Major General (R) Hafeezur Rehman, the director of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), disclosed the date of the 5G service auction.
Moreover, 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 Executive of the NA Standing Committee on IT and Telecom expressed that 5G will be available by April 2025 while addressing the group in Islamabad. He said that the PTA is effectively trying to attract new businesses to the auction to develop the market and boost competition.
The Chairman gave an assurance that the planned system upgrades are not expected to result in additional delays to internet services, even with the current obstacles, which incorporate the continuous recovery of the submarine cable, which might go on until August 27.
It is pertinent to mention that the internet has been largely disrupted across the country for more than a week now.
Read more: 11 companies express interest for consultancy on Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction
Chairman PTA said telecom organizations are currently using 265 MHz of range. The regulator intends to make 567 extra MHz available for 5G services, with efforts set up to persuade the government to offer this range at a lower cost.
The chairman also noticed that Saudi Arabia sold its spectrum at $90,000 per megahertz, while Pakistan recently sold the 4G spectrum at $29 million for every megahertz. The aim is to keep the cost of spectrum low to benefit local consumers, he stated.
Key points mentioned include:
1. Economic Development: The rollout of 5G is expected to support the economy by upgrading the digital network, which will open new doors for organizations, particularly in tech-driven industries.
2. Improved Connectivity: 5G will significantly improve web speed and reliability, empowering quicker correspondence and better access to online services for both urban and rural regions.
3. Innovation and Development: Technology is viewed as an impetus for development, giving a platform for the improvement of smart cities, independent vehicles, and advanced industrial automation.
4. Healthcare and Education: 5G will support telemedicine services and online training, making these essential services more open, particularly in remote areas.
5. Agriculture: Upgraded connectivity will consider more precise farming methods, further developing efficiency and sustainability in agriculture.