ISLAMABAD: The sector regulator has said that the telecom equipment at high-rises and other structures lack standardised guidelines, while the operators have criticised the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for not implementing the quality standards for mobile phone accessories.

“Clear procedures and guidelines have been established to ensure that telecommunication equipment and accessories meet the required standards for interoperability, compatibility, and safety,” the PTA said.

The Standards and Conformance Assurance Directorate (SCAD) has been established to prescribe testing methods conforming to the technical standards as outlined in the regulations, it added.

The PTA said the aim of establishing SCAD was to create a more efficient and compatible digital ecosystem that spurs competition by developing national telecom standards, revisiting existing rules and regulations, and advancing standardisation in telecom infrastructure provision.

The SCAD was established in May 2023, the stakeholders were not satisfied with the pace of the implementation process and the availability of sub-standard accessories in the market.

Muzaffar Paracha, senior vice-chairman Pakistan Mobile Phone Manufacturers Association, said that Pakistan has to be consistent in meeting the standards for mobile phone accessories too.

“The related components including chargers, batteries, hand-free, cables, etc, provided with the mobile handsets have the quality standard but the situation is not the same for the open market,” he said.

Mr Paracha also added that as long as the substandard smuggled items were available in the market, it would be difficult to produce them locally.

The PTA has said that apart from its regulatory role, SCAD will embark on an awareness campaign aimed at encouraging industry players and educational institutions to establish testing laboratories that will focus on aspects like electromagnetic compatibility, safety, and radio standards.

Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2024