Content of Policy Directive for Next Generation (3G) Telecom Licenses

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOb3PGuU9sRO-WD16g0qmSfMp0VE5myEeMfRNfQocbecBb69DyeiozS_ZzuAmtvywB0cp5COrz200iYxAUU_89fOFyGw-Nf2e2TjsfbOuCK1mtf4ogEyedzVLX2DJlT1fJHTy0U21veA/s1600/3G-License-Auction-in-Pakistan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOb3PGuU9sRO-WD16g0qmSfMp0VE5myEeMfRNfQocbecBb69DyeiozS_ZzuAmtvywB0cp5COrz200iYxAUU_89fOFyGw-Nf2e2TjsfbOuCK1mtf4ogEyedzVLX2DJlT1fJHTy0U21veA/s1600/3G-License-Auction-in-Pakistan.jpg" /></a></div> Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, earlier this month, issued the policy directive for the auction of 3G / next generation telecom licenses. MoIT had said that the policy for auction of next-gen licenses was approved by Mr. Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan.<br /> This policy directive was handed over to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for the implementation of license auction, for which PTA is already perusing with all its resources.<br /> Here is the full content of the policy directive on the auction of next generation telecom licenses:<br /> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </div> <ul> <li>PTA will be responsible for transparent and competitive auction of the next-gen spectrum.</li> <li>The directive said that allotment of spectrum will be technology neutral and will be usable for technologies standardized for 3G and advanced generation(s) of mobile services.</li> <li>As identified by Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), a 30MHz paired spectrum in 1.9GHz/2.1GHz band will be auctioned to telecom operators.</li> <li>PTA is entrusted to carry out the auction process, fulfilling the policy objective of optimal outcome mitigating chances of collusion among bidders.</li> <li>Auction shall by accordingly conducted by PTA in the minimum possible time after the issuance of this directive.</li> <li>PTA shall carry out the appointment of internationally reputed consultant(s) with following terms of references (TORs): <ul> <li>Identify the number and size of blocks to be auctioned considering the market situation</li> <li>Recommend the most appropriate auction methodology and plan</li> <li>Recommend the reserve price for auction</li> <li>Design and management of auction process</li> <li>Analyse potential impact on auction price with respect to upfront payment of the bid price versus staggered payment over five years and recommend the optimal bidding procedures</li> <li>Develop a license template for new license</li> <li>Any other allied matter relating to the auction and any assignments deemed necessary by PTA</li> </ul> </li> <li>Reserve price of 1MHz will be finalized by the Federal Government after recipient of report from consultants.</li> <li>All existing cellular mobile operators as well as new entrants will be eligible to participate in the auction</li> <li>A new license for the provision of next generation mobile services will be issued to the successful bidders/auction winners.</li> <li>The tenure of the new license will be 15 years.</li> <li>For efficient and optimal rollout of next generation mobile services, cost-based sharing of infrastructure shall be considered as a matter of first priority by cellular operators at the time of rollout.</li> <li>PTA shall prepare detailed guidelines for infrastructure sharing with the view to provide level-playing field to both existing as well as new entrant(s).</li> <li>Existing licensee would provide National Roaming on request by any New Entrant(s) or as directed by PTA, as deemed appropriate.</li> <li>Auction winners will encourage and facilitate local manufacturing, assembling and development of telecom equipment, terminal devices, applications, transfer of technology and Research & Innovation in Pakistan</li> <li>Auction winners may deploy renewable energy sources as power back up.</li> <li>The advisory committee shall be kept informed/updated by PTA regarding the progress of auction process and on tasks assigned to the consultant(s).</li> <li>Recommendations brought forward by consultant(s) will be shared by advisory committee, which may review any provision contained in the policy directive.</li> <li>With the issuance of this policy directive, the earlier policy directive for 3G license auction (issued on December 19th, 2011) stands suspended.</li> </ul> It maybe recalled that PTA has already published advertisement in international and national media to hire consultants. Last date for applying for the job is November 12th, 2013. It is likely that PTA will be able to select consultants around the last week of November.<br /> After appointment of consultants, one to two month period will be required to prepare IM, a document that will detail the procedure, methodology, price and other information on the auction.<br /> IM will also contain an auction date – likely to be one month after the issuance of IM.<br /> In simpler words, 3G auction date is still at least four months from now.</div>

Content of Policy Directive for Next Generation (3G) Telecom Licenses

Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, earlier this month, issued the policy directive for the auction of 3G / next generation ...

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Zong and Nokia Get Together to Sell Phones and SIMs

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsXKHVxgXK4f3jjbCtN7svOwSRq4t1mzc_cm8z8urC-xWMB60xMg-7gYY33sAJMU4BuLpYypi8mKUupeivkeI0ZErm9bGvF2J2V6B0nBJ0OJ3nAqQWTybWA02zkMciwLOyc6mQ7oEPT0/s1600/Nokia_Zong_MoU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsXKHVxgXK4f3jjbCtN7svOwSRq4t1mzc_cm8z8urC-xWMB60xMg-7gYY33sAJMU4BuLpYypi8mKUupeivkeI0ZErm9bGvF2J2V6B0nBJ0OJ3nAqQWTybWA02zkMciwLOyc6mQ7oEPT0/s1600/Nokia_Zong_MoU.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;">Mr. Fan YunJun(R), CEO Zong, and Mr. Arif Shafique (L), Country GM, Nokia Pakistan and Afghanistan signing the MoU</span></div> <br /> Zong has signed a MoU with Nokia Care according to which Zong SIMs will be available at all 18 Nokia Care centres across Pakistan while Nokia phones will be made available for purchase across all Zong Customer Service Centres (CSC) in Pakistan.<br /> The MoU was signed at Zong’s headquarters in Islamabad.<br /> This collaboration is a first of its kind in the robustly developing telecom market in the country. According to the partnership, both the companies will be able to increase their outreach to customers and facilitate them in a better way by offering bundled solutions.<br /> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </div> Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Arif Shafique, country general manager, Nokia Pakistan stated: “Nokia Pakistan and Zong have joined hands to promote a unique collaboration in the telecom sector due to which the two companies will be able to set a new standard in customer facilitation. As customers remain at the heart of all Nokia products, we want to provide them with the best mix of products and services. Nokia has always envisioned connecting the nation together and thus we take our vision further through such endeavors. Our devices enable our customers to get the most out of their social lifestyle by connecting with everything that matters to them. The availability of Zong SIMs at all Nokia Care centres means that our customers can now benefit from a reliable cellular network that is today Pakistan’s fastest growing cellular network”.<br /> Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Fan Yunjun, CEO, Zong said: “Zong remains committed to the advancement of telecom in Pakistan. Through our partnership with Nokia Care, we aim to take our commitment further by enhancing the offerings at our Customer Service Centres and increase our customers’ outreach in Pakistan via Nokia Care centres. More Nokia customers can now become the part of Pakistan’s fastest growing cellular network by getting a Zong SIM <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>from any Nokia Care centre across Pakistan.”<br /> The telecom market in Pakistan is growing at an exponential pace and Zong, – a China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak) company and part of China Mobile, the largest telecom operator in the world, is a significant part of the process.<br /> Being the fastest growing cellular company in the country, it constantly strives to deepen its network through similar initiatives. This way, more and more customers can become a part of the Zong family. Nokia mobile phones combined with Zong network can take the mobility experience to a whole new level.</div>

Zong and Nokia Get Together to Sell Phones and SIMs

Mr. Fan YunJun(R), CEO Zong, and Mr. Arif Shafique (L), Country GM, Nokia Pakistan and Afghanistan signing the MoU Zong has signed a M...

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PTA Must Ensure Transparent, Timely and Successful 3G Auction: Anusha Rehman

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHV7R0__q2vbX6NIbVvXpABHcNQXqyG8I7BxyOVX8VqNrfSDwzwa6s3RqnCiiYmrAQV587_hASj9a_kXlzch6rZD5VhyoDFwoXXhEJ3h4pZEEupnIfIYToR3gRzYSbDG4APwFtwCIx1s/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHV7R0__q2vbX6NIbVvXpABHcNQXqyG8I7BxyOVX8VqNrfSDwzwa6s3RqnCiiYmrAQV587_hASj9a_kXlzch6rZD5VhyoDFwoXXhEJ3h4pZEEupnIfIYToR3gRzYSbDG4APwFtwCIx1s/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div> Minister of State for IT and Telecom Ms. Anusha Rahman Khan has assured full government support and complete transparency to the prospective investors bidding for the upcoming spectrum auction of next generation mobile services in Pakistan. <br /> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </div> She stated this during her visit to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Headquarters today. <br /> Secretary IT, Akhlaq Ahmad Tarar, Acting Chairman PTA, Dr. Syed Ismail Shah, Member Finance PTA, Mr. Tariq Sultan, senior officers of MoIT&T and PTA were present on this occasion. <br /> Ms. Anusha Rahman in her discussions assured PTA of her full support. She said that the Ministry has issued the spectrum auction policy and PTA must ensure a timely and successful auction. <br /> On this occasion, Chairman PTA gave detailed presentation about different aspects of spectrum auction in Pakistan. The Minister was informed that PTA is making necessary arrangements for spectrum auction for next generation mobile networks in accordance with the Policy Directive. <br /> PTA has constituted a team of senior officers who are working diligently to finalize different aspects of auction process under the supervision of the Authority. <br /> The Minister was informed that to hire consultant(s) of international repute, an advertisement was also published in international and national media. <br /> Chairman PTA informed that, with the launch of next generation service Pakistani cell phone subscribers will be able to transmit and receive high speed data through their mobile phones. High speed data means possibility of video calls, internet browsing and downloading at a much higher speed which also includes usage of data intensive applications.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEh18yCZM2VcOa3XU86DqIiNhEA0Tw3_ZWkvZVRK645wFy659udefAoXzV-pG5LtVlL0AxR53lA27_YkH7py0A9-GWMDHO8Z5Y3IByvEUYa1LBPwdozi8bJLahpn8Eti5_2YgGpVBUOkM/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEh18yCZM2VcOa3XU86DqIiNhEA0Tw3_ZWkvZVRK645wFy659udefAoXzV-pG5LtVlL0AxR53lA27_YkH7py0A9-GWMDHO8Z5Y3IByvEUYa1LBPwdozi8bJLahpn8Eti5_2YgGpVBUOkM/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div> Later on the Minister met female officers and staff of PTA and enquired about the work environment. She desired that the female staff should strive to play active role for their employer and the country.</div>

PTA Must Ensure Transparent, Timely and Successful 3G Auction: Anusha Rehman

Minister of State for IT and Telecom Ms. Anusha Rahman Khan has assured full government support and complete transparency to the prospe...

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Zong Arranged Special Eid packages for the Earthquake Victims of Balochistan

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90iNmqOvCHb0JZTYEmoHSPv-SyeDFFEUHwKqE3-DC39FYs-kLnOmCyg2yI11ggYBjUvN-AmpO_u5yv8vzhLqXWHJPyMUI0dlih9fbxh3DgVmXy7JYFpYDeovVcSY68RyOYw50WMQ3Lwk/s1600/Zong_Earthquake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90iNmqOvCHb0JZTYEmoHSPv-SyeDFFEUHwKqE3-DC39FYs-kLnOmCyg2yI11ggYBjUvN-AmpO_u5yv8vzhLqXWHJPyMUI0dlih9fbxh3DgVmXy7JYFpYDeovVcSY68RyOYw50WMQ3Lwk/s1600/Zong_Earthquake.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="wp-caption-text"> <span style="color: blue;">Zong team members handing over relief goods for Balochistan Earthquake Victims to Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) officials in Karachi</span></div> <div style="text-align: left;"> To ensure that the balochistan earthquake victims don’t feel left out this Eid-ul-Azha, Zong again stepped up and arranged special Eid packages for the earthquake victims of balochistan.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The packages were delivered to the Earthquake victims in Labach and Tir Tej Tehsils of Awaran District, Balochistan just before Eid.</div> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> </div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Zong said that activity was carried with the collaboration of Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS).</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> Zong – <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak) company and part of China Mobile, the largest Telecom operator in the world believes in taking every opportunity to give back to the society.</div> <div style="text-align: left;"> The company’s key CSR priority at the moment is to give the Balochistan earthquake victims the comfort than Zong stands firm by their side during these testing times.</div> </div> </div>

Zong Arranged Special Eid packages for the Earthquake Victims of Balochistan

Zong team members handing over relief goods for Balochistan Earthquake Victims to Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) officials in K...

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Faisal Sattar Appointed as CEO of USF

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9O2kAQ2Xozkd1n2mAgwH0mihW0N6dS_SNPkR_fSQggAt1-YvwH95_EDNF4zTQ6TH_XGLH5Ad_nQoWG4H5c7GtTzt6NAsLrEDR1TUXTq9zgmTs1KgJC6H9u-qHIHRUUHPxqQ-bWjsUEF8/s1600/Faisal-Sattar-CEO-USF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9O2kAQ2Xozkd1n2mAgwH0mihW0N6dS_SNPkR_fSQggAt1-YvwH95_EDNF4zTQ6TH_XGLH5Ad_nQoWG4H5c7GtTzt6NAsLrEDR1TUXTq9zgmTs1KgJC6H9u-qHIHRUUHPxqQ-bWjsUEF8/s1600/Faisal-Sattar-CEO-USF.jpg" /></a></div> Mr. Faisal Sattar, the former CTO of Wateen Telecom, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Universal Service Fund, we have confirmed with the sources.<br /> Appointment was made through a decision from high profile committee headed by Federal secretary Information and Technology and Telecom. The committee had submitted its shortlisted names to Ms. Anusha Rehman, the Minister for State, Information Technology and telecom.<br /> Other shortlisted names included Mr. Naveed Saeed, Aamir Ishaque and Dr. Muhammad Yasin.<br /> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </div> Mr. Sattar is likely to take charge in coming few days, however, the notification for his appointment has been issued.<br /> Faisal Sattar was lately the Chief Technical Officer of Wateen. He served the company for around three years. Previously he has worked with Mobilink and Alcatel Lucent (MEA).<br /> USF, with over Rs. 60 billion in its accounts, is considered to be a key organization to eliminate the digital divide in the country. With prolific performance during its first 3 years, company greatly suffered during last two years only due to managerial conflicts and abundance of politics.<br /> USF was long looking for a well versed professional to take control of day to day businesses at the company.</div>

Faisal Sattar Appointed as CEO of USF

Mr. Faisal Sattar, the former CTO of Wateen Telecom, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Universal Service Fund, we have c...

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USF Telecenters to Offer Biometric SIM Verification and CNIC, Death/Birth Registration Services

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSY_AeWcUZjU7V4ECAb1Hcynv0mJp7Rn7kt358we6_ORdKRPgpM6c4DqyQdyDlZanJQ6FrDSZDR5hYt0E4aoWUVGIQDO7xUBn3vMX-gnftkn6vaduh6Vrufg5Ti4372VtIpOHIS5yFsE/s1600/image4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSY_AeWcUZjU7V4ECAb1Hcynv0mJp7Rn7kt358we6_ORdKRPgpM6c4DqyQdyDlZanJQ6FrDSZDR5hYt0E4aoWUVGIQDO7xUBn3vMX-gnftkn6vaduh6Vrufg5Ti4372VtIpOHIS5yFsE/s1600/image4.png" /></a></div> Telecenters  — to be rolled out in rural areas of Pakistan under the supervision of Universal Service Fund – will host variety of services for the community, including biometric verification of SIM cards, Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC), birth/death registration and computer training for the youth of the nation.<br /> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </div> This was decided during a meeting held in Islamabad. The meeting was chaired by Ms. Anusha Rehman, while other officials who attended the meeting include Mr. Akhlaq Tarrar, Secretary IT, Senior Officials from USF, and a team of senior officials from NADRA led by Mr. Tariq Malik Chairman, NADRA to further discuss the implementation of the Telecenter Project.<br /> During the meeting it was decided that Telecenters, so established, would offer several e-services such as e-health, e-learning, e-commerce, e-agriculture etc. to facilitate people of un-served, underserved and far flung areas.<br /> It is likely that telecenters will create local employment and entrepreneurship opportunities and extend broadband to provide distance education and ICT literacy.</div>

USF Telecenters to Offer Biometric SIM Verification and CNIC, Death/Birth Registration Services

Telecenters  — to be rolled out in rural areas of Pakistan under the supervision of Universal Service Fund – will host variety of servic...

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