A Reuters story roundly berating the 3G/4G spectrum auction, published by Dawn here, has drawn sharp criticism from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) who have denied the assertions made in the story as "incorrect and baseless."

A spokesman from the PTA asserted that the response received from 4 existing cellular mobile operators in Pakistan has been "encouraging and satisfactory" for the regulatory body and that it was factually incorrect that no operator had bid for the 4G (1800 MHz) category.

Furthermore the spokesman rebuked the claim made by Reuters that Telenor and Ufone had both bid for the 5 MHz spectrum only, by pointing to the Information Memorandum published by the PTA which had stated that the minimum category that operators could bid for would be the 10 MHz category.

PTA affirmed that it will be looking at all options now, including possible legal action against the news agency that broke the story. It deeply regretted that it was not contacted to provide confirmation as it is the sole body responsible for the auction. However, in an encouraging sign, the regulator stated that this would not affect the auction process, which was progressing "efficiently and transparently in accordance with the rules."

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.