The auction of next generation mobile services (NGMS) 3G/4G in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has been delayed for the third time, it was learnt on Thursday. The AJ&K and GB Council approved policy directives for 3G/4G in AJ&K and GB on August 17, 2017. After the approval of AJ&K/GB Council, the policy directive was issued to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for the NGMS spectrum auction.
For the calculation of base price and design of auction process for 3G/4G spectrum in AJK & GB, the PTA decided to hire consultant/consulting firm and sought expression of interest (EoI) by September 15, 2017, which was later delayed to September 29. However, now the PTA again sought EoI from interested consultant by October 19, 2017.
The consultant will be required to calculate the base price and design a transparent and competitive auction process for NGMS 3G/4G in AJK & GB. As finalized by the PTA & the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in collaboration with the Frequency Allocation Board, the following frequency blocks for provision of NGMS spectrum auction in AJ&KlGB are suggested:-
For auction:
a) Three blocks of 10 MHz each in 2100 MHz (Block A). i) 1920-1930/2110-2120 MHz (Block A). ii) 1930-1940/2120-2130 MHz (Block B). iii) 1940- 1950/2130-2140 MHz (Block C). b) One block of 10MHz in 1800 MHz band. i) 1775-1785/1870-1880 MHZ.
Earmarked for SCO:
a) One block of 10MHz in 2100 MHz band 950-1960/2140-2150 MHz; b) One block of 10MHz in 1800 MHz band 1759.1-1769.1/1854.1-1864.1 MHz.
Only those operators who participate in the auction of 2100 MHz band can bid for 10MHz in 800 MHz band.
The PTA has invited expression of interest from interested consultants by October 19, according to which the consultant will hold consultation with the existing operators of Pakistan and AJK & GB to assess the telecom market of AJK & GB; including the base price of spectrum to be auctioned in AJK & GB.
The consultant will carry out a comprehensive assessment study of AJK & GB telecom market in terms of uptake, profitability, competitiveness and consumer choice; international best practices, using appropriate tools such as econometric /analytical models and market analysis for the spectrum.
The consultant will design an open, competitive, transparent auction process, mitigating chances of collusion among bidders and fulfilling policy objective of optimal outcome, while keeping in view the international best practices as suited to AJK & GB market.
The consultant is expected to provide all the expertise to the PTA to complete the assignment. The applicants are required to highlight competencies and expertise including advisory services relating to telecommunications and information technology, as well as relevant legal, regulatory, economic and technical knowledge.
The expenditures incurred on the consultancy will be met by the PTA out of the auction proceeds.
The base price shall be approved by the council on recommendations of Auction Supervisory Committee (ASC). While recommending the base price, the ASC might consider the consultant''s recommendations in respect of base price.
All existing telecom operators in Pakistan, AJ&K and GB will be eligible to participate in this auction. A new license for the provision of next generation mobile services will be issued to the successful bidders/auction winners. The tenure of license will be 15 years.
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