Technology- Pakistan government to create regulatory framework for internet use
Shares
The government is all set to create a regulatory framework for Internet of Things (IoT) as its potential impact on individuals and businesses raises regulatory requirements such as licensing, numbering and addressing, spectrum management, network standards, data protection, privacy and security, says Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
In view of the latest trends of IoT and 5G, PTA has created an industry working group. The aim of this working group is primarily to foresee the IoT future developments in Pakistan and to evaluate and recommend the possible regulatory options (requirements in terms of spectrum, data protection /privacy, roaming, numbering /addressing, device standardization/type approval, etc).
The Authority has sought comments and views of the members of the PTA, industry working group on IoT, the concerned industry, and the general public, on the issues and challenges of IoT for the formulation of the regulatory framework for the country.
In Pakistan, international & national ICT firms are in the early stages of developing innovative services using IoT technology. Some of IoT use cases include advanced metering infrastructure with automated meter reading in real-time or near-time two-way communication, smart devices/sensors/actuators, smart farming, health care solutions, smart grids and connected agriculture. Most of these applications are currently being provided through cellular networks.
However, there is a need to formulate a comprehensive regulatory framework elaborating requirements for developments of the IoT ecosystem in licensed as well as unlicensed bands. Some of the frequency bands for unlicensed IoT have been proposed by the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB).
IoT is the fastest-growing phenomenon worldwide with certain countries having implemented it with light-touch regulations.
