PTA Decides to Resolve Complaints of CMOs Against WLL

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is taking action to resolve complaints by cellular mobile operators (CMOs) against wireless local loop (WLL) operators regarding violation of limited mobility. PTA Decides to Resolve Complaints of CMOs Against WLL. PTA has issued a consultation paper in order to obtain comments and details from the stakeholders.

PTA Decides to Resolve Complaints of CMOs Against WLL

The consultation paper stated that CMOs wanted to redefine the cell for mobility but never suggested or proposed solutions. Telecom Policy 2015 was issued to deliberate and come up with framework for regulatory measures and solutions.

PTA has received several complaints from the CMOs that WLL operators were infringing their rights. These include provisions of service, which violate limited mobility restrictions. PTA analysed that during the previous limited mobility determination, the cost of cellular license is approximately four times greater than WLL license with similar spectrum. The reason is that cellular licenses were allowed to provide mobile services whereas WLL licenses were permitted to provide fix services using wireless solution with limited mobility compliance terminals.

However, the WLL operators said that they never threatened the cellular industry, as the target market of cellular was different. CMOs have already achieved a customers’ base of 150 million whereas WLL operators have a customer base of 2.3 million (0.8 million voice, 1.3 million EVO, 0.25 million WIMAX). They said CMOs have reached 80% of the total addressable market, whereas WLL operators achieved just over 10% of the total addressable market, adding that WLL operators were actually paying more for restricted services.

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PTA in its consultation paper has directed stakeholders to submit their solutions and analysis considering the possible hurdles in non-implementation of limited mobility. PTA also informed the stakeholders that there was a need to redefine the area for mobility