Pakistan is accelerating its journey towards 5G technology. PTA with the green light from the Ministry of Finance, has issued Terms of Reference to hire an international consultant. This expert will guide the country’s rollout of 5G spectrum, paving the way for next-generation mobile broadband services.
The consultant’s primary focus will be maximizing the release of IMT spectrum, the radio frequencies crucial for 5G operations. They will ensure this process aligns with international best practices, benefiting Pakistan’s economy, society, and the overall telecommunications landscape.
A key aspect of the consultancy involves optimizing spectrum valuation and designing an auction that attracts investment. This includes analyzing past auctions, international practices, and future projections to establish fair pricing for various spectrum bands. Additionally, the consultant will recommend suitable 5G launch models based on global benchmarks, considering potential applications and viable monetization strategies specific to Pakistan.
The spectrum auction design itself will prioritize attracting both existing mobile operators and new players. By offering opportunities to acquire sufficient spectrum, the aim is to bolster Pakistan’s ICT infrastructure and significantly improve broadband services. Innovative regulations and attractive investment opportunities are expected to contribute to the sustainable growth of the telecom sector and the broader Pakistani economy.
The consultant will also assess the current health of Pakistan’s telecom market, identifying areas requiring policy reforms. These reforms will encourage infrastructure investment, broadband expansion, and business sustainability – crucial factors for successful 5G adoption.
The ToRs further outline a comparison of Pakistan’s existing spectrum allocation with regional practices. This will help determine potential gaps and inform the phased auctioning of spectrum in specific bands ranging from 700 MHz to 3500 MHz.
The consultant will delve deeper, recommending pricing strategies for spectrum in both USD and PKR, considering future demand and supply models. Innovative payment options like flexible installments are also under consideration.
Beyond pricing, the consultant will analyze factors like the number of potential operators, license durations, and spectrum block sizes. This will guide the development of clear license templates outlining terms, obligations, and incentives for auction winners. Policy recommendations for auction design, base price, and duration will also be provided.
The consultant is tasked with developing the information memorandum, a blueprint for the auction process. This includes crafting the license template and assisting with the actual auction based on the agreed upon design. Coexistence strategies for 5G and existing services like satellite and Wi-Fi will also be addressed.
The hiring of the consultant signifies a significant step forward for Pakistan’s 5G ambitions. Following consultations with industry stakeholders and the completion of the consultant’s report, the stage will be set for the much-anticipated 5G spectrum auction. This paves the way for Pakistan to embrace the next generation of mobile broadband technology.
