Govt. directs PTA to expedite the process of 5G testing

The government’s division of Information Technology and Telecommunications has asked Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to start conducting tests for the new 5G technology, before its availability for commercial usage.

An official of the Information Technology and Telecom division told Express Tribune that the federal cabinet has approved the launch of 5G technology in Pakistan. Cabinet has directed PTA to conduct initial tests for 5G.

Minister for IT and Telecom Ms. Anusha Rehman has announced the launching of 5G services in Pakistan before 2020 on several occasions. With this development, Pakistan will become one of the few countries who will test 5G quite early.

3G and 4G subscribers in Pakistan are growing rapidly and this proves the development of Nation in terms of digital connectivity. 3G and 4G users in Pakistan have crossed the mark of 44 million in just three years which is an example for other countries in Asia-Pacific region.

PTA informed federal cabinet that Telecom Policy of 2015 has provided a professional approach to adopt futuristic technologies in Pakistan. Testing and trial of new technology will also begin with rapid pace in order to make it available for commercial use.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will approve 5G standards in 2019. Under these merits, tests and trials for 5G technology will be conducted all over the globe.

The IT and Telecom division of Govt. has also submitted a summary of the decision by Supreme court which clarifies the policy directives for installation of futuristic technologies, especially 5G wireless network in Pakistan.