The Pakistani government has awarded licenses to the winners of last month's 3G and 4G spectrum auctions.
Ufone, Mobilink, Telenor Pakistan and China Mobile's Zong have all received their 3G licenses, while Zong has also acquired a 4G license, Dawn.com reported.
The government raised $902.82 million from the auction – far lower than the up to $5 billion that had been predicted.
The government had been hoping that international operators would participate in the auction, and that 4G spectrum would be more sought-after - but no new entrants applied to take place, and Zong was the only bidder for a 4G license. Due to this, the auction process was nearly cancelled.
According to the report, Zong and Mobilink have paid 100% of the license fee for their new spectrum holdings, while Ufone and Telenor have paid 50% of the fee and a 10% withholding tax.
Zong bid around $517 million for its 3G and 4G licenses, Mobilink paid $301 million for its 3G license, while Ufone and Telenor bid some $76 million apiece.