Frequency Allocation Board
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1996 |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Pakistan |
| Headquarters | Islamabad, Pakistan |
| Parent department | Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication |
| Website | fab.gov.pk |
The Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) is the regulatory authority in Pakistan responsible for managing and allocating Pakistan's radio frequency spectrum.[1] Established under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act of 1996, the FAB operates under the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication.[2][3]
Functions
[edit]The main role of the FAB is to assign frequencies to various telecommunication services, which include mobile networks, broadcasting, satellite communications, and military communications, ensuring efficient and interference-free use of the spectrum.[4] Another duty of the board is to coordinate with international regulatory bodies like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to manage cross-border frequency issues.
FAB is also responsible for:
- Monitoring spectrum usage to prevent interference.
- Issuing licenses and regulating frequency bands.
- Enforcing national and international regulations concerning spectrum management.
- Coordinating with government and private sector entities to allocate resources for defense, commercial, and public use.
Structure
[edit]FAB is composed of both civilian and military personnel, providing representation for different stakeholders from various backgrounds. It is associated with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and other governmental bodies to ensure a cohesive approach to spectrum management.[5][6]
Challenges
[edit]FAB faces challenges related to increasing demand for spectrum due to the growth of mobile telecommunications and broadband services. The board must balance the needs of commercial telecom operators with those of national security and defense sectors.[7]
International collaboration
[edit]Pakistan's FAB collaborates with global organizations such as the ITU and regional telecommunication bodies to ensure adherence to international standards and to manage frequency allocations across borders.[8]
See also
[edit]- Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication
References
[edit]- ^ TELECOMMUNICATION, MINISTRY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY &. "MINISTRY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATION". moitt.gov.pk. Archived from the original on 2024-04-19. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
- ^ "Frequency Allocation Board". PPRA. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
- ^ Report, Recorder (2023-12-07). "New FAB ED: govt initiates appointment process". Brecorder. Retrieved 2025-05-19.
- ^ "Spectrum Allocation". www.pta.gov.pk. Archived from the original on 2024-12-26. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
- ^ Frequency Allocation Board, FAB. "Frequency Allocation Board" (PDF). PPRA. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
- ^ "Procurement Contracts". www.ppra.org.pk. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
- ^ Staff, ProPK (2023-12-20). "Advisory Committee Directs Frequency Allocation Board to Allocate Spectrum for 5G Auction". ProPakistani. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
- ^ Report, Recorder (2023-12-07). "New FAB ED: govt initiates appointment process". Brecorder. Retrieved 2025-01-04.