PTA to Open Technical Bids for 5G Auction Consultancy Next Month

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will open the technical bid for the 5G spectrum auction consultancy and the release of IMT Spectrum to enhance Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services on September 2, 2024.

A total of ten companies are in the running for this consultancy role after expressing interest through the e-bidding system managed by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).

The PTA’s process involves a thorough evaluation, beginning with the submission of technical bids by the shortlisted firms. These bids will undergo a detailed review, with the companies allowed to address any concerns related to the grading process. Once this stage is completed, the PTA will invite financial proposals, and the entire grading process will be repeated to determine the top bidder. The selected consultant will be pivotal in steering Pakistan towards its 5G launch, targeted for the first quarter of 2025.

The consultancy firms’ terms of reference (ToRs) focus on devising strategies for releasing IMT Spectrum to enhance Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services. These strategies will consider international best practices, the unique needs of Pakistan’s economy, and the telecommunications market.

The consultant’s role will include ensuring regulatory consistency, promoting mobile broadband proliferation, and contributing to the telecommunication sector’s sustainability, all while considering socio-economic benefits.

The consultant will also provide insights into spectrum valuation, 5G launch models, and policy recommendations. This includes determining the price for spectrum bands and offering payment options, while also addressing health and safety concerns related to 5G technology. A comprehensive report will be prepared, covering the spectrum valuation in both USD and PKR, with future projections for the next three years.