Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is to hold the Spectrum Auction for Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) spectrum (3G/4G) on May 16, 2017. PTA has released Information Memorandum (IM) for the auction of spectrum in the 1800 MHz range and to grant the basic rights to establish, maintain and operate a 3G/4G network and to provide services all over the country.
The IM will set the rules, process, planned timetable and other background information to help willing applicants to decide if they want to participate in the NGMSA.
Schedule
The IM published by PTA indicated below schedule for the auction:
- April 19th: end of consultation period
- April 24th: Notification of changes to the NGMSA rules and procedures (if any)
- April 28th: Information Session for prospective bidders
- May 5th – 4 PM Pakistan Time: Deadline for prospective applicants to submit application forms with pre-bid deposits
- May 9th: PTA to announce qualified applicants
- May 11th: Information package containing confidential information and instructions to
participate in the auction is provided to qualified applicants - May 12th: Mock Auction
- May 16th: The auction day
Base Price
Base price for 2×10 MHz block in 1800MHz is set at USD 295 Million.
The NGMSA is for licenses to use spectrum from an international band in 1800 MHz band. The Spectrum Auction included in the NGMSA comprises of 10 MHz of paired spectrum in the 1800 MHz band, however, final details will be decided later. A license for spectrum awarded in the NGMSA provides only right for use of the frequencies assigned to that operator. The services permitted are by each specific license for each.
The new spectrum will be for 14 telecom regions of Pakistan, but it won’t include AJK Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) while the base price for the spectrum is set at $295 million. All the operators, new or old can bid for the spectrum.
The successful bidder will be given a license to create a technology-neutral network and offer licensed services in Pakistan excluding AJ&K and GB to consumers for meeting the roll out. The assigned spectrum must not be used to provide fixed services or any services not explicitly authorized under the license conditions and the license shall be personal. The duration of a license to use NGMS spectrum would be 15 years.
