Pakistani operators Jazz and Zong have each been issued 5G test licences valid for six months by the country’s regulator, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The licences will enable the operators to trial 5G services on a non-commercial basis. Last June, the PTA issued recommendations for 5G testing with a view to allowing operators to begin trials this year.
Both operators hold spectrum in the 2.6GHz band, and according to local media both have already begun trialling the technology. While the PTA has not yet given the green light for commercial 5G launches, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has established a committee to advise on auctioning 5G-ready spectrum.
The committee will feature representatives from the PTA, the Frequency Allocation Board, IT Ministry, Prime Minister’s office, and all four of Pakistan’s major mobile operators.
