Pakistan raises USD 1.1 bln in 3G, 4G auction

News Wireless Pakistan 24 APR 2014
Pakistan raises USD 1.1 bln in 3G, 4G auction

Pakistan has completed its long-awaited 3G spectrum auction, with four operators winning licences. Mobilink, Telenor, Ufone and Zong each picked up licences for the 2,100 MHz band. After eight rounds of bidding, Mobilink and Zong each acquired 2x10 MHz for just over USD 300 million, and Telenor and Ufone 2x5MHz each for USD 147.5 million. 

Zong also acquired one of two 4G licences in the 1,800 MHz band on offer, for the reserve price of USD 210 million. The second will be auctioned later. Sikanadar Naqi, a Zong advisor, told AFP the company plans to begin 3G services in Lahore and Karachi immediately.

Operators must pay half the licence fees upfront and the remainder in installments over five years. 

Categories:

Mobile

Companies:

Mobilink,  Telenor Pakistan,  Ufone,  Zong

Countries:

Pakistan

Tags:

Government telecommunications licensing, 3G, Wireless, Wholesale, 4G - LTE

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