Regulatory Compliance News

Pakistan Opens 6 GHz Spectrum Band and Formulates Framework for Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 Operations

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) officially designated the lower 6 GHz spectrum band, spanning 5925 MHz to 6425 MHz, for unlicensed Radio Local Area Network (RLAN) operations. By unlocking 500 MHz of additional spectrum, the decision enabled the deployment of Wi-Fi 6E technology and established the technical groundwork for next-generation Wi-Fi 7 applications across the nation. This regulatory milestone addresses growing network congestion in Pakistan by expanding wireless capacity beyond the traditional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) frequency bands.

To govern these operations, the PTA released its comprehensive Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) Framework. The framework outlines strict power limits and operational restrictions across the 5925–6425 MHz range. Indoor operations are permitted up to a maximum mean Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) of 23 dBm with a maximum Power Spectral Density (PSD) of 10 dBm/MHz, while outdoor usage is capped at a maximum mean EIRP of 14 dBm. The opening of these wide, non-overlapping channels—including 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz configurations—enables significantly higher data throughput, lower latency, and improved network stability for enterprise and consumer environments.

The framework directly impacts type approval and equipment authorization procedures administered under PTA regulations. Terminal devices and access points utilizing the 6 GHz band must obtain formal PTA Type Approval, comply with the Type Approval Technical Standard Regulations, and undergo mandatory single-sample submission evaluations prior to commercial importation and distribution. Furthermore, approved devices must display compliance marking ("Approved by PTA") or utilize valid e-labeling features. Following the initial Wi-Fi 6E rollout, the PTA further expanded the regulatory baseline by approving Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) technology within the 6 GHz band, ensuring that equipment manufacturers can introduce cutting-edge short-range devices into the Pakistani market.