Islamabad,
Zubair kasuri
In a significant ruling, the Islamabad High Court has upheld the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) decision to ensure fair spectrum usage by China Mobile Pakistan Limited (ZONG). The court has directed ZONG to vacate the excess frequency spectrum within seven days, aligning with regulatory requirements.
The case, W.P. No. 3626/2019, was decided on August 8, 2024, by a bench comprising Hon’ble Justice Amir Farooq and Hon’ble Justice Mian Gull Hassan Aurangzeb. The PTA was the petitioner, while ZONG was the respondent.
The court’s decision follows a thorough examination of the case, which centered on additional spectrum allocated to ZONG in 2007 to mitigate cross-border interference, valued at over $240 million. The spectrum has been utilized by ZONG since its acquisition by the Chinese company.
The key highlights of the judgment are:
– ZONG to vacate additional frequency spectrum within seven days
– Court upholds PTA’s decision to terminate unauthorized spectrum usage
– Ruling promotes fair competition and compliance with regulatory frameworks
– PTA welcomes the decision, reaffirming its commitment to driving growth in Pakistan’s telecom sector
This landmark judgment has significant implications for the telecom industry, setting a precedent for all telecom operators to adhere to authorized spectrum allocations and regulatory requirements. Industry experts praise the decision, noting its potential to promote innovation and investment in the sector.
The PTA has welcomed the court’s ruling, reaffirming its commitment to fostering fair competition and driving growth in Pakistan’s telecom sector. ZONG has yet to comment on the ruling, but industry insiders speculate that the company may appeal the decision or explore alternative spectrum options.
