STAFF REPORT ISB: To compete with the winners of 3G/4G licence, Warid Telecom has approached the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to allow the launch of 4G LTE (long-term evolution) service, while the authority is engaged in the process of reviewing this request.

“PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) is reviewing the request/notification sent by Warid Telecom to start 4G service without obtaining any new licence, and its outcome will be as per conditions contained in the licence issued to Warid in 2004,” a senior official at the Ministry of IT said on the condition of anonymity. He , however, said that Warid has no need to obtain a new licence to launch 4G services in the country nor a commencement certificate from the PTA.

Presently, Warid has around 9 megahertz spectrum that is capable of running the 4G technology, while it has installed long-term evaluation technology at the important points across the country and also made available 4G SIMs for its subscribers.

It merits mentioning here that unlike Warid, the other three cellular companies – Ufone, Telenor, Mobilink – did not have 9 MHZ spectrum, which they had to acquire prior to participating in the 4G spectrum licence auction.

However, the expected entry of Warid in the 4G arena may create reservations among the telecom sector, especially the cellular mobile operators (CMOs) who participated in the auction and won licences.

By Web Team

Technology Times Web team handles all matters relevant to website posting and management.