The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority released the ‘Framework for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) 2024,’ introducing significant regulatory changes aimed at enhancing internet connectivity across the nation.
Shahzad Arshad, Chairperson of the Wireless & Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP), highlighted the framework’s potential to reshape the local internet scene, emphasizing its mixed implications. The new policy permits the use of unlicensed frequency bands—2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz—free of licensing fees, encouraging innovation and aiding smaller service providers. “This move by the PTA to waive licensing fees is a game-changer for fostering innovation and helping providers expand,” Arshad stated.
However, the policy also introduces challenges, particularly for smaller ISPs operating in these unlicensed bands, as they will receive no protection from interference, which could be problematic in densely populated urban areas. “The lack of interference protection could put smaller providers at a disadvantage in cities where spectrum congestion is already a problem,” Arshad explained.
Moreover, the prohibition of point-to-point (P2P) and point-to-multipoint (P2MP) backhaul links in the 6 GHz band could hinder efforts to extend connectivity to rural areas lacking robust wired infrastructure. Arshad expressed concerns about this restriction: “Limiting the use of the 6 GHz band for backhaul links curtails our ability to expand rural broadband, which is crucial for Pakistan’s digital progress.”
The framework also enforces stringent Type Approval requirements to ensure equipment quality and security, potentially delaying the introduction of new technologies. “While the Type Approval process guarantees quality, it could also slow down the deployment of advanced technologies needed to keep up with escalating connectivity demands,” said Arshad.
The WLAN 2024 Framework mirrors global trends in spectrum management, such as Australia’s model, which allows short-range devices to operate without individual licenses but requires strict compliance to limit interference. Similar expansions in unlicensed spectrum use are observed in the US and Europe, with systems in place to minimize interference and ensure harmonization.
Arshad concluded by noting the progressive nature of Pakistan’s WLAN framework, yet stressed the need for adaptable regulations that cater to local and global shifts, particularly for rural broadband development. The framework signifies a critical step towards a new era of wireless connectivity in Pakistan, but balancing innovation with effective regulation will be key to realizing its full potential.