True development only possible through modern technology: PM

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Nawaz Sharif, Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Minister of State for Information Technology, Anusha Rehman standing in respect of National Anthem at the 3G/ 4G license award ceremony in Islamabad on Thursday, May 22, 2014. — Photo by PPI

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday awarded 3G and 4G mobile spectrum licences to the successful mobile operating bidders and said that true development in the country was only possible through modern technology, DawnNews reported.

Premier Sharif, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that the

government was trying to tackle challenges on various fronts and that the country would be left in a stable, energised and developing state at the end of his government's tenure after four years.

He told the attendees of the function that only after the acquisition of modern technology could the country realise the dream of tangible development and also briefed them over the policies adopted to increase foreign investment in the country and to tackle the energy crises.

Prime Minister said it was part of government's initiative to provide quality telecommunication services and also bridge the rural and urban digital divide.

He invited all sectors of the society to benefit from this latest technology and play their part in development of the country, specifically urging the youth to use the service for research, education and progress.

He also expressed the hope that all the cellular companies will stay abreast of the latest changes in the technology and pass it on to the end users.

He said the new technology would not only bring an additional Rs 260 billion to the kitty, but also create hundreds and thousands of new jobs.

Prime Minister Sharif said it was important that the reach of the broadband was extended and made affordable, however stressed the need of having a set of guidelines for provision of quality services while providing level playing field for all stake holders.

Following the auction held by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority(PTA) in April, the government raised $902.82 million in the first auction for 3G mobile phone networks and $210 million for the 4G spectrum.

Winning mobile operators for 3G Licence include Mobilink, Telenor and Ufone, while ZonG was declared successful for both 3G and 4G Licences.

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IHC admits petition challenging license auctions

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Last month's auction of the 3G and 4G licenses was challenged in the Islamabad High Court in a petition submitted by a citizen which contended that the bidding process was not carried out in a transparent manner and was conducted in violation of the code and conduct which caused a huge loss to the national exchequer.

The petition, against the all mobile operators and the PTA, seeks to halt the 3G and 4G services offered by the mobile operators and also requested for a re-auction of the licenses.

The hearing over the petition would be held tomorrow.