While evaluating the performance of IT sector in Pakistan it comes into view that government in general, and Ministry of IT in particular, is focused on keeping the telecom industry on the growth journey. This is significant as the government has previously held three flourishing clear-cut profitable auctions of the frequency spectrum in its possession.
Now, in a chief progress, Ministry of IT and Telecom has stimulated a Policy Directive for deliberation of the Federal cabinet to allow Pakistan to test New and forthcoming technologies including the Fifth Generation (5G) mobile communications.
After approval, Pakistani operators will be permitted to test the 5G technology on their networks and get ready for the deployment as soon as 5G will be on hand for commercial roll-outs.
Minister of IT Anusha Rahman speaking at various events in the past has confidently promised —to make Pakistan one of the leading countries to test, experiment and the Fifth Generation (5G) Mobile technology.
5G is the updated version of 4G and upcoming big advancement which will facilitate new groundbreaking data rates and reform the customer experience for services/applications in contrast to what is offered today.
At present, 5G is under the study and development phase globally and it is predictable to be standardized in 2019 by ITU-R (International Telecommunication Union-Radio Communication Sector).
According to the draft proposal, PTA / FAB (Frequency Allocation Board) will identify/set away suitable bandwidth in the frequency spectrum blocks right now under consideration for 5G. Testing entities will be given right to use to such frequency blocks for only the experimental use.
A regulatory framework will be issued in line with the Section 8.14 of the Telecom Policy 2015 for Temporary Test and Development Licenses/Authorizations. Within three months PTA will roll-out such test trial facility for the latest technologies.
The regulatory framework shall comprise the criteria for the stipulation of the test licenses, conditions, time period and further terms and conditions of reissuing the test licenses on expiration.
PTA will connect all the concerned organizations to maintain the spirit of the flavor of all stakeholders in pioneering and ground-breaking ventures such as equipment manufacturers and research & development institutes and telecommunications operators for a successful implementation of 5G trials.
The effective initiative to be set up for execution of this strategy will also advise further appropriate frequency bands if necessary insight of future technology/standards development as well as other technical and logistical requirements for the testing purpose.
To make the process all transparent and to explain the public about developments resulting from such technology test and trials will be published in the annual report of the Authority on regular basis.
While announcing the policy directive for deliberation of the Cabinet Minister of State for Information Technology Ms. Anusha Rahman stated that the Ministry has stayed devoted to accelerated digitization through the propagation of broadband and above all Mobile broadband.
Keeping the focus we shall guarantee that the Pakistani nation stays at the cutting edge of technology and the Policy Directive is intended to make sure and showcase the firm commitment.
5G is anticipated to a big catalyst in taking Pakistani ICT market and custom to an entirely new level to promote the economy and masses, she added.
