The Federal Cabinet is likely to approve the policy for renewal of cellular mobile licensees on Tuesday. Prime Minister Imran Khan will preside over the cabinet meeting to consider a 19-point agenda.
The body will also consider an agenda, “Policy Directive under Section 8 of the Pakistan Telecommunications (Re-Organization) Act 1996for renewal of cellular mobile licenses in 2019”, submitted by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.
Talking to media on Monday, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, said that the government will unveil the license renewal policy for mobile operators to provide a level playing field, besides attracting investment in the country.
“A meeting was held with Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday where policy for mobile license renewal was discussed, which would be unveiled in coming days to ensure level playing field and attract investment in the country”, said Siddiqui while talking to media persons.
License renewal of two mobile operators is due in early May 2019 and the other one is in October. Sources said that the government is likely to maintain the price of $291 million for 10 MHz block in 1800 MHz band and $395 million for 10MHz block in 850MHz band. The payment terms are also expected to remain the same as in the previous auction.
However, the quality/standards might be revised as per the best international practices, sources maintained.
