To get started with the highly anticipated 5G spectrum auction, Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima has asked the Finance Minister to set up a meeting of the Auction Advisory Committee.
Shaza Fatima told reporters, the Ministry of IT has formally sought a meeting, she further added that there is no need for additional delay as the federal budget is already complete. She commented that she hopes the Advisory Committee meeting would take place soon and that:
“The Finance Minister himself is taking interest in the 5G auction.”
She said that a top-notch report on the 5G spectrum auction has been finished by an international expert and is currently available for evaluation. Before making the ultimate decision, the Advisory Committee will scrutinize this report.
Shaza Fatima highlighted that the proposed merging of two telecom companies has to be evaluated by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP).
She added that the Advisory Committee had already referred the issue to the Commission and that the CCP is an independent body whose decision is still pending.
She said that ongoing legal processes have also contributed to the postponement of the Advisory Committee meeting. She emphasized, nevertheless, that the Committee must convene and examine all findings and legal concerns before the auction process can proceed.
