The Pakistan Government’s broadcast regulator body has approved a 12-strong shortlist of operators bidding to provide the country’s first direct-to-home (DTH) TV service.
Those allowed to compete in the bidding process are named by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) as Lahore-based Orient Electronics and Mag Entertainment as well as the following from Islamabad: Skyflix; Startimes Communications; Sardar Builders; Smart Sky; Parus Media & Broadcast; Naya Tel; Mastro Media Distribution; Shahzad Sky; HB DTH. Finally, Karachi-based IQ Communication has also been shortlisted.
These companies will be called to the next stage of the bidding process for direct-to-home satellite broadcast licences, which will be held on 23 November 2016.
“The licence shall be granted to the successful bidders only after fulfilment of all legal requirements, approval of Authority and payment of requisite fees and taxes,” PEMRA said in a statement.