ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The federal government has taken significant steps towards the auction of 5G spectrum in the country and issued a policy directive, paving the way for the auction of 5G spectrum in mid-February.
According to the policy directive, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been directed to conduct a transparent and competitive auction.
The number of broadband users in the country has crossed 152 million, while spectrum auctions have been held in various bands between 2014 and 2021. In the new auction, existing mobile operators as well as new investors will be able to participate.
According to the policy, spectrum will be auctioned in 700, 1800, 2100, 2300, 2600 and 3500 MHz bands. The base price of 700 MHz spectrum has been set at $6.5 million per MHz, while the price of 1800 and 2100 MHz spectrum will be $14 million per MHz.
The price for the 2300 MHz band is $1 million per MHz, $1.25 million for 2600 MHz, and $650,000 for 3500 MHz.
According to the policy, the spectrum fee will be paid in Pakistani rupees while the dollar rate will be locked. 5G spectrum will be technology neutral, meaning there will be no restriction on any specific technology and the auctioned spectrum will be usable for all existing and upcoming technologies.
A phased network rollout will be mandatory under the 5G license, which will include cities, sites and fiber-to-tower targets. Better quality of service conditions will also be implemented for consumers.
Successful bidders will be issued a new license for 15 years, while spectrum trading and sharing will also be allowed as part of the license.
The federal government has set a target of auctioning the 5G spectrum in mid-February, while the PTA will issue an information memorandum after the policy directive.
