ISLAMABAD (SPECIAL REPORT )
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications on Wednesday was assured that the auction of 3G (third generation) technology licenses would be conducted in a transparent manner. The committee, which met here with Muhammad Idrees Khan Safi in the chair, was informed that the Information Technology and Telecom had notified the constitution of an advisory committee, which would finalise a policy directive for the auction of 3G technology. The committee would be headed by the Minister of Finance.
Newly appointed acting Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Dr Ismail Shah informed the committee that as per the Supreme Court’s directives, the process of appointment of chairman and members had been completed and assured that all matters, including auction of 3G licenses, would be settled transparently.
The committee members asked questions about gray telephony, roaming mobile phone issues with Afghanistan and promotion of IT facilities in rural areas.
The PTA Chairman informed the committee that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government had written a letter for suspending mobile phone roaming service with Afghanistan as part of security measures to combat terrorism.
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom (IT&T) Anusha Rehman, who was also present in the meeting, said the government was committed to take measures for the expansion and development of local industry.
She said the transparent auction of 3G technology would not only upgrade the mobile phone network infrastructure, but also generate revenue for the country.
Anusha Rahman said the appointment of Dr Ismail Shah as PTA’s Chairman and other members on merit showed the government’s commitment to the auction of 3G technology licenses.