The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has issued policy directive to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) for renewal of three cellular mobile licenses.
According to the policy directive, the renewal price for the right to use frequency spectrum included in the licenses being renewed shall be in accordance with per MHz price benchmarks from frequency spectrum auctions of 2016 and 2017 i.e. per MHz price for frequency spectrum in 900 MHz and 1800 MHz shall be USD 39.5 million and USD 29.5 million, respectively.
The tenure of the renewed licenses shall continue to be 15 years.
Directive said that the payment terms shall be 100% upfront or 50% upfront with remaining 50% on five equal annual installments on LIBOR+3%.
The renewal fee shall be paid in US Dollars with the option to pay in Pak Rupee, which will be calculated at the market exchange rate applicable at the time of payment, as per precedence of earlier cellular licenses issuance/renewals.
The licenses renewed under this policy directive shall be technology neutral in line with existing GoP policies.
Provisions for Spectrum Trading/Sharing as per the approved regulatory framework for such sharing/trading will be incorporated in the renewed licenses by PTA.
Terms and conditions relating to coverage, enhanced Quality of Service (QoS), etc. under the renewed licenses, shall be incorporated by PTA in line with Telecom Policy 2015 and as per applicable regulatory practices.
Frequency Allocation Board (“Board”) will provide options in lieu of cross border interfered spectrum to CMPak in 900 MHz band included in its current license.
In case of non-acceptance of proposed options, renewal of CMPak license and its associated spectrum (2x 13.6 MHz) shall be dealt in accordance with S. No. 4(v) of 42nd Board’s meeting decision (i.e. without any compensation in terms of additional frequency assignments).
The payment (100% or 50% upfront as the case maybe) shall be due on 25th June, 2019. In case, the spectrum is utilized till 25th June 2019 and requisite payment is not made, the proportionate amount shall be charged, for the said period, in addition to any legal action as per the Act, Rules, Policy, etc.
Finaly
As the matter of 5G is now with the WTO from Huawei technologies, which will be an indicator for participants for spectrum in the 5G Road Map.
Being invited @ the inaugural of 5G in Korea where services almost started by SK, LG, etc., As Pakistan is almost ready for 5G trust it will be expedited as per ITU, WTO, recommendations we need to keep the momentum/pace of 5G which hope the participants would maintain the discipline.