Initiating sell-off: PTA holds information session for bidders

KARACHI: As the country moves closer to the spectrum auction for next-generation mobile broadband internet services, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) briefed prospective bidders about the process during an information session in Islamabad on Thursday. PTA Chairman Syed Ismail Shah briefed senior officers of mobile operator companies – potential bidders for the spectrum auction – about different aspects of the upcoming auction process and arrangements made by the apex telecom regulator, according to a press release. The consultation session provided professional analysis on the whole bidding process as per PTA’s Information Memorandum (IM) – the main policy document for the spectrum auction – and for the successful completion of the auction in a transparent manner. Expressing keen interest in the upcoming spectrum auction, which is due on April 23, the bidders noted that the new mobile services will help improve performance in various sectors of the economy, the statement said. Representatives from Value Partners Management Consulting – the international consultants hired by the PTA for spectrum evaluation and advice on the auction process – and senior officers of the PTA were also present in the meeting. If the auction is held on schedule, the country will see the rollout of advance mobile technologies, such as 3G shortly after the auction and 4G in a year from the date of auction. The PTA is auctioning three licences in 3G band and two licences in 4G spectrum and expects to raise more than $1.2 billion from the proceeds of the auction. Published in The Express Tribune, March 28th, 2014.