Zong doesn’t want Warid to launch 4G
China Mobile (the parent company of
ZonG) is not happy with the efforts Warid Telecom it is making to
introduce 4G LTE services at a time when rest of the four telecom
operators are preparing to launch 3G service.
An official privy to the matter has
disclosed that high-ups at China Mobile have asked the government of
Pakistan and the regulatory body PTA to delay the permission process of
Warid 4G as it may harm ZonG’s new image of being the first and only 4G
telecom operator.
Similar concerns have been communicated to PTA by other 3G license winners in various meetings.
An official of the leading telecom
company said, “Warid had opportunity to participate in the bidding
process and play fair. They opted to remain distant, so they must follow
the rules now”.
In several communications, PTA has confirmed that it will entertain new license holders
who have paid millions of dollars. The name of ZonG comes on top on the
grounds that it has obtained 3G and a 4G license which had also
relieved government of Pakistan on the day of auction (April 23).
Government is under immense pressure
from China Mobile who is also happened to be the only telecom investor
ready to pay 3G and 4G license fee lump sum in dollars.
In a press conference today,
ZonG’s CEO responded to a question that PTA should decide on this
matter. Another official from the company hoped that government of
Pakistan should do justice with all the telecom operators.
Warid decided to remain away from the bidding process and opted to launch its own 4G LTE service, a move that may surprise all four 3G operators.
According to sources at Warid, the move
is a part of plan to sustain its postpaid customers who have already
started to leave the network in anticipation of 3G services from rival
companies.
The Dawn also quotes
PTA as, “Warid’s license is technology neutral but it is not service
neutral. The telecom operator will need a formal permission from PTA for
any new venture”.
A PTA official hinted that Warid would
be given formal permission at least 2 months after ZonG has commercially
launched its 4G services.
ZonG has disclosed today that it will take them a year to commercially launch 4G in Pakistan for the general public.
Does it mean that Warid will have to wait for another one and half year?
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