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The Auditor General’s report highlights inadequate action by the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) against unauthorized spectrum usage in Pakistan. Despite reporting 20 cases of misuse by major telecom operators, FAB failed to take action, instead referring cases to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
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A recent report by the Auditor General has highlighted the inadequate actions of the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) against unauthorized spectrum usage in Pakistan. The board has failed to enforce measures against illegal users despite regulations mandating FAB to investigate and take appropriate action against interference.
The report revealed 20 cases of unauthorized spectrum usage reported to FAB during the second quarter of 2022, including misuse by prominent telecom operators such as Jazz, Telenor, and Zong. Despite this, FAB did not take decisive action, instead passing on cases to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for enforcement.
The audit found that FAB neglected its regulatory obligations, instead shifting responsibility to PTA. The report emphasized that FAB has the authority to investigate and take action against interference under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996, and Radio Frequency Spectrum Regulations, 2021.
The Auditor General recommended that FAB implement directives from the Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) meeting held on December 21, 2023, which instructed FAB to verify records with PTA. The report urged holding responsible those who failed to act against illegal spectrum users.
