National Economic Research Associates Inc. (NERA), a U.S.-based international consultancy firm, has accepted a letter of intent (LOI) to provide consultancy services to the Government of Pakistan for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction. This initiative aims to enhance Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services in the country.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued the LOI to NERA, which was required to respond within seven working days. The government plans to complete the 5G spectrum auction by April 2025.

NERA accepted the LOI through the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority’s (PPRA) e-Pak Acquisition & Disposal System (EPADS). Both parties are expected to sign an agreement this week, after which NERA will begin its consultancy work. The firm is tasked with preparing a report on the spectrum’s valuation, including the base price and other technical parameters, within 60 working days.

NERA was selected for its top technical ranking and lowest financial bid of $0.750 million. The consultancy will assist the Government of Pakistan in the spectrum auction and release of IMT Spectrum to improve mobile broadband services.

The consultancy will compare Pakistan’s current cellular/IMT spectrum assignments with regional practices, identify gaps, and suggest a phased auction of paired spectrum in the 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands, as well as unpaired spectrum in the 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz bands.

NERA will determine the per MHz spectrum price for these bands in USD and PKR, with future projections for the next three years using demand and supply models. The firm will also explore innovative payment options, such as flexible installment plans, and provide scenario-based pricing options with payment terms and rollout obligations.

Additionally, NERA will prepare a report on the spectrum’s valuation, including the base price in USD and PKR, for both paired and unpaired spectrum bands, with future projections for the next three years.