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FREQUENCY ALLOCATION BOARD

1. Radio frequency spectrum is the range of electromagnetic waves over which radio waves can be radiated and is depicted by a tabulation of uses of radio waves arranged in ascending frequency order. Radio frequency spectrum, which is naturally available, is a scarce national resource susceptible to harmful interference and international in character since radio waves can not be confined to national boundaries. Like any other natural resource, radio frequency cannot be owned but shared amongst various services, users, technologies etc. 2. Radio frequency spectrum has great potential of generating socio-economic activities in a country. It is a key input into many vital public services affecting the quality and safety of life of citizens. Radio frequency spectrum contributes to a diverse array of cultural, social and scientific activities. Radio spectrum enables communication across many different media, for many different purposes, individual and collective, commercial and non-commercial. The growth in the use of the mobile telephones, internet, TV broadcasting is a manifestation of the attraction of communication in all its electronic forms to very broad sections of society. People like to talk and listen, to watch and learn, to be informed and entertained: radio spectrum enables this. Society places a value on the defense of the country and its interests via the military capabilities, which in turn rely on a range of spectrum uses. 3. Spectrum Management is a national responsibility and requires international cooperation. Regulatory procedures are required at national and international level to ensure the efficient and interference free operation of radio communication services. Therefore, spectrum management aims at effective, efficient and prudent use of the radio frequency spectrum in the best national interests. Spectrum management, which invites efficient use and re-use of radio frequencies, can be an important enabler of the diffusion of new technology which in turn contributes to economic growth. 4. Assignment of radio frequencies is governed by an international treaty formulated under the aegis of the International Telecommunication Union, to which Pakistan is a signatory. Pakistan Table of Frequency Allocations has been prepared in accordance with the ITU Radio Regulations. The objective of this table is to meet the competing and conflicting demands of all of the radio services/users in Pakistan, intending to make use of the spectrum. This table will help in regulating the radio frequencies in the country in an effective, efficient and judicious manner. 5. Frequency Allocation Board assigns the Radio Frequencies with associated technical parameters for all wireless networks after technical evaluation on spectrum management tools, formulation / review of the National Frequency Spectrum Plan and suggest means for optimized spectrum utilization, international coordination and agreements with other administrations in relation to various satellite and terrestrial based communication networks, fulfilling national obligations as contained in international treaties of the ITU, etc, monitoring of spectrum for the detection of unauthorized wireless stations, site clearance of all wireless installations in the country.
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RESTRICTED 6. In order to optimize available spectrum, National Frequency Management and Monitoring System (NFMMS) is in place. NFMMS is aimed at integrated radio spectrum management and monitoring capabilities along with processing of licensing, regulations and tariff issues in post privatization era. 7. National Control Center (NCC) has been established under the NFMMS having ten monitoring stations with mobile units spread all over. We have state of the art Spectrum Management Software tools for performing real time and swift analyses of the applications / proposals of applicants and optimizing the use of the available spectrum while securing the license conditions. 8. In order to monitor Interference among operators, number of Fixed and Mobile Monitoring Stations has been established as part of National Frequency Management and Monitoring System (NFMMS). It has the capability to effectively monitor the frequency spectrum in various frequency bands ranging from 10 kHz to 22 GHz. All the monitoring stations have been equipped with the integrated state of the art monitoring hardware and software to undertake the monitoring tasks. 9. Functions Of FAB as taken over according to section 42 Pakistan Telecom Re-organization Act 1996 (Amended in 2006):(a) To assign frequencies in Pakistan and in areas controlled by authorities in Pakistan. (b) To coordinate assignment of frequencies with other boards when the frequencies are required for channels working to places outside Pakistan or where interference to channels operated by other authorities is likely to occur. (c) To take such action as is considered necessary to ensure the correct observation of the provisions of the international radio communication regulations with particular reference to frequency tolerances, band width of emissions. (d) To investigate all complaints of interference and take appropriate action to effect the clearance thereof. (e) To advise government on any proposal to establish new wireless services and their operation. (f) To advise the departments on standardization and use of equipment where possible. (g) To compile and keep up to date list of all frequency assignments made.

(h) To maintain liaison with other boards and committees for the purpose of maintaining as complete record as possible of frequency assignments throughout the world. (j) To coordinate the defence department, and civil wireless system and advise on all matters of common interest with particular regard to the networks as they may affect one another.
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RESTRICTED (k) To advise on regulating such technical and traffic matter as affect the radio networks as a whole in Pakistan. (m) To prepare and keep constantly under review plans for the utilization of the defence department and civil wireless system in the disposal of urgent traffic during an emergency or breakdown of any line of telecommunication system. (n) To control the sitting of all new fixed wireless stations in Pakistan.

(p) To scrutinize all applications for wireless transmitting licenses and advise the director general for posts and telegraphs thereon. (q) To advise the government on pooling of resources in men and material during a national emergency. (r) To undertake any other duties assigned by the Pakistan Government.

10. Pakistan Table of Frequency Allocations is the broadest level technical document showing the allocation policy of bands to various types of services. This Table is intended to provide a basis for management of the radiofrequency spectrum in Pakistan; inform radio-communication users about the various types of services that can be operated in each frequency band; reflect Pakistan's obligations as a member of the ITU and provide details of international frequency allocations agreed by the ITU for the three world Regions. 11. Table of Frequency Allocations is the first planning document but usually not sufficient for assigning specific frequencies to users. Band Plans and Channel Plans are necessary for effective spectrum management. Band Plans provide detailed allocation of the spectrum between types of services and contain detailed frequency channeling arrangements build in a number of specific interference avoidance measures based on ITU-R Recommendations. This Table of Allocations is drawn from and kept updated with the ITU-R Radio Regulations which are revised at World Radio-communication Conferences and the changes occurred in government policies in order to promote Telecom industry. 12. For the allocation of frequencies, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a technical arm of the United Nations, has divided the world into three Regions as shown on the following map.

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13. Pakistan is the signatory to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) conventionand situated in Region 3. This Region includes the area limited on the east by line C and on the west by line A, except any of the territory of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Ukraine and the area to the north of Russian Federation. It also includes that part of the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran lying outside of those limits. Frequency Management in PAF 14. In order to use the available frequency spectrum efficiently, a Frequency Management Cell is established at Dte of Networks (Command) Air Headquarters Islamabad. The officer designated for supervision of this cell represents PAF on all forums where matter relating to frequency allocation are decided. In the Directorate, he is responsible for the maintenance and updating of Confidential Communication Order (CCO) and Secret Communication Order (SCO). He advises MOUs on the suitability of day and night usable frequencies after consulting HF Prediction charts supplied by SUPARCO. He also studies the frequency interference cases, locates the source with the help of EW Directorate and FAB and takes necessary remedial measures to eradicate such occurrences in future.

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