The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (MoITT) has begun a consultation process to determine appropriate frequency bands for the country’s impending 5G service.
Officials from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), and other industry players were invited to participate in an online discussion session to discuss the 5G launch and prospective frequency bands for the service.
The discussion, according to reports, examined the 6GHz and 3.5GHz frequencies for 5G service. Stakeholders believe that, while 6GHz is well suited to satisfy future capacity needs, it is unsuitable for 5G deployment in Pakistan. It’s a much higher band, and it’s generally used for Wi-Fi.
The 3.5 GHz spectrum is ideal for the deployment because it strikes a balance between coverage and capacity, creating the ideal setting for early 5G connection. The majority of Arab countries have also set aside a 3.5GHz spectrum for the debut of 5G.
In the policy directions, MoITT has selected numerous spectrum bands for 5G launch, including phase-wise availability of at least 840 MHz (including existing licenced spectrum), (B28/n28) 700 MHz, and (B40/n40) 400 MHz. (B41/n41) 2.3 GHz (B42-43, B52/n78) 2.6 GHz (B42-43, B52/n78) 3300 MHz-3415 MHz at 3.5 GHz
After the conclusion of re-farming and the expiration of Wireless Local Loop (WLL) Licenses in 2024, policy guidelines state that 3415–3600 MHz be made accessible.
For the launch of 5G, available spectrum in the (B3/n3) 1800 MHz and (B1/n1) 2100 MHz bands will be used. According to the government, mmWave bands (n257, n258, and n261, among others) may be made available, but their use will be determined by market demand.
A debate, according to the ministry, is an ongoing activity that aids in the understanding of global trends and market perspectives. The FAB will also be directed to provide the most interference-free bandwidth possible.
To read our blog on The Ministry of IT has created a strategic framework for the launch of 5G, click here.
