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Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has further tightened the bidding framework for the upcoming spectrum auction, clarifying that telecom operators will only be allowed to submit bids at prices rounded to the nearest $1,000, with the auction system automatically blocking any irregular amounts.
In its responses to questions raised by cellular mobile operators (CMOs) on the Information Memorandum (IM), the regulator confirmed that for bids other than “maintain bids,” both the Opening Price and the Clock Price are valid bid prices, provided they fall within the prescribed range and comply with rounding rules.
Explaining the mechanism, PTA said that in auction rounds beyond Round 1, bid prices may lie anywhere between the Opening Price and the Clock Price, but only in multiples of $1,000. For example, if the Opening Price is $10 million and the Clock Price is $12 million, bids such as $10,000,000, $10,500,000, $11,000,000 and $12,000,000 would be accepted, while figures like $10,000,001 or $11,999,999 would be automatically rounded by the system.
“The auction software will block submission of bid prices that are not in multiples of $1,000 and will propose a valid rounded figure,” PTA stated, adding that $10,000,001 would be rounded down to $10,000,000, while $11,999,998 or $11,999,999 would be rounded up to $12,000,000.
Separately, PTA also confirmed that “maintain bids” may only be submitted at the Clock Price, removing any ambiguity around price flexibility for operators seeking to retain their existing position during the auction.
The regulator noted that these clarifications will be further explained during the information session on February 16, the bidder seminar on March 4, and the mock auction on March 5, underscoring PTA’s push for a tightly controlled and transparent auction process.
The latest responses signal limited room for tactical pricing by CMOs, as PTA moves to lock down bid discipline ahead of the high-stakes spectrum sale.
