Jazz has emerged as the only bidder for the auction of Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) (3G/4G) spectrum and would get it at base price of $295 million.
Ufone, Telenor and Zong are not participating in the spectrum auction while the government has also failed in attracting any new operator in the market.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has announced to hold spectrum auction on May 24, 2017. The deadline for submission of applications was May 17, 2017 where only Jazz submitted the application.
The spectrum included in the NGMSA comprises of 10 MHz of paired spectrum in the 1800 MHz band, however exact lot details will be finalized later as per the re-farming plan
As per the Information Memorandum (IM), in case where bidding is not required due to receipt of single bid, applicant that submitted a pre-bid offer supported by a correct pre-bid deposit will be awarded the license for use of spectrum.
The government, however, reserves the right to withhold the spectrum for a future auction or award it as deemed appropriate. In case where bidding is held, successful winning bidder will be notified in writing including spectrum won and the price payable.
However, not only did the government witness on Wednesday the exit of three existing telecom operators from the competition, it also failed to attract new entrant to participate in the auction for 3G/4G spectrum.
