The Pakistan Defence Forces have allocated 30 MHz (2 x 15 MHz) in the 700 MHz band to the government, boosting the total available spectrum for NGMS/5G spectrum auction to approximately 300 MHz.
Sources informed that the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) is tasked with formally approving and recommending the maximum possible spectrum availability, including 2×15 MHz in the 700 MHz band.
While the government has ample spectrum for future NGMS auctions, cellular mobile operators (CMOs) are adopting a cautious approach due to economic challenges and market uncertainty surrounding 5G deployment.
An official stated that the government possesses spectrum across all ITU bands designated for NGMS auctions, including 700, 2100, 2300, 2600, and above bands suitable for 5G deployment.
In addition to the previously assigned 2 x 30 MHz in the 2100 band, an extra 2 x 15 MHz is now available for auction. However, only 5MHz is currently assigned in the 2300 band, leaving 95 MHz available. The government also holds 54 MHz in the 2600 band, with 140 MHz under litigation, expected to be released soon.
With three bands considered most suitable for 4G enhancement and 5G launch, the remaining bands offer opportunities for Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), with 115 MHz available in the 3300-3600 band, and 185 MHz already assigned.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has developed a “Framework for Frequency Spectrum re-farming” to dynamically manage spectrum for newer applications like 4G, 5G, broadband wireless access, and digital broadcasting.
Under the Telecom Policy 2015, spectrum re-farming aims to optimize underutilized or inconsistent spectrum use in alignment with international allocations, with incumbent users/licensees required to vacate spectrum assignments to facilitate allocation to other users.
Spectrum re-farming involves administrative, financial, and technical measures to reallocate frequency assignments, either completely or partially, to different services or users.
