MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has taken official steps to start 5G testing in their territory. The testing will let telecommunications companies check their network operations and spectrum management, together with their compliance testing activities, before they start national commercial services.
The AJK government has shared a draft policy with Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication to allow 5G testing and development of Fifth Generation (5G) wireless networks in the region.
The Office of the Chief Secretary in Muzaffarabad issued the policy, which matches previous statements made by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The draft framework designates specific frequency bands for testing through which spectrum blocks will be distributed in 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and millimeter-wave bands 24 GHz and 39 GHz.
The telecom operators and equipment manufacturers, and research organizations will use these frequencies to conduct trials, which will help them evaluate their readiness for upcoming commercial 5G services.
The policy also proposes temporary test and development licenses for eligible organizations. The licenses will permit research organizations to conduct controlled tests and demonstrations of 5G services.
The PTA will work with the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) to handle application processes, while it will allocate spectrum within three months to accelerate testing.
The draft promotes innovation through its requirement that industry partners must work together with research institutions. The PTA will produce yearly reports, which will show trial performance and technological advancements while keeping the public informed about progress.
