Pakistan will sell a mobile phone auction in June |
ISLAMABAD: The auction of mobile telephone spectrum is
expected in June, and advisers have expressed happiness that it will be
successful due to the capabilities available in Pakistan.A consultant chaired a meeting of the Advisory Committee on
Launch of Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) Spectrum in the Finance
Division on Thursday, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue
Shaukat Tareen.The committee approved recommendations for the sale of
spectrum during the meeting, and the consultant will meet with stakeholders in
the next round, and give a brief overview of the auction process.
In the next step, the consultant will send an 'information
memorandum' detailing the auction procedure. The meeting was attended by
Federal Minister for Science and Technology Senator Shibli Faraz, Federal
Minister for IT and Telecommunications Syed Aminul Haq, Advisor. To the Prime
Minister of Commerce Abdul Razzaq Dawood, Federal Secretaries of the concerned
Ministries, Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), Executive
Director of Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) and other officials.
The IT Minister apprised the committee that the sale of
spectrum is the key to strengthening and expanding communication / IT services
across the country.
The committee was briefed by the coordinator on a spectrum
auction of the 1,800 MHz and 2,100 MHz bands.
The Committee was informed that "Spectrum Auction
Pakistan 2020-21" is focused on investor stability and will increase the
spread of mobile broadband which will also contribute to Pakistan's economic
growth.
The consultant expressed confidence that there is
significant potential for broadband and telephone development across Pakistan
and that the existing four cellular companies are looking to acquire additional
spectrum to take advantage of growth opportunities. The consultant expressed confidence that the auction would
be a success and would generate significant revenue for the government.
Consultant - Frontier Economics - and PTA signed an
agreement in January this year to provide consulting services for spectrum
auction in Pakistan in 2020-21.
Frontier Economics Limited is Europe's largest independent
economic consulting firm with experts in a number of industries, including
telecommunications.
PTA Chairman Amir Azeem Bajwa also apprised the committee of
the ongoing arrangements for sale of available spectrum.
He gave a detailed presentation on the available spectrum
bands and sales methods in accordance with international best practices.
It was informed in the meeting that an in-depth analysis
will be completed to assess the demand for spectrum and determine its pricing
and packaging strategy.
Taking stock of the situation, the Finance Minister directed
that the process of sale of available spectrum be expedited. He urged to
provide a level playing field so that all operators have a fair and equal
opportunity in this process.
Mr. Tareen also stressed that all key stakeholders must
ensure maximum participation in the entire board for the successful completion
of the sale transaction.
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