Page 104 - SAMENA Trends - September-October 2020

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

PTA to Evaluate and Decide Future of WLL in Pakistan

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has decided to Fifth Generation (5G) Wireless Networks in Pakistan” identified 2.6
review the Wireless Local Loop (WLL) regime in Pakistan as its GHz and 3.5 GHz as best suited spectrum for 5G networks. PTA
subscriber base is on a constant decline, it is learnt. By the end of accordingly published a “Framework for Test and Development
July 2020, the total number of broadband subscribers in Pakistan of Future Technologies Particularly for Fifth Generation (5G)
was around 83 million and mobile broadband subscriptions stood Wireless Networks in Pakistan, in line with GoP Policy Directive.
at 81 million. The presence of non-cellular operators in general CMPak (Zong), PMCL (Jazz) and Telenor have conducted 5G
and WLL operators in particular is negligible in comparison with trials in 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum while PTCL & Ufone
cellular operators. The frequency assignments will expire in 2024, joint trial is under process. As per sources, an in-depth analysis
and there is a need to have clarity on the future of WLL regime so of the performance of WLLOs over the years, challenges and
as to allow WLLOs ample time to prepare their business plans, opportunities, best regulatory practices for efficient utilization of
a official document available with ProPakistani revealed. WLL frequency spectrum, etc will be performed. And to obtain that, PTA
regime was introduced in Pakistan in 2004 in accordance with has sought comments from all stakeholders. The stakeholders will
the de-regulation policy 2003 with spectrum assignments in 450 be required to respond on a set pattern including the regulatory,
MHz, 479 MHz, 1900 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands. WLL licenses were technical and financial impediments that affected WLL business
distinguished from mobile cellular licenses through geographical adversely, how can the WLL operators sustain their business up
and mobility restriction; regional licenses with single-cell mobility. to 2024 and does it make a business case for WLL operators to
A total of 93 WLL licenses were issued to 18 companies in 2004 continue operations beyond 2024 if the circumstances remain
for various regions of Pakistan in frequency bands of 450, 479, the same? Further stakeholders would be required to suggest a
1900 and 3500 MHz. Some of the operators failed to complete regulatory regime beyond 2024 to safeguard WLL business while
initial mandatory roll-out obligations despite grant of extension ensuring efficient spectrum utilization as well as maintaining
in timelines and hence their respective licenses were cancelled/ distinction from cellular mobile/NGMS services and what could be
terminated. PTCL, Telecard and WorldCall had a combined the best utilization of existing WLL frequency bands i.e. 450, 479,
subscriber base of around 2.4 million in 2008-09 which kept on 1900 and 3500 MHz? PTA will analyze stakeholders’ comments
improving till 2012-13. Wi-Tribe, Wateen and Sharp also made while preparing recommendations for the future of WLL regime.
some impact during this time frame. However, since 2012-13 —
since the emergence of 3G and 4G services — there has been a
constant decline due to extensive roll out by the mobile operators.
Some of the operators have multiple frequencies assignment in
their licensed regions. After termination of several licenses and
Telecard becoming FLL operator, there are still ten (10) operators
with eighty (80) licenses. However, the subscriber base is on a
constant decline. Since the introduction of WLL regime in Pakistan
in 2004, there have been enormous technological developments
aimed at efficient utilization of the scarce resource i.e. frequency
spectrum. Some of the spectrum bands assigned to WLL operators
have already been identified for higher value mobile broadband
services like 2100/1900 MHz and also for 5G i.e. 3.5 GHz. The
most important being 3.5 GHz band wherein 5G network is
deployed in many countries. MoIT&T in one of its Policy Directive
for “Test and Development of Future Technologies Particularly for

US Taps Industry for Input on Spectrum Sharing

The US Department of Defence (DoD) called for innovative ideas The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on
from the telecoms industry about shared spectrum models, as it new rules for the band to enable the scheme on 30 September.
moved ahead with a plan to open some of its mid-band airwaves However, the scope of the RFI appears to go well beyond the
to commercial users. In a request for information (RFI), the DoD planned spectrum, covering the “broad range” the DoD uses and
asked mobile players for views on how 5G can share spectrum one question specifically addressing blocks between 3.1GHz
with high-powered radar operations; potential national security and 3.55GHz. DoD chief information officer Dana Deasy stated
concerns related to such portioning; and whether it should partnering with industry players is “imperative in this extremely
consider leasing rather than reallocating its holding. The DoD in technical and competitive field”, adding “what we learn in this
August announced plans to make spectrum between 3.45GHz effort has potential to benefit the entire nation” and help maintain
and 3.55GHz available for shared use with commercial operators. US leadership on 5G. Responses are due by 19 October.
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