Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has set a target to launch 5G commercially in the first quarter of 2023 in the country.
The authority will complete various stages before commercial launch, including the issuance of a strategic plan, the hiring of the consultant for the auction process, finalization of policy directives by 2022-end, and the finalization of incentives in the upcoming finance bill.
In a draft on the “5G Strategic Plan and Policy Guideline,” the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoIT&T) has rolled out its tentative plan for launching 5G technology in Pakistan.
The ministry updated its plans after feedback and consultation with the market players and various ministries and authorities in this regard. The spectrum assignment shall continue to be technology-neutral. MoIT&T may review the Right of Way policy to facilitate telecom network deployment.
The MoIT&T shall finalize the Spectrum Re-farming Framework for IMT bands after recommendations/consultation from PTA, PEMRA, and FAB. The process of spectrum refarming shall be realized through a policy directive and Spectrum Refarming Committee comprising MoIT, FAB, PTA/PEMRA, and incumbent users, in line with the Telecom Policy 2015.
All relevant stakeholders, including MoIT&T, MoF, PTA, and FAB, to work in parallel for conducting the spectrum auction in 2023, the draft stated.
