Five International Consultants have contacted Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to oversee 5G spectrum auction. Moreover, the process is to be finalized within the current financial year.
Meanwhile, the telecom regulator on Monday cited that it had received bids from five international consultants, including: Aetha Consulting Limited, Detecon Consulting FZ-LLC, Frontier Economics Limited, KomKonsult (Private) Limited, and the National Economic Research Associates Inc.
Meanwhile, industry players are concerned with the timing of the launch of the program. While, PTA chairman Hafeezur Rehman had shared the bidding intent with the Standing Committee of The National Assembly.
Moreover, PTA has assured compliance of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules.
However, both the government and private sector are critical of the process. Additionally, many ministers have cited the insignificant number of player which lowers the value of the auction. Simultaneously, ministers have voiced PTA facilitating other bidding parities, adding to the value of the 5G service of Pakistan.
Also Read: PTA Chairman Announces 5G Launch Date
Meanwhile, private telecom firms cite the already existing problem of Pakistan’s IT industry. Pakistan’s inability to use 4G service to its greatest potential have already raised concerns. Simultaneously, the large surface of the IT sectors also makes itself a valid factor. On the contrary, the current internet situation, with every online step being monitored adds more to the argument.
Jazz CEO Amir Ibrahim shares the same sentiment. Additionally, he has been openly vocal about it. Furthermore, he criticized the government’s ability to understand the need of telecom industry. Amir Ibrahim cited that the government only see 5G’s bid as a lucrative deal while people just see it as a faster internet. However, telecom firms do not share the same attitude.
It is, however, pertinent to note the current 4G spectrums used. Telecom industry is currently using 274 MHz to operate 4G. Meanwhile, 5G demands another 300 MHz spectrum to run.
