Page 109 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

in the electromagnetic fields sector, including the importance The World Health Organization (WHO) international database on
of evaluating and measuring levels of electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic fields, ITU recommendations, and the need to
which brings together experts to delve deeper into the necessity harmonize EMF standards and activities of the Global System for
of developing guidelines and protocols for evaluating levels of Mobile Association (GSMA). The workshop also includes a session
electromagnetic fields, where participants will gain ideas about reviewing the impact of urban planning on the telecommunications
the challenges and opportunities associated with measuring levels sector, the process of organizing telecommunications towers,
of electromagnetic fields. One of the sessions also addresses a number of legal regulations related to the establishment of
electromagnetic fields, health research, and future needs, as telecommunications towers, and addressing challenges and
it reviews the limits of exposure to electromagnetic fields and difficulties. While no health effects are expected from exposure
compliance assessment standards that include the International to radiofrequency (RF) fields from base stations and wireless
Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and networks, research is still being promoted by WHO to determine
the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES) whether there are any health consequences from the higher RF
of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). exposures from mobile phones. (May 15, 2024) www.omanobserver.om

Pakistan

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced 6 with an inaugural event attended by industry and government
Gigahertz (GHz) spectrum band for unlicensed operation for RLAN stakeholders. Masanori Kondo, Secretary General of the APT, in
in Pakistan. With unlocking of this band, Pakistan has become the his welcome address, urged the delegates to actively engage in
10th country in Asia Pacific to embrace 6 GHz for Wi-Fi. Currently, insightful discussions and commended the PTA for organizing
only 60 Countries worldwide have unlocked 6 GHZ (full or partial) for the workshop. Chairman PTA Maj General Hafeezur Rehman
RLAN (Wi-Fi) services. This announcement was made in an event in his inaugural note, underscored the importance of regional
titled “Unlocking Pakistan's Connectivity: Enablement of Next-Gen collaboration in addressing common ICT challenges through
Wi-Fi in 6 GHz Band”. Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PTA dialogue and knowledge sharing, and highlighted the importance
Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, said that this development of learning from each other's experiences to effectively introduce
has positioned Pakistan as a regional frontrunner in embracing new technologies and services while safeguarding consumer
next-generation RLAN (Wi-Fi) technology, joining a select group rights and nurturing industry growth. Shaza Fatima, Minister of
of forward-thinking nations in Asia to unlock the transformative State for IT and Telecom, who was the chief guest at the inaugural
potential of Wi-Fi 6E. In the event, Speakers from META, Dynamic ceremony, outlined Pakistan’s visionary initiative of a digitally
Spectrum Alliance (DSA), Jazz, Nayatel and Huawei shed light on empowered country with the aim of providing access to every
the benefits of embracing Wi-Fi 6E in Pakistan. It is pertinent to citizen across Pakistan. She emphasized Pakistan’s vast potential
mention that, currently, Wi-Fi in Pakistan operates in two bands: as a nation of 250 million, predominantly youth, and how their
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, with available bandwidths of 100 MHz and useful participation can boost growth. She stressed on boarding
150 MHz, respectively. However, these Industrial, Scientific & the 50 percent of the total population, which is female, and
Medical (ISM) bands are accommodating multiple applications, reiterated the prime minister’s and the Ministry of IT and Telecom’s
including everyday technologies like Microwave Oven, Bluetooth, commitment to gender inclusion. She lauded the chairman PTA's
and Cordless Phones, co-exist with Wi-Fi, resulting in congestion. leadership in bridging the digital gender gap, acknowledging
WI FI 6e will overcome the congestion and latency issues. PTA, significant strides in this area. The STARC meeting serves as a
under the government’s vision of “Digital Pakistan,” aims to ignite vital platform for comprehending the dynamic ICT landscape,
a wave of digital innovation to empower businesses and bridge the initiating research analysis, and setting agendas for the next two
digital divide by providing more reliable and high-speed internet years. Over the next two days, the meeting will feature 10 sessions,
access, ultimately fostering a more inclusive digital economy in each dedicated to crucial contemporary topics and trends in the
Pakistan. (May 16, 2024) www.pta.gov.pk regional telecommunication sector. The workshop’s first day
featured four sessions. The initial session highlighted insights
Pakistan underscored the importance of regional collaboration from APT’s GA-16 and MC-47, focusing on SATRC and beyond.
in addressing common ICT challenges through dialogue and The second session addressed the regulatory challenges of new
knowledge sharing. The first meeting of the South Asian technologies and smart solutions for broadband. The third session
Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC) on Policy explored maximizing the Universal Service Obligation Fund for
Regulation and Services commenced recently in Islamabad. digital inclusion. Lastly, the workshop discussed enhancing ICT
Organized by the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and hosted E-Waste Management Regulations for Sustainable Development,
by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the three- emphasizing the need for effective regulations and strategies to
day international meeting convenes regulatory experts and ensure a greener future.
policymakers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Iran, India, (May 15, 2024) www.brecorder.com
Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The meeting started

109 MAY-JUNE 2024