 5G, where we have been delayed,” he stated.

The government has also eliminated the right-of-way fee, previously around Rs36,000 per kilometer annually, to encourage fiberization projects, according to the PTA Chairman.

Telecom operators have already placed orders for 5G equipment, and local manufacturing of 5G-enabled smartphones has begun, with current production reaching 500,000 to 600,000 units, Rehman confirmed.

To facilitate a faster rollout, the PTA is offering options for spectrum sharing, relaxing certain regulatory terms, and providing incentives for network expansion. Operators will have one year to produce necessary capital investments without upfront spectrum payments, allowing them to prioritize service improvements.

However, operators will be required to expand 5G coverage beyond Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta. Fiber-to-the-site ratios must increase from 20 percent to 35 percent by 2035. Minimum 4G download speeds will rise from 4 Mbps to 20 Mbps by 2026-27 and to 50 Mbps by 2030-35. For 5G, minimum download speeds will initially be 50 Mbps, increasing to 100 Mbps by 2030-35, with latency targets reduced to 35 milliseconds. Upload speeds will be benchmarked at 20 percent of download speeds for both technologies.

A devastating avalanche in the Castle Peak area near Lake Tahoe, California, has claimed the lives of eight skiers, officials confirmed on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The incident occurred amidst a powerful winter storm that has been battering the region, creating treacherous conditions for backcountry enthusiasts. Six skiers have been rescued and are awaiting further assistance, while the search continues for one remaining individual presumed dead.

The avalanche struck a group of 15 skiers – comprised of four ski guides and 12 clients – prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving over 46 emergency responders from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The initial 911 call reporting the avalanche came in around 11:30 a.m. Local time, triggering an immediate response from search and rescue teams.

Authorities have warned of extremely high avalanche danger in the Central Sierra Nevada, including the Greater Lake Tahoe region, due to rapidly accumulating snowfall and strong winds. The Sierra Avalanche Center had issued warnings about the potential for large slides prior to the incident. The challenging weather conditions are significantly hindering rescue efforts, forcing teams to proceed cautiously and shelter in place when possible.

Avalanche Conditions and Rescue Efforts

The Castle Peak area, northwest of Lake Tahoe, is a popular destination for backcountry skiing, but the recent storm has created unstable snowpack layers. Ashley Quadros, a spokesperson for the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, stated that the six skiers who have been located are currently sheltering in place while specialist ski teams perform to reach them. Rescuers are facing brutal conditions as they navigate the mountainous terrain and contend with ongoing snowfall.

According to the Yahoo News report, the dangerous conditions are a result of rapidly accumulating snowfall piling on already fragile snowpack layers, coupled with gale-force winds. The area was under an avalanche warning, indicating a high likelihood of slides.

Separate Investigation into Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

While rescue efforts continue in the Lake Tahoe area, authorities are also pursuing leads in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” indicate host Savannah Guthrie. Recent developments in the case include the analysis of DNA found on a glove discovered near Guthrie’s Tucson, Arizona home. The FBI believes the glove may have been worn by the armed suspect seen on her doorbell camera footage the night she disappeared, according to the Recent York Post.

Overnight SWAT raids have led to the detention of three individuals in connection with the case, though their involvement remains unclear. Investigators are exploring various motives, including burglary, targeted abduction, and other possibilities, CNN reports. Savannah Guthrie has made public appeals for her mother’s safe return, urging anyone with information to arrive forward.

Other Notable News

In other news, civil rights icon Jesse Jackson died on February 18, 2026, at the age of 84. Severe winter weather continues to threaten millions across the country, and a massive Potomac sewage spill could take months to clean up. Investigators are questioning gun shop owners as part of the Nancy Guthrie investigation.

The search for the missing skier near Lake Tahoe remains a top priority for rescue teams. Authorities will continue to assess the avalanche risk and work to locate the final missing individual. Further updates will be provided as they grow available. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of both rescuers and those still in necessitate of assistance.

We encourage readers to share this information and to stay informed about the ongoing situation. Your support and awareness can help ensure the safety of those who venture into the backcountry.