Pakistan All Set For 3G and 4G Network licenses

The new generation mobiles brings new base technologies. 3G and 4G mobile phone technologies are on so much hype these days. Both services have a lot to offer to the users. 3G and 4G both escalate the speed of the internet and make a huge difference. 4G works faster than 3G, so if you are streaming a video, 4G would feel like heaven on the earth. Pakistan is the only country present in the region where 3G service has still not been introduced. Even the war struck country for years, Afghanistan, has 3G services available since 2012.

Initially, it was observed that the results in the previously held auctions were very disappointing and it was said that the finance minister was planning to call off any sort of persuasion of more auctions. In 2004, Pakistan’s telecommunications market was deregulated. Although in the recent years a foreign firm called Ehtisalat has invested in large amounts in the market. It was believed that the disappointing response is absolutely demeaning and has created more pressure on the IT industry of the country.

Recently, PTA has confirmed that it was a false rumor that no cellular mobile operator is willing to invest in 4G (1800 MHZ). The report from an authentic resource Reuters  has also acclaimed that distinctive Telecom companies Zong and Mobilink bid for 10MHz whereas Telenor and Ufone have bid for 5MHz.

On 23^rd April 2014, the most awaited day will finally arrive when the auction for the 3G and 4G network licenses would be held. This is a huge leap taken as a part of governmental projects to elevate Pakistan’s foreign reserves by raising $2 billion. According to the latest information, the starting price for the auction of 4GLTE license has been set at $210 million. The latest stats from PTA reveal that there are approximately 132 million mobile phones being used in Pakistan.

The finance ministry of Pakistan is also anticipating that by February Pakistan would sell out the more modernized 4G LTE spectrum followed by 3G as well. Ishaq Dar told the calculated profit from 3G and 4G services. The 3G licenses if sold, could raise $ 2 billion and if allocated with the 4G spectrum they could produce over $4 billion to $5 billion.