The federal cabinet on tuesday took measures in the telecommunication sector. Under the chair of PM Imran Khan, policies for spectrum auction and National Cyber Security were approved.
Spectrum Auction Policy
The federal cabinet approved a new spectrum policy for commercial auction of next-generation mobile and internet service. The move would also improve the mobile and internet connectivity in the country. Currently, Pakistan has a fourth-generation facility and people will get fifth-generation service after the new policy.
The cabinet has also approved the spectrum auction for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). At present, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) both have 2-G (second generation) mobile services. And after this move, the resident of the area would get better mobile phone and internet services.
Cabinet has approved the auction of additional spectrum for 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz frequencies. PTA would hold an auction of spectrum in 35-45 days after the issuance of the policy directive, said the minister.
The base price for 1800 MHz frequency was set at $31m per Mhz while the price of 2100 MHz frequency will be $29m per MHz. The minister also hoped that government would generate millions of US dollars by auctioning the spectrum frequencies.
Cyber Security Policy
Furthermore, the federal cabinet has also approved the first National Cyber Security Policy to ensure the safety of online data. It will set up Cyber Governance Policy Committee to ensure the protection of online data, citizens’ information, public & private institutions.
The government had also approved a budget of Rs1.92 billion for a national-level response team. It would constitute under the new cybersecurity policy, the minister said
ECC disapprove telecom companies proposal
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has rejected the proposal to revise the criteria for the release of additional spectrum to telecom companies. Furthermore, the ECC has decided to auction the additional spectrum and complete the process by the end of September 2021.