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The government has addressed key demands from cellular providers, leading all three companies to participate in the ongoing spectrum auction for 5G deployment. A successful mock auction involving Jazz, Zong, and Ufone was completed, with all parties expressing confidence in the process.
In a briefing held a day earlier, IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima explained that the government created a level playing field for the leading contenders, fostering a mutually beneficial environment. She noted that the telecom operators’ main requests were granted, which should help ease their financial pressures. Estimates suggest the auction could bring in roughly $300 million to $700 million.
The auction will feature multiple bidding rounds, potentially extending over several stages. Currently, only 274 MHz of spectrum has been in use nationwide, resulting in network congestion. The government’s priority is to improve the quality and coverage of 4G, with 5G coverage also set to begin following the auction.
A total of 600 MHz of spectrum will be available, with four new bands introduced in this auction phase. Telecom companies are required to acquire at least 100 MHz each, with a minimum of 300 MHz collectively, effectively doubling the available spectrum capacity. To ensure all three operators can offer 5G, the auction policy specifically mandates the acquisition of the 3500 MHz and 2600 MHz bands, which are essential for 5G services.
Additionally, for the first time, the 700 MHz band is being offered, vital for long-distance coverage and basic telephony services in populated areas.
Hafeez ur Rehman, Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), mentioned the auction will be conducted digitally, with all three telecom providers expressing satisfaction with the process. He also stated there is no objection from any telecom company regarding the auction software, and there is no plan to introduce new competitors into the market at this time. He further added that several policies introduced by PTA will help expand telecom services into more localized areas in the upcoming months and years.
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