Warid set to launch 4G LTE After Assuring Quality Standards

Warid set to launch 4G LTE After Assuring Quality Standards

The PTA had held auctions for 3G and 4G network licences on April 23 – a process in which Warid did not participate in. The bids of four mobile operators of Pakistan qualified for the auction of 3G and 4G namely Mobilink, Telenor, Ufone and Zong.

Warid had previously already obtained a spectrum that would allow the roll-out of 4G. The company’s existing licence, which was acquired in 2004, is also technology neutral but is not service neutral, which meant the company would have to share all details of its new services prior to their launch.

While Warid planned to launch 4G LTE (long-term evolution) to compete with the 3G/4G licence-holders, the PTA had insisted that the company needed permission from the regulator for the introduction of the new services.

It was earlier expected that PTA may withhold Warid’s request for permission to go for the launch of 4G (LTE) considering the interests of other cellular companies who bought the (3G/4G) licences for $1.12 billion.

PTA Official said:
[pull_quote_center]The offer of 4G/LTE services by Warid would have to go through a process as per their license as well as requirements of assuring proper coverage, QoS, enhanced monitoring requirements etc. Warid would have to comply with the QoS parameters and KPIs laid down by PTA for the 4G/LTE services[/pull_quote_center]

PTA demands that Warid will have to send in a proper request and provide their detailed information and technical plan. Plus, Warid should also provide details about how much of the spectrum would be carved out from the 8.8 MHz in 1800 band for the LTE services and its impact on the existing GSM/GPRS/EDGE customers.

Specific information about the version of LTE to be deployed should also be provided to PTA as all the releases of LTE do not satisfy the requirements of the IMT–Advanced (4G) Standards.