Tech Desk 
Dec 01, 2024
As the Pakistan government is adamant about the rollout of 5G technology in the country, National Economic Research Associates Inc (NERA) noted that the unavailability of 140 MHZ in the 2600 band — the most critical band required to launch 5G — could further delay the desired objective.
The United States-based international consultant hired by the Pakistani government highlighted the acquisition of Telenor Pakistan by the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), which experts believe is crucial ahead of the release of auction rules to foster a fairly competitive telecom landscape.
Federal minister for finance and revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb presided over a meeting of the Advisory Committee on the Release of IMT Spectrum for Improvement of Next Generation Mobile Broadband Services in Pakistan.
Citing sources, ProPakistani disclosed that the market seems to warmly embrace the high-end technology, but an additional spectrum was required to revamp the quality of services.
It was also learned that the government has 54 MHz in hand in the 2600 band where 140 MHz is in litigation or being legally proceeded.
NERA underlined that the 2600 band is a key component across the globe and is essential for the successful deployment of 5G and reduction in 4G's congestion.
Given that, the consultant urged the government to get it cleared as soon as possible, with the latter reportedly pursuing the case in the court through the Attorney General’s Office hopes for its early.
