PTA asks Zong to withdraw 5G advertisement

Mobile operator not authorised to offer commercial services based on 5G

ISLAMABAD: With reference to Zong’s recent 5G advertisements in print and electronic media, the public is informed that Zong was only allowed to carry out test and trial of 5G technology, in line with the policy of the government of Pakistan. The Cellular Mobile Operator (CMO), that is, Zong is not authorised to offer commercial mobile services based on 5G technology in Pakistan.

To this end, Zong has already been communicated by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to withdraw any advertisements that may mislead the public regarding availability of commercial services based on 5G network.

In line with the policy directive issued by the government of Pakistan, PTA has unveiled its roadmap for facilitating public testing of 5G technology and related services in Pakistan this year. This trial was the first one to be conducted. Other CMOs will also conduct 5G trials in the future, under policy guidelines.

Earlier, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology had been informed that Zong had also approached the PTA, seeking permission to conduct 5G trial and permission was granted.

CM Pak Limited had conducted a site test and it was not a network test. PTA member Dr Khawar Siddique Khokhar said as the 5G technology had not been commercially introduced, Zong was not authorised to do so either.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18^th, 2019.

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