The Defence Forces of Pakistan have made available 30 MHz ( 2 x 15 MHz) in 700 MHz band to the government, thus bringing the total availability of around 300 MHz spectrum for NGMS / 5G spectrum auction in the country.
Sources told ProPakistani that the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has been tasked to formally approve and recommend considering the availability of the maximum possible spectrum including 2×15 MHz in the 700 MHz band.
Sources further added that the government has sufficient spectrum to offer for any future spectrum auction for NGMS in Pakistan; however, cellular mobile operators (CMOs) are taking a cautious approach due to economic challenges and uncertainty in the market regarding the launch of 5G.
An official said that the government has spectrum in all ITU bands earmarked for NGMS auction ie, 700, 2100, 2300, 2600, and 3300 MHZ and above bands which are suitable for 5G. The same can be offered for auction envisaging technology neutral, i.e. for enactment of 4G in 2100, 2300, and 2600, and utilization of same for 5G as well in the country with relaxed roll out.
The government has already assigned 2 x 30 MHz in 2100 band to the CMOs while 2 x 15 MHZ additional is made available for auction.
Further, only 5MHz is already assigned in 2300 band, while 95 MHz is available. The government also has 54 MHz in hand in the 2600 band where 140 MHz is under litigation and hopes to get it released early.
Three bands are being considered to be the most suitable for enhancing 4G, as well as, the launch of 5G in the country, whereas, the remaining make the best use case for FWA where 115 MHz is available in the 3300-3600 band while 185 MHz has already been assigned.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has also drafted a “Framework for Frequency Spectrum re-farming” to manage the spectrum dynamically and make it available for newer applications such as 4G, 5G, broadband wireless access, digital broadcasting, etc.
As per the Telecom Policy 2015 section 8.5.1, spectrum will be re-farmed where its current use is not ideal and in the best social and economic interests of Pakistan being underutilized, or its use is inconsistent with the latest international allocations.
Incumbent users/licensees, as per the details of this framework, will vacate their spectrum assignments in a particular band completely so that the band may be allocated to other users.
Spectrum reframing is a combination of administrative, financial and technical measures aimed at removing equipment of the existing frequency assignments either completely or partially from a particular frequency band. The frequency band may then be allocated to the same or different services.
What you mean by defence forces? Is not it government responsibility?
Aadha internet tou Pehle he block kiya hua in jaahilon ne. Kon bewaqoof company naye spectrum mein invest karegi jab aadha internet he block hai. Badmaashi hai bas.
With no local production of 5G capable mobile phones and huge tax on 5G capable Mobile phones. Why would any operator take the risk of buying a band when they couldn’t earn from it.
I am waiting for 5G to buy 5G mobile when it comes