Pakistan Transparency & Fairness Recognised by World in Spectrum Award: Anusha

The recent award of 850 Mhz to Telenor by Government of Pakistan is again a success story as its transparency and fairness is recognized by the global ICT Industry-said by Anusha Rehman in a post award press briefing at  Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Headquarters. PTA has earlier announced “Telenor Pakistan” as the winner of its 850 MHz spectrum auction in Pakistan. 

Phone World has already predicated the likely result of the 850 Mhz Spectrum Auction last week on its website.

Also Read: 850 Spectrum Auction: Telenor Versus Surprise?

Dr. Syed Ismail Shah Chairman PTA said that:

“The purpose of this Press Briefing at PTA is to inform the press and the nation about whole 850 Mhz Spectrum Auction 2016 process in detail.”

Following were the details shared by the Chairman PTA of entire 850 Mhz Spectrum Auction 2016:

Background:

Broadband proliferation plays major role in socio-economic development of a country in the modern world.  Government of Pakistan has always taken steps for the growth of telecommunication sector keeping in view the future market trends and technological advancements. The NGMSA spectrum auction held in 2014 is a testament of government’s commitment to bring the latest technologies for proliferation of mobile broadband in the country. 3G and 4G services usage trends show the appetite for high data rates in the market. Pakistan Mobile Broadband percentage is now more than India, Nepal and Bangladesh. At the end of April 2016 the Mobile Broadband Subscribers were 28.7 Million.

Also Read: Only Telenor Applied for 850 Spectrum Auction

Pakistan Transparency & Fairness Recognised by World in Spectrum Award: Anusha

Policy Directive:

PTA hired a UK based consultant, Inter Connect Communications (ICC), for market assessment on 31st October 2015. Subsequent to the consultation, MoIT&T issued a Policy Directive for the “Unsold Next Generation Mobile Services (Spectrum) in Pakistan”. The policy directive identified one block of 10 MHz in 850 MHz band i.e. UL: 824 – 834 MHz/DL: 869 – 879 MHz with a base price of USD 395 Million.

Information Memorandum (IM):

The Information Memorandum (IM) was prepared and published on PTA website followed by advertisements both in local and foreign print media. The IM contained all the necessary details from submission of applications to award of the license. Salient features of the IM are listed below:

• One block of 10 MHz paired spectrum UL: 824 – 834 MHz/DL: 869 – 879 MHz is offered for auction.
• The base price is USD 395 Million.
• Existing licensees as well as new entrants are encouraged to participate.
• Applicants shall apply as per the provided checklist.
• Interested parties can raise queries (if any) within 15 days from 2nd May 2016.
• An information session will be held with the prospective applicants for further clarifications.
• In case of one applicant, spectrum will be awarded at the base price.

Information Session:

In accordance with the IM, an information session was held on 23rd May 2016 to clarify any queries by the prospective bidders. Chairman PTA, Dr. Syed Ismail Shah chaired the session whereas representatives from Mobilink, Telenor, WorldCall, Multinet and senior officers from PTA attended the session.

The participants were briefed about different aspects of upcoming auction process and arrangements. The information session provided professional analysis on the whole bidding process as per PTA’s Information Memorandum (IM) and for the successful completion of auction in a transparent manner.

Applications:

The deadline for submission of applications was 1st June 2016 till 4 pm. Only Telenor submitted application.

Evaluation:

The application of Telenor was evaluated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the IM and found complete in all respects. The applicant has been notified accordingly.

Award of License:

Since only one applicant, Telenor, has applied, hence in NGMS spectrum of 850 MHz band it will be awarded:

1. UL: 824 – 834 MHz
2. DL: 869 – 879 MHz

Telenor will be awarded this spectrum on base price of USD 395 million in accordance with the schedule given in the IM. The license will be awarded to Telenor within 30 days of payment.