Leading International Consultants Submit Offers for Pakistan’s 5G Auction
The Government of Pakistan is gearing up for a landmark event: the much-anticipated 5G spectrum auction. Scheduled to be completed by April 2025, this auction marks a significant milestone in the nation’s technological evolution, aiming to catapult Pakistan into the next era of mobile broadband services. Sources revealed that eleven prominent international consultants and joint ventures (JVs) have submitted expressions of interest (EOIs) to provide consultancy services for this high-stakes auction, underscoring the global interest in Pakistan’s 5G future.
The Consultants Eyeing Pakistan’s 5G Auction
Among the firms that have submitted EOIs are some of the most respected names in the telecommunications consultancy sector. These include:
- 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
Interestingly, the list also includes JHK Construction, a firm that mistakenly submitted an EOI despite being outside the telecommunications consultancy sector.
The Selection Process
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) received these EOIs through EPADS following an advertisement in national and international media and on the PPRA website. The PTA will now shortlist these firms, after which a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to the selected consultants. This rigorous selection process aims to ensure that only the most qualified consultants guide the country through this critical auction.
The Scope of Work for the Consultants
The consultants chosen for this project will be tasked with a wide array of responsibilities. They will carry out stakeholder consultations, provide professional analysis, and offer strategic advice to ensure a transparent and competitive auction process. Their primary goal will be to prevent collusion and ensure a fair competition landscape.
Terms of Reference (ToRs)
The government has set out detailed Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the consultancy firms. These include:
- Devising a Strategy: The consultants will develop a strategy to maximize the release of IMT Spectrum, ensuring the proliferation of technology-neutral Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services in line with international best practices tailored to Pakistan’s unique economic, social, and telecommunications landscape.
- 5G Launch and Implementation Modeling: They will model the 5G launch and implementation based on global and regional best practices, focusing on viable use cases for Pakistan and optimal monetization models.
- Spectrum Valuation: The firms will assess the value of spectrum in various bands, projecting future valuations and suggesting innovative payment options, such as flexible installment plans.
- Policy Recommendations: The consultants will advise on necessary policy actions and reforms to stimulate infrastructure investment, broadband proliferation, and sustainable growth in the telecommunications sector.
- Health and Safety Standards: Recommendations will also cover standards to limit human exposure to electromagnetic fields and mitigation techniques for health hazards in dense 5G networks.
The Path Forward
The PTA’s advertisement led to the opening of EOIs at its headquarters on July 15, 2024. The selected consultants will embark on a comprehensive analysis and advisory role, ensuring that the 5G spectrum auction is executed smoothly and effectively. Their work will include a detailed report on the valuation of spectrum, including base prices in both USD and PKR for various frequency bands.
The consultancy will play a pivotal role in achieving the government’s vision of enhancing Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services across Pakistan. This includes ensuring that the auction process is transparent, competitive, and aligned with international standards.
The planned 5G spectrum auction in Pakistan is set to be a transformative event, promising to enhance the country’s telecommunications infrastructure and drive socio-economic growth. The involvement of top international consultants underscores the global significance of this auction. By leveraging their expertise, Pakistan aims to ensure a successful rollout of 5G technology, paving the way for a more connected and digitally empowered nation.
The next steps involve the PTA’s meticulous selection process, followed by the strategic execution of the auction with the chosen consultant’s guidance. This move not only signifies Pakistan’s commitment to technological advancement but also its dedication to fostering a competitive and fair telecommunications market.
