WLAN Framework in Jeopardy Due to Interference Risks: WISPAP Chairman

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) recently published Framework for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) 2024 is in jeopardy due to interference risks that are threatening to restrict urban connectivity.

In an era where digital connectivity shapes the backbone of national progress, Pakistan’s latest “Framework for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) – 2024” presents a crucial regulatory shift.

In conversation with Shahzad Arshad, Chairman of the Wireless & Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP.org), the framework’s potential to reshape the local internet landscape emerges as both promising and complex.

The primary objective of the framework is clear: democratize access to spectrum through unlicensed bands like 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz, fostering technological growth without the burden of exorbitant licensing fees. This regulatory relaxation allows service providers, including smaller players, to expand wireless connectivity across the country. According to Arshad, “By exempting these frequency bands from licensing fees & FAB, PTA is encouraging innovation and creating opportunities for service providers to grow.”

The framework not only facilitates more accessible connectivity but also positions Pakistan in line with global standards, aligning its policy direction with international trends in unlicensed spectrum usage, especially as Wi-Fi and IoT demand escalate.

However, the framework’s promise comes with significant operational caveats. Its insistence on the “Non-Interference Basis” for unlicensed spectrum use implies that service providers cannot cause or expect protection from interference by other users, particularly primary services. This provision places the onus on smaller ISPs to ensure seamless operations in congested or contested frequency bands, a challenge that could become a roadblock, especially in urban areas.

Shahzad Arshad, Chairman Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan highlights the potential consequences of this. “In urban centers, where spectrum congestion is already a challenge, the risk of interference remains high. Without protection, service providers are at the mercy of more powerful primary users, which could undermine the benefits that the unlicensed spectrum bands offer.”

Moreover, the framework’s prohibition of Point-to-Point (P2P) and Point-to-Multipoint (P2MP) backhaul links in the 6 GHz band adds to these concerns. These backhaul links are critical for extending connectivity to rural areas where wired infrastructure is limited. “Restricting the use of these bands for backhaul is a significant limitation, particularly when we talk about rural expansion efforts,” Arshad explains. “We are in constant dialogue with PTA to reconsider this aspect, as the rural broadband expansion is vital for Pakistan’s digital growth.”

Another essential component of the framework is the PTA’s stringent Type Approval requirements, ensuring that all WLAN equipment complies with technical standards laid out in previous regulations. While this ensures a baseline of quality and security, it could slow down the rollout of new technologies, as companies navigate the lengthy approval processes. For Arshad, this is a double-edged sword. “While the Type Approval process ensures equipment quality and compatibility, it must be balanced against the need for timely access to new technologies. A delay in approval could hinder ISPs’ ability to meet the growing demand for next-generation connectivity.”

Comparing Pakistan’s approach to global trends, Australia’s spectrum management model under the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) shows a similar regulatory rigor. The use of short-range devices without individual licenses, provided they operate within specified limits, mirrors Pakistan’s approach. However, Australia emphasizes strict compliance labeling and regulatory conformity, requiring detailed documentation and testing to prevent interference—a model Pakistan could consider for enhancing regulatory oversight.

Meanwhile, the U.S. and European nations are also expanding their unlicensed spectrum, particularly in the coveted 6 GHz band. In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is pioneering an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) system, which dynamically allocates frequencies to minimize interference. Europe, through the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), has mandated the opening of the 5945-6425 MHz band for Wi-Fi across EU countries. However, the harmonization of rules across Europe remains slow due to the continent’s intricate regulatory landscape.

In light of these global developments, Arshad notes, “Pakistan’s framework is progressive in many ways, but its success will depend on PTA’s ability to adapt the regulations in response to both local needs and global advancements. We are pushing for a more flexible approach that considers the unique challenges of the rural broadband sector while staying aligned with global best practices.”

As Pakistan stands at the brink of a wireless revolution, the WLAN Framework of 2024 is a step in the right direction. However, its limitations around interference management and rural expansion must be addressed to fully realize its potential. The interplay between innovation and regulation will ultimately define whether Pakistan’s digital future is one of inclusive growth or missed opportunities.