5G broadband services in Pakistan: US-based consultancy firm agrees to assist

NERA is required to prepare a report on spectrum valuation including base price and other technical aspects within 60 working days
An undated image of 5G. — Pexels
An undated image of 5G. — Pexels

With Pakistan eyeing the deployment of the Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services, an international consultancy firm has accepted the letter of intent (LoI) for providing consultancy services.

Citing sources, Business Recorder noted that National Economic Research Associates Inc (NERA) —the United States-based consultancy firm— was issued an LOI by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to respond in seven working days.

As the government of Pakistan is gearing to complete the 5G spectrum auction by April 2025, NERA accepted the LOI on the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA)’s e-Pak Acquisition and Disposal System (EPADS).  

NERA offering consultancy services for 5G spectrum auction in Pakistan

Before proceeding to further the progress of the auction, both parties involved are expected to sign an agreement during the ongoing week, following which NERA is expected to initiate, according to Business Recorder.

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According to the publication, NERA is required to prepare a report within 60 working days. The report will comprise spectrum valuation including base price and other technical aspects.

The US-based consultancy firm was selected to provide consultancy services to the government of Pakistan for spectrum auction/release of IMT Spectrum for improvement of Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services in the country.

NERA is also responsible for comparing Pakistan’s existing cellular/IMT spectrum assignments with regional practices and accordingly highlighting the gap. It will also suggest a phase-wise auction of paired spectrum in 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands and unpaired spectrum in 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz bands.