Four local mobile operators have submitted bids for 3G and 4G spectrum to be auctioned in Pakistan’s long awaited tender process.
VimpelCom’s Mobilink, Telenor Pakistan, Etisalat’s Ufone and China Mobile’s Zong will all take part, the regulator…
Four local mobile operators have submitted bids for 3G and 4G spectrum to be auctioned in Pakistan’s long awaited tender process.
VimpelCom’s Mobilink, Telenor Pakistan, Etisalat’s Ufone and China Mobile’s Zong will all take part, the regulator said.
The country’s fifth and smallest player, Warid Telecom, did not make an offer.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was expecting several other bidders to take part in the process, including Turkish, Saudi and Qatari operators.
Pakistan has been looking to auction 3G frequencies since 2007 but a variety of regulatory issues delayed the process until now.
The base price for a 3G licence has been set at US$295m, while a 4G permit will cost at least US$210m.
Previously, the government said it was planning to sell three 10 MHz licences suitable for 3G and two 10 MHz for 4G use and was looking to raise at least US$1.29bn in total.
The regulator will announce the qualified bidders on 17 April.
