Bidding tops Rs4.6b for DTH licences

Pemra Chairman Absar Alam terms DTH technology a game changer for Pakistan’s media industry

ISLAMABAD: The first-ever auction of Direct-to-Home licences in Pakistan was held on Wednesday, with bidding under way till late in the night.

The highest bid recorded till the filing of this story was Rs4.6 billion, offered by M/s Shahzad Sky Pvt Ltd Islamabad, followed by a Rs4.59 billion bid from M/s Mag Entertainment Pvt Ltd Lahore and Rs4.58 billion bid from M/s Startimes Communications Pakistan Pvt Ltd Islamabad.



Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Chairman Absar Alam termed DTH technology a game changer for the country’s media industry and said his organisation has worked hard and with dedication towards this end.

He said the bidding process has been made transparent in every way and added that DTH services, once launched, will create more employment opportunities in the country. “Pakistan’s media industry will progress and the national economy will flourish,” he said.



Eleven companies took part in the auction for three DTH licences, the base price for which was set at Rs200 million. All participating companies took part enthusiastically.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 24^th, 2016.