The Pakistan Defense Forces have released 30 MHz (2 x 15 MHz) in the 700 MHz band to the government, increasing the total available spectrum to around 300 MHz for the NGMS/5G spectrum auction in the country.
According to sources at ProPakistani, the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has been assigned to formally approve and recommend the maximum possible spectrum availability, including 2×15 MHz in the 700 MHz band. The government now possesses sufficient spectrum to offer for any future spectrum auction for NGMS in Pakistan. However, cellular mobile operators (CMOs) are proceeding cautiously due to economic challenges and market uncertainties regarding the 5G launch.
An official stated that the government holds spectrum in all ITU bands designated for NGMS auction, including 700, 2100, 2300, 2600, and above bands suitable for 5G. This spectrum can be auctioned with a technology-neutral approach, facilitating 4G enactment and 5G utilization in the country with relaxed rollout requirements.
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The government has already allocated 2 x 30 MHz in the 2100 band to CMOs, with an additional 2 x 15 MHz available for auction. In the 2300 band, only 5 MHz is currently assigned, leaving 95 MHz available. Moreover, the government possesses 54 MHz in the 2600 band, with 140 MHz under litigation and expected to be released soon.
Three bands are considered most suitable for enhancing 4G and launching 5G in the country, while the remaining bands are optimal for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has drafted a “Framework for Frequency Spectrum Refarming” to dynamically manage spectrum and make it available for newer applications such as 4G, 5G, broadband wireless access, and digital broadcasting.
In accordance with Telecom Policy 2015 section 8.5.1, spectrum will be refarmed where its current use is suboptimal and not in the best social and economic interests of Pakistan. Incumbent users/licensees will vacate their spectrum assignments in specific bands to allocate them to other users, as outlined in the framework. Spectrum reframing involves administrative, financial, and technical measures aimed at reallocating frequency bands to enhance their utilization.
