Syed Ismail Shah, Chairman Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) while speaking at a workshop said Pakistan will start testing 5G mobile internet by 2020. Ismail stated “The government would facilitate all existing as well as new companies to test 5G in Pakistan. The facilitation would be in the form of free test licence and spectrum.”
5G known as fifth generation mobile network is still in its infancy as testing being carried out in countries like South Korea, US, China and some parts of Europe. It is expected to bring the internet of things (IOT) into the mainstream with its blazing fast connectivity which is said to be five times faster than the current LTE speeds.
Ismail while speaking at the workshop also mentioned “The government has always encouraged new ideas and support initiatives for the use of technology for the betterment of the citizens. In this regard the Government would facilitate all existing as well as new companies to test 5G in Pakistan. The facilitation would be in the form of free test license and spectrum. One of the harmonized spectrums for 5G is in the 3.5 GHz band and one of the first use cases is the Wireless to the home/office (WTTx) service.”
He further disclosed “There is spectrum available in this band in Pakistan and an EoI would be floated at a suitable time to gauge interest in conducting a trial before the standard is finalized in the year 2020. It may be noted that Minister of State for IT Ms. Anusha Rehman Khan has on several occasions stated that Pakistan would be among the First few countries in South Asia to have 5G services.” The PTA Chairman also told that work is being carried out to improve the access of broadband services throughout the country, enhance quality of service and experience while keeping abreast with the latest technologies.
