Frequently Asked Questions

Frequency Allocations

What is meant by frequency allocation?

Allocation (of a frequency band): Entry in the Table of Frequency Allocations of a given frequency band for the purpose of its use by one or more terrestrial or space radio communication services or the radio astronomy service under specified conditions. This term shall also be applied to the frequency band concerned.

What is meant by frequency allotment?

Allotment (of a radio frequency or radio frequency channel): Entry of a designated frequency channel in an agreed plan, adopted by a competent conference, for use by one or more administrations for a terrestrial or space radio communication service in one or more identified countries or geographical areas and under specified conditions.

What is meant by frequency assignment?

Assignment (of a radio frequency or radio frequency channel): Authorization given by an administration for a radio station to use a radio frequency or radio frequency channel under specified conditions.

Does FAB have the authority to grant license for a Telecommunication or Broadcasting service?

No. The licensing authority for Telecommunication services is PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) and for Broadcasting services is PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority). FAB (Frequency Allocation Board) has the authority to allocate, assign and manage the frequency spectrum required for a telecommunication or broadcast service.

Does FAB directly process the frequency assignment applications ?

No, the frequency assignment applications are processed through the respective licensing authority i.e. PTA for Telecommunication services and PEMRA for Broadcast Services.

Once a frequency has been assigned to a specific operator, are they required to get approval for every transmitting station operating on the same frequency?

Yes. As per the provisions of the Pakistan Telecom Re-Organization Act, no transmitting station can be installed in the country without prior approval from FAB.

Can FAB HQs allocate or assign frequency spectrum on its own?

No. Spectrum is allocated and assigned by the Board, the composition of which is as follows:

  • Secretary Cabinet Division Chairman
  • Executive Director FAB Vice-Chairman
  • Ministry of Defense Member
  • Ministry of IT Member
  • Chairman PTA Member
  • Chairman PEMRA Member
  • Ministry of Interior Member
  • Ministry of Information Broadcasting Member

Satellite Coordination

Why do we submit data of space and terrestrial stations to ITU?

It is important to submit data of both space and terrestrial stations to ITU, so that the associated frequency assignments get registered in the Master International Frequency Register (MIFR), thereby receiving international recognition in accordance with the Provisions of Article-8 of the ITU-R Radio Regulations.

What is satellite frequency coordination?

The satellite frequency coordination is a mechanism in which two or more parties (responsible for their respective satellites) engage in technical / regulatory negotiations for the smooth and interference operation of satellite networks. This process also involves exchange of technical data related to satellites and other radio systems operating on equal rights in the frequency bands under consideration.

Can you provide some information about the ITU?

The ITU (International Telecommunication Union) is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies. ITU was founded in Paris in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union. It took its present name in 1934, and in 1947 became a specialized agency of the United Nations. ITU is responsible to allocate global radio spectrum and satellite orbits, develop the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies seamlessly interconnect, and strive to improve access to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide. For more information please visit: www.itu.int

What are the benefits of being a member of ITU?

The ITU provides a unique, neutral and global platform to come together for the purpose of sharing ideas, knowledge and exchange best practice. It also provides an opportunity to its members to agree on new standards through consensus and a most transparent and fair environment. At ITU the members have an equal and ample chance to safeguard their interests in respective fields of ICTs.

Why do we need the Radio Regulations and related mechanisms?

The RRs and related mechanisms are essentially required for the efficient assignment/ coordination of radio frequencies and associated orbital positions in the geostationary orbit.

What is the regulatory time period for brining into use (BIU) a satellite network?

The current BIU time period for the satellite network as per RRs is seven years, starting from the date of submission of API. Previously, this limit of BIU for a satellite network was nine years from the date of submission of API.

What do we mean by priority in frequency coordination of satellite networks?

The RRs and related mechanisms are essentially required for the efficient assignment

Do we need frequency coordination in planned bands as well?

Yes, frequency coordination would be required in planned bands if the administration responsible intends to modify their original planned assignments.

What is the general life time of a GSO satellite?

The life time of most of the GSO satellite ranges from 15 to 20 years.

What do we mean by a notifying administration at ITU?

As per RR No. 1.2 of Article-1 of the ITU-R Radio Regulations, “any governmental department or service responsible for discharging the obligations undertaken in the Constitution of the International Telecommunication Union, in the Convention of the International Telecommunication Union and in the Administrative Regulations (CS 1002)”.

What is the purpose of satellite frequency coordination?

The main purpose of satellite frequency coordination is to ensure that the new satellite entering into the market of existing so many other operational radio systems, operates without causing or receiving harmful interference. As per the CS 37 of the Constitution of the ITU, the “Member States are bound to abide by the provisions of this Constitution, the Convention and the Administrative Regulations in all telecommunication offices and stations established or operated by them which engage in international services or which are capable of causing harmful interference to radio services of other countries”.

Does ITU have an authority to enforce its rules?

All the Member States of ITU are sovereign in their decisions when it comes to rule making in their own boundaries, however, for the purpose of harmonization and interference free operation of wireless systems across the globe, the Member States have moral responsibility to abide by the rules and regulations of ITU (to the extent possible) as the Member States are signatory to the Convention and Constitution of ITU having a treaty status.

What is the meaning of term AGREEMENT used in satellite frequency coordination?

The Agreement of Frequency Coordination or shortly referred as Agreement is the outcome of the process of frequency coordination between the two administrations listing all the operational conditions/ parameters to applied to the satellite networks of both sides.

What are the three major steps for satellite filing procedures at ITU?

The three major steps in satellite filing procedures at ITU are the submission of API, Coordination Data and Notification Data as per Article-9 and Article-11 of the ITU-R Radio Regulations.

What does the term BIU (Brining into use) stand for in the satellite communications?

The BIU means placing a satellite at the specified orbital position in geostationary earth orbit and to start provision of service.

What do we mean by FILING?

Filing is the term used to submit data (technical and frequency coordination information) to ITU at different stages. In simple words we can say that filing refers to a paper satellite.

What is the most critical factor in limiting the life of a satellite?

The quantity of fuel on board is the limiting factor in determining the life of a satellite.

What is the distance of satellite from earth in the geostationary earth orbit?

The distance of satellite in geostationary earth orbit from earth is approximately 35,786 Km.

Spectrum Monitoring/Interference

How private/commercial Broadcasters can launch interference complaint?

Private /commercial broadcasters can launch their complaint by filling the Performa and forward it to PEMRA with copy to FAB.

How can I check the status of my interference complaint?

You can check the status of your complaint through concerned authorities i.e. PTA (Telecom Operators), PEMRA (private broadcasters), MoIB/PBC (Govt. Broadcasters/Defense)

How a Telecom (Wireless) operator (Cellular, VHF/UHF communication, data services etc.) can launch the interference complain?

Telecom (Wireless) operator can launch their complain by filling the Performa and forward it to PTA with copy to FAB.

I am FM broadcaster and having problems in QoS even there is no other broadcast is receiving on the same channel. What should I do for good QoS?

You must check the parameters of equipment for the compliance with the authorized limits i.e. bandwidth, power, antenna height etc. If all the parameters are in compliant with authorized limits then launch your interference complain by filling the Performa and forward it to PEMRA (if private) or MoIB (if Govt) with copy to FAB

How Government/ Defense broadcasters can launch interference complain?

Government/ Defense broadcasters can launch their complain by filling the Performa and forward it to MoIB.