The workshop was arranged so that practical steps, in line with the vision of the Government of Pakistan to introduce the latest technologies in Pakistan, can be taken and to specifically discuss the technology Evolution & Roadmap to 5G. Mr. Khalid Barghouti was the main expert who conducted the workshop. The session covered the underlying technology of 5G, its evolutionary phases and the tests, trails and development in various countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PTA, Dr. Syed Ismail Shah said that 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 spectrum for 5G is in the 3.5 GHz band and one of the first use case is the wireless to the home/office (WTTx) service. 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 Anusha Rehman Khan has on several occasions stated that Pakistan would be among the First few countries in South Asia to have 5G services.
Dr. Shah also mentioned that PTA and MoIT are working on several fronts to increase the access of broadband technologies to far flung areas of Pakistan and to improve the Quality of Service and Quality of Experience while keeping pace with the modern technologies. It may be noted that just 3 years ago Pakistan was without Mobile Broadband Services and was even behind all our neighboring countries.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017