Frequency Allocation Board

Last updated
Frequency Allocation Board
Agency overview
Formed1996
JurisdictionGovernment of Pakistan
HeadquartersIslamabad, Pakistan
Parent department Cabinet Division
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]

Contents

Functions

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] The board also coordinates with international regulatory bodies like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to manage cross-border frequency issues.

FAB is also responsible for:

Structure

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

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

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

References

  1. 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.
  2. "Frequency Allocation Board". PPRA. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  3. Report, Recorder (2023-12-07). "New FAB ED: govt initiates appointment process". Brecorder. Retrieved 2025-05-19.
  4. "Spectrum Allocation". www.pta.gov.pk. Archived from the original on 2024-12-26. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  5. Frequency Allocation Board, FAB. "Frequency Allocation Board" (PDF). PPRA. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  6. "Procurement Contracts". www.ppra.org.pk. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
  7. Staff, ProPK (2023-12-20). "Advisory Committee Directs Frequency Allocation Board to Allocate Spectrum for 5G Auction". ProPakistani. Retrieved 2025-01-04.
  8. Report, Recorder (2023-12-07). "New FAB ED: govt initiates appointment process". Brecorder. Retrieved 2025-01-04.