PTA to Issue 5G Spectrum Auction Memorandum Today
NAEEM MEHBOOB:
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is set to issue the Information Memorandum (IM) for the 5G spectrum auction today, according to PTA sources.
Officials said the Information Memorandum has been finalized in line with the government’s recently issued policy directive. The document will outline auction rules, base prices, and other key details related to the spectrum sale.
Sources said the rapid rollout of 5G services has been declared a top priority, with the government accepting several long-standing demands of the telecom industry. Significant payment relief has been granted to telecom operators to support investment and faster deployment.
Under the revised terms, telecom operators will not be required to make any upfront payment. The exchange rate for payments will be frozen at the dollar rate on the auction day to protect operators from currency volatility.
According to PTA sources, no payment will be collected from operators in the first year. In the second year, 50 percent of the payment will be due, while the remaining 50 percent will be recovered in five annual installments at 10 percent per year.
The government has set targets to increase internet speeds by four to five times and to launch 5G services in major cities within the current year.
Telecom operators will be given three weeks to prepare for the auction following the issuance of the Information Memorandum. However, due to delays in issuing the policy directive, the auction date is expected to move beyond the prime minister’s February 15 deadline.
PTA sources said the 5G spectrum auction is now likely to take place around February 20.
