Transparency International to Observe 3G Auction to Ensure Transparency
Posted by MEHWISH KHAN
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has signed an integrity pact with Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) to ensure transparency in the auction of 3G Spectrum licences in upcoming months.
MoU was signed by Chairman PTA Mr. Farooq Awan and Chairman Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) Mr. Sohail Mazhar, while Federal Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh was also present at the occasion.
TIP will observe the entire 3G auction process to make sure that bidding remains transparent and corruption free.
PTA, cellular companies, industry and other stakeholders are contented with the development.
Consultants hired for 3G, in an email to ProPakistani, also welcomed the involvement of Transparency International Pakistan to ensure that the auction is conducted properly.
Mainstream media and opposition, with usually limited understanding on technology, had concerns regarding the 3G auction and had fears that corruption could engulf 3G bidding. Pakistan is long trying to sell 3G licenses, which are hurdled over period of time for various reasons.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is currently aiming to auction 3G licenses in March 2013, a time when government’s agreement with Etisalat under privatization of PTCL (for not selling any telecom licenses for seven years) is set to expire.
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