PTA Plans to Hold an Electronic Auction

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) plans to hold an electronic auction of the 3G and 4G licenses. Speaking to a local English newspaper, a PTA official stated, “The electronic auction will discourage collusion and ensure transparency.” He further added that the identity of the bidders will not be revealed and telecom operators will be awarded colours or codes to place in their bids. Electronic bidding is the global standard for auctioning, India too used the same electronic auctioning method to distribute their 3G license. Bangladesh on the other hand opted to go for the traditional outcry bidding method for the auction and distribution of 3G license. The Telecom operators have until the 14th April to submit their bid proposal after which the PTA will hold a mock auction session. This will be done to ensure that the actual auction goes smoothly and transparently. Telecom operators have already started testing 3G service and some lucky employees and even customers have experienced high speed mobile internet on their phones. The 3G and 4G auction is all set to be held on the 23rd of April 2014.