ISLAMABAD, AUGUST 6: up order to fill up the gaps between fees and the administrative costs of managing licenses and spectrum, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided to amend the radio frequency spectrum and license fee for radio-based services (RBS).
According to PTA, no changes have been made to the radio frequency spectrum or license price for RBS since they were first put into place in 2000. The fee revision was made to account for the disparities that existed between RBS rates and the administrative expenses incurred in managing licenses, in addition to a spectrum that has been steadily rising over the last 24 years.
Over the course of the period, the cumulative average inflation rate is almost 700 percent. In addition, the value of services rendered through RBS licenses and authorizations has grown significantly in tandem with technological improvements and the demands of contemporary communication systems. Consequently, it is essential that the rates be revised.
The suggested adjustment has been made with the goal of simplifying the computation of frequency charges and making it independent of terminal equipment, such as walkie-talkies and mobile stations, in accordance with best worldwide standards.
Furthermore, a progressive strategy will be used through periodic review in cooperation with the stakeholders, rather than raising the rates all at once to close the disparities. Thus, the current version would remain in effect for three to five years.
For the suggested rates, the following two categories of processes have been developed:
- Mobile Station (Aircraft) Rs. 20,000 per annum,
- Mobile Station (Ship) Rs. 20,000 per annum,
- Inmarsat Rs. 50,000 per annum
- Amateur Rs. 5,000 per annum.
The formula-based rates shall be applicable to the following PRN services where the frequency spectrum is assigned on case-to-case basis by FAB:
- Land MobilePrivate Networks (VHF, UHF, etc.)
- Trunk Radio
- Aeronautical Ground Station.The
- Maritime Coastal Station Formula devised for the calculation of relevant spectrum charges is: Annual Charges= (Base price) x (frequency factor) x (No. of frequencies) x (Bandwidth) x (output power) x (Location factor).
