Ishaq Dar Calls for Transparency in Coming 4G Spectrum Auction

In the race of promoting transparency, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar gave directions to the Ministry of Information Technology and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to ensure complete transparency in next 4G Spectrum auction for 10 MHz. In response to that Minister of State for IT Anusha Rahman and Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Syed Ismail Shah briefly described the progress of upcoming spectrum auction. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Law, Ashtar Ausaf, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on HRD, Barrister Zafarullah Khan and Secretary IT also attended the meeting.

The Finance Minister Calls for Transparency in 4G Spectrum Auction

In year 2014, first ever 3G and 4G spectrum auction was held by PTA .From this the Government earned $903 million from 3G auction and $210 million from 4G auction with total revenue of $1.1 billion from both auctions. The government and the operators both benefited from 3G and 4G technology. With its arrival the race of coming first to launch the new technology also started.  Zong won the first ever 4G license in Pakistan from 1800 MHz band.  In 3G category, Zong along with Mobilink won 2×10 MHz license from 2100 MHz band. Ufone and Telenor won 2×5 MHz license for 3G from the same band.

The finance minister has already given notes to PTA and Ministry of IT and Telecom to complete its preparation for auctioning next round of 3G and 4G spectrums in year 2015. Now the recent meeting was held to over view the developments. It shows that government has got keen interest promoting the new generation techniques.