The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has released the 2024 Framework for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), following guidelines from the Rolling Spectrum Strategy 2020-2023. This framework provides regulatory guidelines for the use of WLAN, Wi-Fi, and other unlicensed spectrum applications like IoT. It mandates that equipment operating in the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands adhere to technical conditions aimed at ensuring coexistence with other services. The framework focuses on promoting efficient spectrum utilization while preventing interference with primary users.
Under this framework, WLAN equipment is permitted for use on a license-exempt basis but must operate under non-interference conditions. Commercial use of WLAN technologies is limited to licensed telecommunications service providers. The document also specifies the frequency bands, power limits, and usage conditions, including indoor and outdoor restrictions for certain bands such as 5.925-6.425 GHz, as follows:
- For indoor use: Maximum mean EIRP of 23 dBm, with a Power Spectral Density not exceeding 10 dBm/MHz.
- For outdoor use: Maximum mean EIRP of 14 dBm, with a Power Spectral Density not exceeding 1 dBm/MHz (for narrowband operations below 20 MHz, it may go up to 10 dBm/MHz).
The new framework does not require a license for using the specified WLAN frequency bands on a non-commercial or commercial basis, as long as it adheres to the non-interference conditions and is used by entities with approved terminal equipment. The document states that terminal equipment using unlicensed radio frequency data services through WLAN must comply with the Type Approval Technical Standard Regulations, 2021.
