3G-4G spectrum auction: Pakistan following Indian example, says PTA chairman

Trying not to keep base prices too high, the rollout process would be affected if we acted otherwise.

ISLAMABAD: After analysing different options, Pakistan has decided to follow the Indian model of auctioning licences for both the 3G and 4G spectrums simultaneously, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Dr Ismail Shah said on Sunday.

In an exclusive chat with The Express Tribune, Shah said PTA decided to launch 3G and 4G services simultaneously since it wanted to introduce modern technology in the country as early as possible.



“Early adoption of technology is our priority now… money is not as important… that is why we are launching 4G services along with 3G services,” he added.

The PTA chairman said that while Pakistan’s history in the telecom sector had been better than India, with the adoption of modern technology the latter had moved far beyond Pakistan. He added that India too sold 4G licences at a cheap rate, but reaped many more benefits due to the early adoption of the technology.

Following India’s example, Pakistan has also tried not to keep base prices too high, Shah said. “The rollout process would be affected if we acted otherwise.”

Despite criticism, the PTA chairman explained that auctioning 3G and 4G licences was necessary for the economic growth of the country. “The economy has sustained a negative impact with all the delays in auctioning next-generation services.”

He said each and every aspect of the auction is being documented and will be available to the general public after it is conducted.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 21^st, 2014.