National Economic Research Associates Inc. (NERA) – United States-based international consultancy firm has accepted the letter of intent (LOI) for providing consultancy services to the government of Pakistan in the 5G spectrum auction/ release of IMT Spectrum for improvement of Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services in the country.
Official sources told ProPakistani that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had issued an LOI to NERA which was required to respond in seven working days, as the government is planning to complete the 5G spectrum auction by April 2025.
Sources revealed that NERA accepted LOI on the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA)’e-Pak Acquisition & Disposal System (EPADS). Both sides are expected to sign an agreement during the current week, after which NERA will formally start working. The consultancy firm is required to prepare a report on the valuation of the spectrum including base price and other technical parameters within 60 working days.
NERA, falling in the top two companies in technical and lowest in the financial bid of $0.750 million was selected for providing consultancy services to the Government of Pakistan for spectrum auction/release of IMT Spectrum for improvement of Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services in the country.
Compare Pakistan’s existing cellular/IMT spectrum assignments with regional practices and accordingly highlight the gap and suggest phase-wise auction of paired spectrum in 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz bands and unpaired spectrum in 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, 3500 MHz bands.
Per MHz spectrum price determination for spectrum bands mentioned in (b) above in USD and PKR with future projections of the next 3 years using both demand and supply side models, along with the innovative payment options like flexible/ dynamic installment plan. Scenario-based various options for per MHz price vis-à-vis payment terms, rollout obligations, etc.
Further, a report on valuation of the spectrum including base price in USD and PKR for paired spectrum in 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz bands and unpaired spectrum in 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, 3500 MHz bands with future projections for the next 3 years.