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| 5G Rollout Further |
Consultant Warns Key Band Unavailability Could Delay 5G Rollout Further
The key issue will be the unavailability of key Band the main obstacle the National Economic Research Associate Inc, united states based international consultancy firm hired by the government for the spectrum auction the most suitable for the 5G launch in the country is the unavailability of 140 MHZ in the 2600 band.
Sources have confirmed to Tech Talks Pakiatan that NERA also highlighted that acquisition of Telenor Pakistan by PTCL was prior to the issuance of rules for auction so that no confusion arises and so that competition in the market is enhanced.
A L S O R E A D
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has chaired a meeting of the Advisory Committee on the Release Broadband Services in Pakistan.
Sources indicate that the consultant indicated that there was good appetite in the market because of the need for more spectrum for the enhancement of service quality. However, it is indicated that the government has 54 MHz in hand in the 2600 band while 140 MHz is in litigation.
The consultant said 2600 band is prime worldwide, and it is vital for 5G to be commercially launched and for de-congestion in 4G NERA urged government to get it cleared at earliest. Sources said the government if they are pursuing the case in court through Attorney General Office hopes getting it released early.
A L S O R E A D
The government had planned to offer 562 MHz of spectrum for auction, out of which 140 Mhz is still in litigation. According to an official the government has spectrum in all ITU bands earmarked for 5G, that includes 700, 2100, 2300, 2600 and 3300 MHZ and above bands that are suited for 5G. The same can be presented for auction envisaging technology neutral i.e for the enactment of 4G in 2100, 2300 and 2600 and utilization of same for 5G as well in the country.
According to the official statement, the meeting discussed various issues and reviewed the work done by the US-based consultant firm NERA, hired by the PTA as per PPRA Rules / EPADS in November 2024 to study and assess the Pakistan market undertake consultation with stakeholders and prepare policy recommendations regarding sector reforms and a roadmap for a successful spectrum auction by April next year.
Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication of Pakistan Shaza Fatima Khawaja (virtual), Chairman PTA, Secretary Ministry of Information Technology, Secretary Ministry of Law and senior officers from concerned ministries and departments were present at the meeting.
The Finance Minister underscored that digital economy and digital integration form a very important constituent of the economic transformation of the country.
He said that the government was committed to upgrading connectivity and digital infrastructure to ensure mass adoption of emerging digital technologies and innovative applications for cross-sector socio-economic development transformation of economic activities and achievement of sustainable development goals.
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