ISLAMABAD:The first-ever cellular spectrum auction for Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB) was successfully concluded here on Tuesday.
The electronic auction was participated by two operators: CMPak (Zong), and PMCL (Jazz) for 1800 MHz band.
The electronic auction went up to 18 rounds and was concluded by declaring Zong as the winner of 10 MHz 2 blocks of 5 MHz in 1800 MHz band against the price of USD 14.398 million, said a press release issued by the PTA.
The spectrum sold in 1800 MHz band is 85% of the total offered spectrum in the said band for AJK and GB. Furthermore, Telenor, Ufone and Zong have also won 1.2 MHz in 1800 MHz band.
Telenor Pakistan is declared winner in 2100 MHz band for a spectrum of 15 MHz against the set base price. The spectrum sold in 2100 MHz band is 50% of the total offered spectrum in the said band.
The total revenue generated from this spectrum auction process for AJK & GB stands at over USD 30 million.
PTA completed the auction process with assistance of internationally reputed consultant JV Telconet / Frontier Economics who was onboard since April 2021, and conducted thorough consultation with cellular industry and other stakeholders.
The government constituted Auction Advisory Committee in October 2020 under the chairmanship of Finance Minister. Policy Directive was issued on August 2021, 11 under which PTA initiated the process for fair and transparent spectrum auction process ensuring consumer interests.
The addition of this spectrum will help Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) to provide better data and voice services in the two regions currently being focused for promotion of tourism.