The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Wednesday unveiled framework for test and development of future technologies, particularly 5G wireless networks, in the country. The framework enables the use of radio spectrum on trial basis for non-commercial purposes to carry out trials for innovative use of radio frequency spectrum, apparatus/equipment and academic purposes including but not limited to scientific research, radio concepts and new systems demonstrations.
In this regard, the government of Pakistan's policy directive-based framework invites all stakeholders for participation and in subject trials. The rapid growth in mobile data traffic and consumer demand for enhanced mobile broadband experience have led to an increasing emphasis on the upcoming fifth generation of mobile technology (5G). Seen as a comprehensive wireless-access solution with the capacity to address the demands and requirements of mobile communication for IMT-2020 and beyond, it is projected that this technology will operate in a highly heterogeneous environment and provide ubiquitous connectivity for a wide range of devices, new applications and use cases.
The scope of IMT-2020 is much broader than the previous generations of mobile broadband communication systems. The ITU's work in developing the specifications for IMT-2020 in close collaboration with the whole gamut of 5G stakeholders is now well underway along with the associated spectrum management and spectrum identification aspects. IMT-2020 will be a cornerstone for all of the activities related to attaining the goals in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This framework enables the use of radio spectrum on trial basis for noncommercial purposes to carry out trials for innovative use of radio frequency spectrum, apparatus/equipment and academic purposes including but not limited to scientific research, radio concepts and new systems demonstrations.
The document contains the terms and conditions which will be complied by an entity/organisation which intends to conduct trials, demonstrate systems and/or services in Pakistan-based on IMT 2020 for the purpose of demonstrating readiness for new technologies in standalone (SA) and/or non standalone (NSA) environment including but not limited to identified use cases of EMBB (enhanced mobile broadband), URLLC (ultra reliable and low-latency communications) and MMTC (massive machine type communications) through slicing, orchestration and management techniques, application and use case development, etc, for better spectral efficiency and improved overall user experience.
The Section 4 of the government i.e. "policy directive for test and development of future technologies particularly for Fifth Generation (5G) wireless networks in Pakistan" requires the PTA to issue a framework for temporary test and development licences/authorisations which shall include criteria for the provision of authorisation, conditions, duration, and other terms and conditions.
An entity registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and/or Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), R&D Organisations and academic institutions, devices and/or equipment manufacturers, etc will be eligible to apply for test and development authorisation.
The applicant will apply for authorisation to the PTA in accordance with the checklist of this framework. The PTA will analyse the application and may require any clarification or additional information from the applicant in a timely manner. Once the application is complete in all aspects, the PTA may forward the same to the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), under the Telecom Act Section 5(2) (c) read with the Section 43(5).
The FAB will assign the spectrum to be used for subject trials as per the act which will become effective from the date of authorisation issued by the PTA. Mere assignment of spectrum by the FAB would not give right to the applicant for use of the same until authorisation is obtained from the PTA. Upon the assignment of spectrum by the FAB, the PTA will issue authorisation to the applicant consistent with terms and conditions. The grant of authorisation will be subject to fulfilment of all the codal formalities by the applicant.
The Test & Development Authorisation allows an applicant to use spectrum on non-exclusive, non-commercial basis temporarily for the purposes mentioned at 1.3 of this framework. The applicants can propose spectrum for trial purpose which could inter alia, including but not limited to the requisite spectrum blocks in 2.6 GHz, 3.6 GHz and other relevant bands amenable to millimetre wave (MMW) propagation.
There is no regulatory fee associated with 'non-commercial trial permission' or the spectrum usage for this purpose. If the trial network is connected to any licensed network, the test & development authorisation holder can be liable for any charges from host/operators incurred during the trial; however, users/consumers will not be charged for any services offered during the trial.
The trial will last for the period of three to six months or as stated in the authorisation issued by the PTA. Any request for re-issuance/extension in the period of trials must be submitted to the PTA for prior written approval. The PTA may determine a reasonable period for the extension in the trial period, taking into consideration the proposed trial set-up and request will be processed as per the regulatory and standard provisions.
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