Cabinet directs PTA to start conducting 5G tests on time

Approves the launch of 5G in Pakistan, which is expected after 2020

ISLAMABAD: The government has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to start testing the new 5G technology in the market before its expected commercial availability after 2020.

Talking to The Express Tribune, a senior official of the Information Technology and Telecommunication Division revealed that the cabinet, in a meeting held last month, approved the launch of 5G technology in Pakistan and allowed the PTA to conduct tests and trials for its marketing in the future.

He said the cabinet was informed that existing 3G/4G mobile broadband technologies were continuously gaining momentum since their launch in mid-2014, which was the outcome of consistent policy initiatives taken by the government over the past four years.

Since the launch, the demand for data services had been growing along with the subscriber base that crossed 41 million in just three years.

The cabinet was informed that the Telecom Policy 2015 provided measures not only for early commercial adoption of futuristic technologies, but it was also aimed at promoting an environment conducive for research, development, testing and trial of new technologies.



The next big evolution globally in the area of mobile broadband is 5G which will offer attractive data rates and considerably enhance the experience and application of the next generation technology.

It is expected that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will approve 5G standards in 2019. Based on the evolving standards, a number of trials and tests are being undertaken around the globe.

In line with the government's policy of staying at the forefront of technology and to provide state-of-the-art services for Pakistani consumers, it is imperative that Pakistan ensures its readiness for the upcoming 5G technology and also starts conducting tests well in time before its commercial availability, which is expected after 2020.

The cabinet was told that in order to achieve the objectives, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication had finalised a draft policy directive for the PTA to pave the way for testing the 5G technology and ensure sound regulatory principles were put in place.

However, under Section 8 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganisation) Act 1996, the powers to issue such policy directives to the PTA have been entrusted to the federal government.



The Information Technology and Telecommunication Division submitted a summary in the cabinet in accordance with the directive of the Supreme Court in a civil appeal that called for policy directives for testing and developing future technologies, particularly the 5G wireless network in Pakistan. The cabinet reviewed the summary and accorded its approval.



Published in The Express Tribune, October 21^st, 2017.

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