Recently, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had auctioned a 10 MHz block in 850 MHz band at a base price of $395 million. Only Telenor put forward their bid while no other telco (Mobilink, Ufone and Zong) took part in the auction. This left an easy and clear path for Telenor Pakistan to earn the 4G spectrum at the base price.

PTA had the right of withholding this auction and postponing it as only one bidder took part in it. However, it seems like PTA has decided to award this spectrum to Telenor rather than delaying it. Anusha Rehman (Minister for IT and Telecom) and Dr. Ismail Shah (Chairman PTA) has confirmed that the telco is termed as the winner of 4G spectrum in 850 MHz band.

PTA is soon going to conduct a press conference to announce the development. License award ceremony along with other formalities will be arranged for a later time. As per PTA, the license will be awarded to Telenor within 30 days of payment. The telco will be allotted spectrum as following:

• UL: 824 – 834 MHz
• DL: 869 – 879 MHz

It is interesting to note that Telenor has already conducted 4G tests in Pakistan. As soon as it gets the license, it will be ready to test its 4G services in major cities of Pakistan. In the meantime, we can expect boost in its 3G services from the telco.

Indeed, a big news for Pakistani users! Now, they will have a 3^rd option too for better and faster speeds. It will definitely gonna cause a positive effect in internet speeds in Pakistan.