Pakistan will sell a mobile phone auction in June

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.