Pakistan has made a significant stride in deploying next-generation mobile services (NGMS) and 5G as it has opened more than 600 MHz of spectrum to commercial applications. In agreement with the Ministry of Information Technology, Telecommunication (MOITT) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has issued spectrum within important bands such as 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 3500 MHz, etc.
Key Spectrum Bands Released
FAB has confirmed that chunks of the 700 MHz band and the high-capacity 2300 MHz band have been auctioned off. Also, re-farming of Wireless Local Loop (WLL) services has secured 285 MHz in the internationally allocated 3500 MHz mid-band. The move will position Pakistan to utilize internationally aligned bands in its 5G deployment.
Spectrum Quality and Interference Control
FAB also carried out a countrywide survey to monitor unauthorized use and interference, in order to allocate quality spectrum. The PTA closed at least dozens of illegal links. They also conducted cross-border spectrum surveys. FAB began coordinating with neighboring countries, including India, Afghanistan, Iran, Oman, and the UAE, to mitigate spillover and harmonize frequencies.
Breakdown of Available Spectrum
During FABs 50th meeting, the frequency blockings to auction were approved, as follows:
- 700 MHz (2×15 MHz)
- 1800 MHz (2×3.6 MHz)
- 2100 MHz (2×20 MHz)
- 2300 MHz (50 MHz)
- 2600 MHz (194 MHz)
- 3500 MHz (285 MHz)
- 24 GHz (3.082 GHz)
- 39 GHz (4 GHz)
That amounts to 606 MHz of available spectrum to be auctioned commercially.
Challenges and Pending Litigation
Of this, 161.6 MHz is still in litigation, with much of it located in the 2600 MHz band, which is internationally recognized as the 4G and 5G band. The 2100 MHz and 1800 MHz band fights have only served to hold the full spectrum back. The MoITT has noted that these disagreements need to be resolved quickly so that operators can be involved and 5G implementation can proceed on schedule.
Advisory Committee Recommendations
The Advisory Committee on spectrum auction now examines two issues that are acute: the conclusion of the merger between PTCL and Telenor, and the end of the court case on the 2600 MHz band. This, as well as many others, has been expedited in the greater national interest, with the primary focus on facilitating the entry of 5G into Pakistan.
Conclusion
Releasing over 600 MHz of spectrum enabled Pakistan to get much closer to 5G. Although obstacles persist, especially the issue of litigation in landmark bands, this initiative by FAB, PTA, and MoITT is an excellent sign of a digital transformation effort. As the next 5G auction approaches, Pakistan aims to enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and establish a stronger presence in the global digital economy.
