Islamabad (Newsman): The unavailability of 140 MHZ in the 2600 band– the most suitable for the launch of 5G in the country emerged as a concern of the National Economic Research Associates Inc (NERA) — a United States-based international consultancy firm hired by the government for the spectrum auction, it is learned.
NERA also brought attention to the purchase of Telenor by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) before the auction rules were released to clear up any misunderstandings and improve market competitiveness.
The meeting of the Advisory Committee on the Release of IMT Spectrum for Improvement of Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services in Pakistan was presided over by Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue.
The expert told the market that there was a solid appetite because more spectrum was required to improve the quality of services, according to sources.
Nevertheless, it was discovered that the government owns 54 MHz of the 2600 band, while 140 MHz is under legal dispute.
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The expert advised that the 2600 band is regarded as prime globally to successfully launch 5G and ease 4G congestion. The government should clear it as soon as possible, NERA said.
The government aims to have the case released early if it pursues it in court through the Attorney General’s Office.
The government intended to set 562 MHz up for auction, but the 140 MHz spectrum is currently being litigated. According to an official, all ITU bands designated for 5G—700, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3300 MHZ and higher bands—have a spectrum available to the government that is appropriate for 5G.
It can be put up for auction with the goal of being technology neutral, meaning that 4G will be implemented throughout the country in the years 2100, 2300, and 2600 and that it will also be used for 5G.
According to the official statement, the meeting covered several topics and examined the work completed by the US-based consulting firm NERA.
The company was hired by PTA in November 2024 in accordance with PPRA Rules and EPADS to research and evaluate the Pakistani market, consult with stakeholders, and draft policy recommendations for sector reforms also a plan for a successful spectrum auction by April of the coming year.
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PTA Chairman, Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology, Secretary of the Ministry of Law, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication of Pakistan Shaza Fatima Khawaja (virtual), and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments attended the meeting along with Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain.
