PTCL hits back on ZONG

ISLAMABAD (ABRAR MUSTAFA)

PTCL hits back on Zong. It is very closed and well inform source from telecom sector reveled that the both petitions filed by the sports from Ptcl. Telecom sector of Pakistan plays host to some of the biggest corporate in the international telecom arena. Two of such giants, PTCL-backed by Etisalat and Zong-under China Mobile, are at the brink of a fierce rift as PTCL has filed proxy petitions against the issuance of LDI license to Zong. According to the details,

Lahore High Court has issued legal notices to Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, Pakistan Telecom Authority and to CM PAK LDI Limited to submit their replies against the petition filed. The petition has challenged the decision by PTA to grant LDI License to Zong in both Lahore and Islamabad high courts.  The Lahore petition was submitted by Mr. Ahsan Ul Haq whereas Wise Comm has filed its petition in Islamabad High Court.

The petitions challenges the PTA’s decision to grant license to Zong on 18^th of December, last year.  This the petition states is in direct violation to the directives issued on 17^th of July this in 2012. The petition points out of the rate that is given to the LDI Company of Zong which is illegal and contradictory to the law. The petition states that the granting of LDI license is not legal considering the Regulation NO. 3,4,9,18 &25 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973.

The petitioners have also stated that having an “open auction” is the only way through which incidents like these can be avoided. The Federal Government did use “open auction” when it issued 2G licenses in 2004. The Federal Government earned 291 million US dollars on every license. The government is preparing to auction of 3G and 4G licenses soon on the same model.

According to a source that wanted to remain unnamed stated there is a rift between telecom companies and this was bound to happen. Zong got its LDI license after a long wait and was the only company among the top five that didn’t had a LDI license.  This license has now been challenged in both Lahore and Islamabad high courts and was earlier challenged in Sindh high court as well.  It is interesting to note that the cases have been filed right at the eve of the much awaited 3G and 4G auction which is due in four weeks.