5G technology testing in market start before expected commercial availability after 2020 urged by government to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

5G is the next big evolution in mobile broadband offering appealing data rates to customers. it will also greatly enhance application and experience of this next generation technology.

launch of 5G technology in Pakistan is approved by cabinet, in a meeting and PTA to conduct tests and trials for its marketing revealed a senior official of the Information Technology and Telecommunication Division.

Outcome of consistent policy initiatives of government is clear from existing 3G/4G mobile broadband technologies were continuously gaining momentum from last 4 years he added.

Demand for data services had been growing along with the subscriber base that crossed 41 million in just three years since the launch.

Cabinet was informed that Telecom Policy 2015 was also aimed at promoting an environment conducive to research, development, testing, and trial of modern technologies along with giving procedures not only for early commercial implementation of futuristic technologies.

Approval of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) 5G standards expected in 2019. Number of trials and tests are being undertaken around the globe based on the evolving standards.

It is imperative that Pakistan ensures its readiness for the upcoming 5G technology and starts conducting tests well in time before its commercial availability expected after 2020 as per government’s policy to give advanced services for Pakistani consumers.

Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication had completed a draft policy directive for the PTA for testing the 5G technology and ensure sound regulatory principles also mentioned to cabinet.

Powers to issue such policy directives to the PTA have been entrusted to federal government under Section 8 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganization) Act 1996.

Summary submitted from Information Technology and Telecommunication Division to cabinet in agreement to instruction of Supreme Court in a civil plea for policy directives for testing and developing future technologies, 5G wireless network in Pakistan. Cabinet accorded its approval after reviewing the summary.