Auction on Nov 23rd: PEMRA Shortlists 12 Companies for DTH License Bidding

Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) did not bow down to Cable Operators’ pressure and gave a go ahead for open bidding of Direct to Home (DTH) license auction on November 23, 2016.

Cable operators for the last few days ran a media campaign by holding press conferences in all major cities while demanding to cancel the DTH licence and postpone launch of the service for three years.

The Authority in its 121st meeting held here on Monday approved short listing of the following 12 companies out of 16 for participation in the bidding process for DTH licenses:

1. M/s. Orient Electronics (Pvt.) Ltd., Lahore
2. M/s. Mag Entertainment (Pvt.) Ltd., Lahore.
3. M/s. Skyflix (Pvt.) Ltd., Islamabad.
4. M/s. Startimes Communications (Pvt.) Ltd., Islamabad.
5. M/s. Sardar Builders (Pvt.) Ltd., Islamabad.
6. M/s. Smart Sky (Pvt.) Ltd., Islamabad.
7. M/s. Parus Media & Broadcast (Pvt.) Ltd., Islamabad.
8. M/s. Naya Tel (Pvt.) Ltd., Islamabad.
9. M/s. Mastro Media Distribution (Pvt.) Ltd. Islamabad.
10. M/s. Shahzad Sky (Pvt.) Ltd. Islamabad (formerly M/s Shahzad CGG (Pvt.) Ltd. Islamabad).
11. M/s. HB DTH (Pvt.) Ltd. Islamabad.
12. M/s IQ Communication (Pvt.) Ltd. Karachi.

Following four companies were not shortlisted for the final bidding:

1. Vision Broadcast
2. Link Dot Net Pakistan,
3. World Call Telecom
4. Sharif Feed Mills (Pvt.) Limited

PEMRA has said that it will auction three (3) licences for Direct-To-Home distribution service, provided that there are enough eligible applicants present in the auction.

The aforementioned companies will be called for bidding process to be held on November 23, 2016, however, short listing of companies shall not guarantee the grant of DTH license.

DTH licenses will be granted to the successful bidders only after fulfillment of all legal requirements, approval of Authority and payment of requisite fees and taxes.