Pakistan Attracts Top Global Consultants for 5G Spectrum Auction
In a strategic move towards technological advancement, Pakistan is poised to conduct its much-anticipated 5G spectrum auction by April 2025. This crucial auction has attracted considerable global interest, with eleven top-tier international consultants and joint ventures (JVs) submitting expressions of interest (EOIs) to provide consultancy services. This reflects the significant role Pakistan is set to play in the global telecommunications arena.
Leading Consultants in the Fray
The list of international consultants competing for this prestigious role includes:
- Aetha Consulting Ltd & Specure GmbH
- Coleago Consulting Limited
- Communicators Globe (Pvt.) Ltd and Cenerva Ltd
- Detecon Consulting FZ-LLC
- VTT Global and NE&S
- Frontier Economics Ltd
- Warm Waters Advisory & Analysis Mason Limited
- SAYBi Ltd & Cognitio
- National Economic Research Associates Inc. (NERA) with Windsor Place Consulting and Optimal Auctions
- Joint Venture/Consortium of Copenhagen Economics, Omnitele, KomKonsult Private Limited, Innovative Auctions and Macmillan Keck Attorneys & Solicitors
- Intercai Mondiale Ltd & TEACH
Amid these reputable names, JHK Construction’s submission stands out as a mistake, given its unrelated sector.
PTA’s Rigorous Selection Process
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced this opportunity through a comprehensive advertisement in national and international media, as well as on the PPRA website. Following the submission of EOIs, the PTA will shortlist firms and subsequently issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to the selected consultants. This thorough process aims to ensure that only the most competent and experienced firms are chosen to guide the auction.
Consultants’ Responsibilities and Objectives
The selected consultancy firms will be pivotal in guiding the 5G spectrum auction process. Their key responsibilities include:
- Engaging Stakeholders: Conducting extensive consultations with various stakeholders to gather insights.
- Providing Professional Analysis: Offering detailed analysis and strategic advice.
- Ensuring Transparency: Overseeing a transparent and competitive auction process to prevent collusion and ensure fairness.
Terms of Reference (ToRs) Overview
The government has outlined comprehensive Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the consultancy services. These include:
- IMT Spectrum Strategy Development: Formulating a strategy to maximize the release of IMT Spectrum, promoting technology-neutral Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services. This strategy should incorporate international best practices tailored to Pakistan’s unique market conditions.
- 5G Launch and Implementation Modeling: Developing a model for the 5G launch and implementation based on global and regional best practices, focusing on potential use cases and feasible monetization models for Pakistan.
- Spectrum Valuation: Conducting valuation of spectrum across various bands, including future projections and innovative payment options such as flexible installment plans.
- Policy Action Recommendations: Advising on necessary policy actions and reforms to enhance infrastructure investment, broadband proliferation, and sector sustainability.
- Health and Safety Recommendations: Proposing standards to limit human exposure to electromagnetic fields, especially within dense 5G network areas.
Next Steps in the Process
The EOIs were officially opened at the PTA headquarters on July 15, 2024. Following this, the selected consultants will commence their detailed analysis and advisory roles, focusing on ensuring a successful and transparent auction process. This includes a comprehensive report on spectrum valuation, detailing base prices in both USD and PKR for various frequency bands.
Impact on Pakistan’s Telecommunication Sector
The consultancy’s efforts will be instrumental in achieving the government’s goal of enhancing Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services in Pakistan. Their expertise will ensure that the auction process is competitive and aligned with international standards, fostering a fair and robust telecommunications market.
Pakistan’s forthcoming 5G spectrum auction represents a significant leap forward in the nation’s telecommunications landscape. The involvement of leading international consultants highlights the global importance of this event. By leveraging their expertise, Pakistan aims to ensure a successful and transparent rollout of 5G technology, paving the way for improved connectivity and digital empowerment.
The meticulous selection and execution process underscores Pakistan’s commitment to technological advancement and a competitive telecommunications sector. As the country moves forward with this ambitious project, it stands to benefit from enhanced broadband services and a stronger presence in the global digital economy.
