With the help of the Spectrum ReFarming Framework, the government hopes to raise billions of dollars by consolidating the “spectrum” that is now used by numerous agencies and organisations across the nation. Currently, 400 MHz is being used by local telecom providers. Approximately speaking, the government wanted to sell telecom businesses 300 MHz spectrum that was accessible with several organisations.
According to officials, by giving 300 MHz to various telecom businesses, the government may gain $9 billion since spectrum was auctioned off in 2021 at a price of $30 million per MHz.
According to reports,
“the government will pay the organisations and departments that have spectrum available to ensure that their operations under the Spectrum Re-Farming Framework proceed smoothly.”
Considering that the government also intends to introduce 5G technology soon, centralising “spectrum data” could result in higher rates.
The government of Pakistan intends to auction extra spectrum soon as a remedy for telecom businesses there that are not making full use of available frequency. In the meantime, according to a statement from the IT ministry, “as per Section 8.5.2 of the Telecommunication Policy 2015, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication is glad to share the first-of-its-kind draught Framework for Frequency Spectrum Re-Farming prepared with recommendations from PTA, PEMRA, and FAB. For public review and comment, the draught has been posted to the website of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications.
The statement read: “Spectrum ReFarming is regarded a powerful and innovative way to manage the spectrum dynamically so as to make it available for future uses such as 4G, 5G, broadband wireless access, and digital television.
“The framework shall promote effective utilisation of the available spectrum, higher quality and coverage of mobile broadband services, and increased revenues for the national exchequer,” the IT ministry stated.
The final draft will be delivered to the Federal Cabinet for final approval after the public comment period. It is currently available on the MOITT website here.
