Frequency Allocation Board (FAB)

Frequency Allocation Board is the prime Spectrum Management organization in Pakistan.

FAB was created by Government of Pakistan, it analyzes and assigns the portions of Radio Spectrum to intended wireless users in country. It safeguards and monitors the national spectrum to ensure its optimum utilization across Pakistan. It also performs necessary international coordination and agreements with other administrations in relation to various satellite and terrestrial based communication networks whereby fulfilling national obligations as contained in international treaties of the ITU etc.

It also performs monitoring of national spectrum for the detection of un-authorized wireless stations and users.  It also provides site clearance of all wireless installations in the country.

Introduction And History: Frequency Allocation Board assigns the Radio Frequencies with associated technical parameters for all wireless networks after technical evaluation on spectrum management tools, formulation / review of the National Frequency Spectrum Plan and suggest means for optimized spectrum utilization, international coordination and agreements with other administrations in relation to various satellite and terrestrial based communication networks, fulfilling national obligations as contained in international treaties of the ITU, etc, monitoring of spectrum for the detection of unauthorized wireless stations, site clearance of all wireless installations in the country.

In order to optimize available spectrum, National Frequency Management and Monitoring System (NFMMS) is in place. NFMMS is aimed at integrated radio spectrum management and monitoring capabilities along with processing of licensing, regulations and tariff issues in post privatization era.

National Control Center (NCC) has been established under the NFMMS having ten monitoring stations with mobile units spread all over. We have state of the art Spectrum Management Software tools for performing real time and swift analyses of the applications / proposals of applicants and optimizing the use of the available spectrum while securing the license conditions.

In order to monitor Interference among operators, number of Fixed and Mobile Monitoring Stations has been established as part of National Frequency Management and Monitoring System (NFMMS). It has the capability to effectively monitor the frequency spectrum in various frequency bands ranging from 10 kHz to 22 GHz. All the monitoring stations have been equipped with the integrated state of the art monitoring hardware and software to undertake the monitoring tasks.

Mission Statement: Our mission is to constantly provide professional and judicious spectrum management services driven by strategically aligned processes, technical excellence and collaborative performance.

Functions: FAB took over the following functions erstwhile performed by Pakistan Wireless Board (PWB):

a. To assign frequencies in Pakistan and in areas controlled by authorities in Pakistan.
b. To coordinate assignment of frequencies with other boards when the frequencies are required for channels working to places outside Pakistan or where interference to channels operated by other authorities is likely to occur.
c. To take such action as is consider necessary to ensure the correct observation of the provisions of the international radio communication regulations with particular reference to tolerances, bandwidth of emissions.
d. To advise government on any proposal to establish new wireless services and their operation
e. To maintain liaison with other boards and committees for the purpose of maintaining as complete record as possible of frequency assignments throughout the world.
f. To coordinate the defense department and civil wireless system and advise on all matters of common interest with particular regard to the networks as they may affect one another.
g. To prepare and keep constantly under review plans for the utilization of the defense department and civil wireless system in the disposal of urgent traffic during an emergency or breakdown of any line of telecommunication system.
h. To control the sitting of all new fixed wireless stations in Pakistan.
i. To scrutinize all applications for wireless transmitting licenses and advise the director general of posts and telegraphs thereon.

Website: http://www.fab.gov.pk/