PTA to conduct mobile spectrum auction for AJK, GB

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will conduct a spectrum auction for next-generation mobile services in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on September 28.

According to the Information Memorandum for the Spectrum Auction for Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) in AJK and GB 2021, PTA received bids from CMPAK (Zong), PMCL (Jazz), PTML (Ufone) and Telenor Pakistan on Wednesday for both 1800MHz and 2100MHz spectrum bands, said a news release issued on Thursday.

After scrutiny of submitted bids, PTA declared all four bidders to be qualified. The auction for the 1800MHz band will be conducted on September 28 in line with the auction rules published in the Information Memorandum while no electronic auction will be conducted for the 2100MHz band.

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The spectrum auction will provide improved quality of service to the consumers of AJK and GB and enhance coverage footprint for Voice and Data services which will positively impact the tourism sector of the regions.

PTA is conducting the auction process with the assistance of an internationally reputed consultant joint venture of Telconet and Frontier Economics who are onboard since April 2021. Figures for the total revenue generated and final auction results will be declared after completion of the auction.