The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has requested approval from the federal cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to form a broad-based International Mobile Telecommunication (IMT) 5G technology advisory committee, which will include officials from intelligence agencies among others.
Quality broadband access is vital for expanding IT exports, developing new business and job possibilities, and fulfilling the Digital Pakistan goal, according to the Ministry’s report sent to ECC.
It stated that optimal frequency spectrum usage for mobile broadband services was critical to enabling high-quality broadband access.
The Ministry of Communications has formed a 5G Pakistan Plan (5GPP) committee to develop a plan and approve policy recommendations for Pakistan’s 5G preparedness.
The development was done in collaboration with stakeholders in order to create a 5G strategy plan, which was also created. A 5G Readiness Study was also carried out with the help of stakeholders and World Bank technical assistance.
It’s worth noting that 173 operators have deployed 5G services in 69 countries so far. Bangladesh recently allocated 60 MHz to one operator for the trial launch of 5G services.
Similarly, following passing substantial telecom regulatory revisions, India has announced the deployment of 5G services in 13 cities by 2022.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic and rising digital activity have necessitated the acquisition of additional International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) spectrum so that telecom providers can extend their current networks, improve internet quality, and introduce 5G technology in the country.
According to worldwide best practices, the country’s utilization of spectrum for commercial IMT services in the 700 MHz, 2,100 MHz, 2,300 MHz, 2,600 MHz, and 3,500 MHz bands is relatively low.
It’s worth noting that all prior auctions for the release of IMT/NGMS (Next Generation Mobile Services) spectrum have been overseen by a Prime Minister-appointed Advisory Committee.
As a result, an Advisory Committee for the Release of IMT/5G Spectrum with the following makeup and Terms of Reference (ToRs) is proposed:
- Federal Minister – Finance & Revenue (Chairman)
- Federal Minister – Information Technology & Telecommunication
- Federal Minister Science & Technology
- Federal Minister Industries & Production
- Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce & Investment
- Secretary, Finance Division
- Secretary, IT & Telecom Division
- Secretary, Law & Justice Division
- Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
- Executive Director, Frequency Allocation Board (FAB)
- Representative of GHQ
- Director General (Tech) – ISI
- Member Telecom, MolTT (Committee Secretary)
- And, any other member that the Committee may wish to co-opt.
Terms of Reference
- To review the total IMT spectrum utilization vs available and used spectrum in Pakistan vis-a-vis global spectrum utilization and submit a clear way forward and plan for optimum use of this scarce valuable resource.
- Review and approve the 5G Strategic Plan to enable the timely launch of 5G services in the country in consultation with all stakeholders including the telecom operators.
- To examine and finalize the telecom reforms and incentives to promote IMT/5G technology ecosystem adoption and ensure that hose are reflected in Finance Bill 2022-23.
- To review the market assessment report and approve the way forward based on the recommendations of the reputed consultant hired by PTA for the auction design/ details of an investment-friendly IMT/5G spectrum release to maximize the spectrum utilization in line with the Digital Pakistan vision
- To approve the policy directives for the Federal Government for release of IMT/5G spectrum in Pakistan
- To oversee the spectrum auction/ release process to be conducted by PTA.
To read our blog on “The Ministry of IT has begun a consultation on 5G frequency bands,” click here.