PTA Ordered to Complete 3G Auction by February 2014
Ministry of IT has issued policy directive regarding “Spectrum
Auction for Next Generation Mobile Services in Pakistan” to PTA on 7
th October 2013, said a statement issued by Ministry.
Policy Directive was approved by Prime Minister himself.
The policy directive pertains to auction of spectrum for next
generation mobile services in Pakistan (including 3G and advanced
generations).
PTA is entrusted to carry out the auction in the most transparent
manner in the shortest possible time. In this regard, PTA will hire the
services of a consultant.
According to the directive, the allocation of the spectrum will be
technology neutral and auction will be open for new entrants as well.
Also, auction winners will encourage and facilitate local manufacturing,
transfer of technology and research and innovation in telecom sector of
Pakistan.
PTA has informed that auction will be complete by end February 2014.
As per policy directive, government has made it mandatory for
existing cellular operators to share infrastructure on a cost-sharing
basis with new entrants as well as among themselves. The PTA will
prepare guidelines in this regard. It maybe recalled that a similar
framework is already in place but is seldom practiced.
According to the policy directives, the consultant – to be hired by
PTA in next couple of months — will identify the number and size of the
block to be auctioned considering the market situation. The Frequency
Allocation Board has identified 30 megahertz (MHz) paired spectrum in
1.9GHz/2.1GHz band for auction.
The new licence will be technology neutral and useable for
technologies standardised for third-generation (3G) and advanced
generation mobile services. The licence will be offered for a period of
15 years.