The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), with permission from the Ministry of Finance.
Released Terms of Reference (ToRs) for employing a foreign consultant to help with the launch of Pakistan’s 5G spectrum.
Releasing 5G Spectrum
The PTA has also requested words of intent from consulting firms for advice on releasing 5G spectrum.
To improve next-generation mobile broadband services across the country.
The ToRs describe the consultant’s role in maximising the release of IMT range.
To support the growth of technology-neutral next-generation mobile broadband services.
While adhering to international best practices appropriate for Pakistan’s economy, society, and telecommunications market.
Consultancy’s Goals
The consultancy’s goals include ensuring regulatory consistency for investors, facilitating broadband expansion, and stabilising the telecom sector, all while focusing on socioeconomic development.
According to the PTA document, the ToRs involve assessing spectrum valuation for available bands.
Based on projected future revenues, with the goal of boosting economic growth and attracting foreign investors.
The analysis takes into account the impact of previous spectrum auctions and renewals, international best practices, and other relevant factors.
5G Launch Models
The consultancy will also focus on implementing 5G launch models based on international and regional best practices.
With a particular emphasis on potential use cases for Pakistan and viable monetization models.
According to the document, the spectrum auction will be investment-oriented, allowing both existing operators and new entrants to acquire the maximum amount of IMT spectrum to improve Pakistan’s ICT infrastructure and broadband services.
The design will prioritise innovative regulatory practices and increased investment opportunities to ensure the successful launch of technologies such as 5G, thereby supporting long-term telecom sector growth and overall socioeconomic development.
The consultant’s responsibilities include assessing the current health of Pakistan’s telecom market in preparation for the adoption of technologies such as 5G, in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The consultant will recommend policy changes and reforms to increase infrastructure investment, broadband expansion, and business sustainability.
Pakistan’s Current cellular/IMT Spectrum
The ToRs also call for comparing Pakistan’s current cellular/IMT spectrum assignments to regional practices, identifying gaps, and proposing phased auctions of paired spectrum in the 700, 1800, and 2100 MHz bands, as well as unpaired spectrum in the 2300, 2600, and 3500 MHz bands.
This includes determining per megahertz spectrum prices in USD and PKR based on future projections, taking into account demand and supply models, and proposing innovative payment options such as flexible installment plans.
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