The current draft guidelines would allow one new foreign entrant into the market, but regulator has decided to split the 50Mhz of spectrum into 10 blocks of 5Mhz instead of the planned 5 blocks of 10Mhz.
The plans had been to award four licenses to incumbent operators, and reserve one for a new entrant. The new plans would allow more new entrants into the market, but also could allow all six existing operators to secure a 3G license.
Abubakar Siddique, secretary (In-Charge) of post and telecommunication said that "the new slot of spectrum would not only help the small operators commercially, but it also paves the way for more foreign operators who are keen to invest here,"
He confirmed that the incumbent 2G network operators had consented to the changes.
State owned Teletalk is already offering 3G services, but will be required to pay for its existing license based on the eventual outcome of the 3G license auction.
The auction is due to be held in March.
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/58384.php