ISLAMABAD ( BMZ REPORT )
Issuance of licenses to cellular operators of much-trumpeted 3G, 4G technology may hit a delay as successful bidders at the auction held last month have yet to deposit advance tax.
According to sources, Mobilink, Telenor, Zong and Ufone have yet to pay 10 percent advance tax , a requirement for the issuance of license. It was schedule that all licenses will be given to success companies on 10th May 2014.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority sources said that notices had been issued to all four companies for the payment of advance tax. The Mobile companies have serious reservation on advance tax imposed by Fbr.
They further said that only Telenor had paid 50 percent of the bid amount. Mobilink has to pay $29.5 million, Zong $58.6 million while Telenor and Ufone each have to pay $14.75 million as advance tax, sources added.
Under the PTA rules, companies can soft-launch 3G, 4G technology but they can’t commercially charge their consumers unless a license is issued.