ISLAMABAD - Advisory committee for the release of Next Generation Mobile Services Spectrum has approved the recommendations for the sale of NGMS.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Shaukat Fayyaz Ahmed Tarin presided over the meeting of the advisory committee for the release of Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) Spectrum at the Finance Division. The chairman PTA briefed the advisory committee about the arrangements underway for the sale of available Spectrum of Next Generation Mobile Services in the country. A detailed presentation was made about the specifications of available spectrum bands and methodology for sale in line with international best practices. The newly hired consultants also gave a detailed input and answered the technical queries by the members of the committee.
While taking stock of the situation, the finance minister directed to expedite the sale process for the available spectrum. He stressed to provide a level playing field so that all operators must have a fair and equal chance in the process. He urged all the key stakeholders to ensure maximum participation across the board for successful completion of the sale transaction, he added.
Officials have informed The Nation that government is likely to hold spectrum auction within next couple of months, which would improve the quality of services. According to PTA, the objective of the consultancy is to devise a strategy for existing mobile cellular licence renewal and additional spectrum auction in 1800 & 2100 MHz bands in light of international best practices suited for telecom market with focus on regulatory consistency for the investors, mobile broadband proliferation and future sustainability of cellular sector with an overall economic growth of region. Consultations with the industry stakeholders would be done in May 2021. The spectrum auction is expected by May or June 2021. The government is expecting to generate around one billion dollar of revenue.
Speaking on the occasion, the Federal Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz said that international benchmarks must be followed to ensure the whole process of sale is competitive and based on principles of transparency and equity. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce suggested an in-depth analysis to gauge demand for spectrum and devise a strategy for its pricing and packaging accordingly. The Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Syed Amin ul Haque stated that the sale of NGMS is of key importance for strengthening and expanding communication / IT services across the country.
Federal minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz, federal minister for IT and Telecommunication Syed Amin ul Haque, adviser to the PM on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, secretary Finance Division, secretary IT & Telecommunication, secretary Law & Justice Division, chairman PTA, executive director Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) and other senior officials participated in the meeting.