ISLAMABAD ( BMZ REPORT )
The Minister of State for Information Technology has stressed the need for a speedy completion of the auction process for the introduction of Next Generation Mobile Services in the country, through a transparent, competitive and efficient process. The Minister was talking to the team of Value Partners Consultants Limited, who called on the Minister at the Ministry. The meeting was attended by the Secretary IT, Chairman PTA and officials of Ministry and PTA. While highlighting the government’s perspective on the upcoming spectrum auction, the Minister reiterated that the auction process should be designed to ensure best interest of the Country. Furthermore, it was highlighted that several new international players have also shown keen interest to participate in the spectrum auction. The next generation mobile services are essentially focused on providing data services over mobile broadband. The existing broadband penetration in Pakistan is 1.7%, and the entire field is open equally for existing as well as new operators.
The Consultants appreciated the efforts made by the government and ensured that the process will be completed in an efficient and timely manner, and, in accordance with the best practices across the globe.