The claim that any operator was given preferential treatment in the auction for extra 3G and 4G spectrum was refuted by a representative of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT).
He explained to ProPakistani that the Telecom Act of 1996’s Clause 8(2)a states that the period for spectrum bidding is not set. In accordance with the Act, the federal government may shorten or lengthen the time period.
While the 2100 MHz bandwidth was not sold, the additional 1800 MHz airwaves was auctioned off for 15 years last year. In the top-up spectrum auction, the government will also auction off spectrum at 2100 MHz for a period of ten years, he continued.
MoITT anticipates the additional 3G and 4G spectrum auction to be a success. The MoITT representative expressed optimism that the Ministry will be successful in the sale of extra 3G/4G spectrum and will obtain a price greater than that predicted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The official claims that the Auction Advisory Committee meeting minutes have been created and delivered to the Ministry of Finance. Following clearance by Miftah Ismail, chairman of the auction advisory committee, and the minister of finance, the minutes will be made public.
After the first meeting’s minutes are published, the Auction Advisory Committee will hold a follow-up meeting. The second meeting will involve further thought, and the MoITT will then release a new spectrum policy directive.
