ISLAMABAD
Technology neutral license for the 10 MHz frequency spectrum and 1800 MHz was handed over to the successful bidder, Jazz Pakistan, in a ceremony at the ministry of finance on Friday.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, and Minister of State for IT and Telecom Anusha Rahman formally handed over the 4G license to CEO Jazz Aamir Ibrahim. The newly awarded license will enable Jazz to launch 4G services in Pakistan, making Jazz the third 4G operator in the country.
The successful bidder has submitted the entire license fee of $ 295 million.
On the occasion, the finance minister congratulated minister of state for IT and her team, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Jazz and all other stakeholders, who worked hard for the successful completion of the auction process. He said that the auction has been conducted in a fair and transparent, in accordance with global best practices.
The minister highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing digital inclusion in Pakistan. He said the government has announced several incentives for the IT industry in the budget for FY 2017-18 which the IT industry will start availing from July 2017 onwards.
Minister of state for IT said that the ministry of IT has conducted 3 spectrum auctions in last 3 years, which is unprecedented. She appreciated the significant role played by Jazz in the telecom sector of Pakistan. She highlighted that broadband penetration has increased phenomenally, and broadband penetration, which was less than 3 percent in 2013, has grown to more than 29 per cent.
She said the new 4G license awarded to Jazz will further enable provision of high-speed connectivity and the associated socio-economic benefits to the citizens of Pakistan.
CEO Jazz extended his felicitations to the government for three transparent and successful spectrum auctions within just three years, and for undertaking key initiatives for expanding Pakistan’s overall digital ecosystem.
