Today, at PTA Headquarters in Islamabad, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan cellular licence renewal ceremony was held.
Three cellular mobile operators, namely Telenor Pakistan, PMCL (Jazz), and PTML (Ufone), have deposited with the PTA a payment of Rs. 3.19 billion (50 percent of the PTA-determined licencing charge) towards their licence renewal fee.
Chairman PTA commended the efforts of cellular providers for their critical role in delivering connectivity across these regions on the occasion. He also expressed gratitude for the diligent work of concerned authorities from the PTA, FAB, and MoIT in expediting the renewal process.
He added that AJ&K and GB are key tourism destinations in Pakistan, and the licence renewal will pave the path for the provision of 3G/4G and Next Generation Mobile Services to residents and tourists alike.
Continuous attempts are being made to offer cutting-edge telecommunications services to remote places, giving access to a plethora of commercial, education, and health options.
Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput, Secretary of Information Technology and Telecommunications, complimented mobile operators on the renewal of licences on this occasion. He stated that AJ&K and GB are critical to the government’s policies and that it is a priority for the government to deliver modern telecom services in these regions.
He stated that there are several prospects for public-private partnership across a variety of industries, including telecommunications.
It is worth noting that licence renewals will not only ensure the ongoing provision of improved telecom services to the people of AJ&K and GB, but will also contribute to the promotion of competition and investment in the telecom industry.
Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput, Federal Secretary for Information Technology and Telecommunications, Major General Amir Azim Bajwa (R), Muhammad Naveed, Member Finance PTA, and Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar, Member Compliance & Enforcement PTA, attended the ceremony. Executive Director of the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), Joint Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Council, Deputy Secretary (Finance) and Deputy Secretary (Welfare & Development) AJ&K Council, and senior PTA officials. Telenor, Jazz, and Ufone CEOs, as well as top executives from CMOs, were also in attendance.
