Advisory committee formed for release of unsold NGMS spectrum

ISLAMABAD: In order to improve mobile broadband services in the country, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved the formation of an advisory committee for the release of unsold Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) spectrum. 

Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired the meeting of the ECC meeting at the Cabinet Division on Wednesday.

As per details, the said advisory committee on NGMG would comprise Adviser to PM on Finance Dr Hafeez Shaikh (chairman), Information Technology Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Adviser to PM on Commerce Razak Dawood, Industries and Production Minister Hammad Azhar and Planning & Development Minister Asad Umar.

According to a statement issued by the Finance Division, “The Terms of Reference (ToRs) of the committee would be i) to examine and evaluate the market assessment report and recommendations of PTA for release of maximum NGMS spectrum in Pakistan, ii) to examine and finalise policy directives for the federal government for the release of  NGMS spectrum and iii) to oversee the release process to be conducted by PTA.”

Meanwhile, the ECC approved an amendment in the minutes of an earlier decision (based on the directives given in 22nd July meeting) related to a subsidy of the Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority. The amended states “approval of allocation of Rs33,095 million on account of 10-year markup subsidy on loans with tenor up to 20 years, along with a supplementary grant of Rs4,774 million on account of markup payment during the current financial year (FY21).

The committee also approved the continuation of concessionary rates of electricity and RLNG for export-oriented sectors (erstwhile zero-rated sectors). For July-August 2020, electricity to export-oriented sectors may be provided at US cents 7.5/kWh and thereafter at US Cents 9/kWh for the rest of FY21.

Moreover, it was decided that the Finance Division would continue with the existing guarantee of Rs31 billion for the power sector through the Power Holding Company (PHL).