PTA allows non-commercial trials of 5G technology
'The permission is limited to testing purpose only on non-commercial basis,' said the notification
January 05, 2020
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Tuesday announced that it will allow non-commercial trials of Fifth Generation (5G) wireless network and other related services in Pakistan.
In line with directives of the Government of Pakistan, the PTA had issued a Framework for Test and Development of Future Technologies policy in 2019 — particularly 5G technology — for facilitating the testing/trial, only of the technology and related services in Pakistan.
As per the notification issued, the PTA allowed several networks to go forward with the non-commercial trial of the 5G technology.
"As a follow up of the above-mentioned policy directions, PTA has granted six months' permission to PMCL (Jazz) and CMPak (Zong) to conduct a test and trial of 5G technology under limited environment.
"The permission is limited to testing purpose only on non-commercial basis," said the notification.
"PTA always supports and encourages introduction of new technologies and enhanced services," they wrote.
They however warned that usage of such a technology on a non-commercial basis could result in repercussions.
"However, any impression given beyond the stated purpose by any Cellular Mobile Operator (CMO) would be considered misleading and may invoke appropriate regulatory action," they said.
They statement added that the commercial launch in Pakistan "would be done in due course following a process involving policy directions by Government of Pakistan, and necessary regulatory approvals."
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