The Pakistan Telecoms Authority (PTA) has announced that it will auction spectrum in the 800MHz band for the rollout of digital push-to-talk (PTT) services. The regulator said its decision was based on statistics that demonstrate a high level of demand exists for such services, particularly in the industrial sector. The PTA has issued a consultation paper on its proposals, seeking feedback from industry players on the regulatory framework it plans to adopt, including the auction mechanism for the frequency bands 806MHz-811MHz and 851MHz-856MHz, which it has identified for this service as part of its National Frequency Plan. The deadline for comments on the proposals is 15 May 2009.