Islamabad (PAKISTAN)
Lack of capacity, appropriate planning and incomplete homework by PTA is expected to cause a delay of four to six months in the auction of 3G Spectrum in Pakistan which is scheduled on March 29 this year, says well placed sources within telecom industry.
Sources revealed that PTA, the Pakistani telecom watchdog, was not actually prepared for the auction and due to some unidentified pressure they had to announce the date of auction. The latest scenario will definitely put the authority in a very awkward position if they formally announce the postponement.
The recent advertisement released by the authority in various major national Dailies is an open example of nuisance within PTA in which it has asked for the Expression of Interest (EOIs) from the internationally reputed consultancy firm which will advise, assist and provide full support to PTA for conducting transparent and successful auction. Interested parties have been requested to submit EOIs with the relevant details not later than March 26.
Telecom experts says that the appointment of well reputed consultant was compulsory to conduct transparent auction in a successful manner and this need was not considered prior to issue the Information Memorandum (IM) by the PTA. But due to some valid reservations shown by various government officials, PTA had to release the advertisement in this regard at this point of time. It is highly expected that the consultant firm will start functioning at the end of April. The consultant firm will then compile a concise report regarding legal and technical aspects of the auction of 3G Spectrum and the revised IM will be released accordingly.