Azad Jammu and Kashmir has shared a draft policy with the federal IT ministry to allow 5G trials, with test spectrum across key bands and temporary licenses processed by PTA and FAB.
Why AJK Wants 5G Trials Before Wider Deployment
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has moved to formally enable 5G trials in the region, aiming to let operators test performance, spectrum use, and regulatory processes before broader commercial rollout in Pakistan.
Trials matter because 5G is not only about faster speeds. It also involves network design, coverage planning, backhaul readiness, and ensuring devices and services work reliably under local conditions. A controlled trial environment can help highlight real issues early, such as interference, site planning challenges, and gaps in fibre connectivity.
For regulators, trials also help refine processes like licensing, spectrum assignment, compliance checks, and reporting. If the trial framework is clear and transparent, it can reduce confusion when commercial deployment begins in more areas.
What the Draft Policy Proposes and Who Will Be Involved
The AJK government has shared a draft policy with Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication to allow testing and development of Fifth Generation (5G) wireless networks in the region. The policy was issued by the Office of the Chief Secretary in Muzaffarabad and aligns with earlier communications from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
Under this draft framework, telecom operators, equipment manufacturers, and research institutions would be eligible to conduct trials. That mix is important because 5G readiness is not limited to telecom networks alone. Equipment makers need real-world testing, and research organisations can help evaluate performance, use cases, and technical constraints.
The policy also proposes temporary test and development licences for eligible organisations. These licences would allow controlled research, testing, and demonstrations of 5G services, rather than full commercial operations.
Spectrum Bands Proposed for Testing in AJK
A core part of the draft is test-only spectrum allocation across multiple bands. The proposed frequency blocks include 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and millimeter-wave bands at 24 GHz and 39 GHz.
This range covers both coverage-focused and capacity-focused options. Lower bands like 700 MHz are generally useful for wider coverage and better indoor signal, while mid bands like 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz are often linked with 5G capacity in cities. The millimeter-wave bands can deliver very high speeds in dense hotspots, but usually require more sites and have shorter range.
By including multiple bands, trials can compare real performance across terrain types and population densities in AJK, and can help shape future decisions on which bands are most practical for early commercial services.
PTA and FAB Timeline, Reporting, and Innovation Goals
The draft says PTA, working with the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), would process applications and assign spectrum within three months to speed up testing. A defined timeline can help participants plan equipment deployment, trial schedules, and reporting milestones without long administrative delays.
To encourage innovation, the policy emphasises collaboration between industry players and research organisations. This can support practical use cases beyond speed tests, such as fixed wireless access, smart city services, industrial connectivity, and improved public service connectivity where needed.
The draft also states that PTA would publish annual reports documenting trial outcomes and technological progress. Regular reporting can improve transparency, show what has been tested, and help policymakers track readiness for future commercial 5G services. For the public, it can also reduce speculation by making results and progress more visible.
