Mobilink Will Not Participate in 3G/4G Auction: Aamir Ibrahim

Mobilink, the largest mobile phone operator in the country, has decided not to participate in next month’s 3G/4G auction for the 850MHz band.

“We will not be part of this auction”, said Aamir Ibrahim, Deputy CEO of Mobilink, at a press conference in Islamabad moments ago.

While responding to a media question, Aamir said that his company had certain reservations over the 3G/4G spectrum auction in 850Mhz band, that were communicated to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

It maybe recalled that PTA has rejected majority of demands/recommendations that were shared by stakeholders, including Mobilink.

Experts say that Mobilink currently isn’t in much need for additional spectrum, additionally their merger with Warid means no chance for them to be in the auction process.

Ufone, on the other hands, isn’t going for the spectrum auction as well, we know through sources. This leaves only Zong and Telenor as only possible contestants for spectrum auction.

As one might understand, Zong doesn’t need any spectrum, especially when they already have 3G/4G spectrum and licenses, so their chances of going into auction are bleak unless they decide to grab the spectrum just to block Telenor from having it.

Telenor currently needs the spectrum the most, but we aren’t yet sure about their decision for going into the auction process. Their main concern would be the price that’s set at a whooping $395 million for 10MHz block.

Not to mention, tomorrow is the last date for submitting the pre-bid proposals.