PTA's New WLAN Framework: Reduced 5GHz Channels Causing Interference Issues in Pakistan

I've recently identified a potentially serious issue with the updated WLAN framework by PTA/FAB.

The Problem

The new regulatory document has removed several 5GHz WLAN channels that were previously allowed in the older framework. This reduction is causing major interference across residential and commercial areas, as everyone's routers are forced to compete for the same limited spectrum—particularly the 80MHz channel (155). The result is significant congestion and degraded network performance nationwide.

Visual Comparison of Changes

Previous 5GHz bands (2023)

Current 5GHz bands (2024)

Evidence of Congestion

The limited channel availability is causing significant congestion in residential areas. These screenshots from my WiFi analyzer clearly demonstrate the problem:

In the second example below, you can see multiple routers crowding the same frequencies, further illustrating the issue:

Why This Matters

This limitation is severely impacting 5GHz Wi-Fi performance across Pakistan. Users can't properly utilize the 80MHz band, and the 160MHz band isn't even available due to this narrow selection of channels. This affects:

• Internet users experiencing slower speeds, disconnections, packet loss, etc.
• Dense residential/business areas where dozens of networks compete
• Remote workers and students dependent on reliable internet connections
• Online gamers facing increased latency and unstable connections
• Video conference participants suffering from poor call quality

The reduced channel availability essentially creates a digital traffic jam, where too many devices are forced to communicate over the same limited frequencies.

Understanding wireless-regdb: How Your Devices Know Which Channels to Use

For non-technical readers wondering how this regulatory change affects your devices, here's a simple explanation:

What is wireless-regdb? The wireless regulatory database (wireless-regdb) is essentially a global rulebook that tells your WiFi devices which radio channels they're allowed to use in each country. Think of it like a traffic rulebook that varies from country to country.

How does it work in everyday devices?

• Your router: When you set up your router and select "Pakistan" as your country, it consults this rulebook to determine which channels it can offer you.
• Your smartphone: Your phone's WiFi chip checks your location against this database to ensure it only connects on legally permitted channels.
• Your laptop: Operating systems like Linux, Windows, and macOS include this regulatory database and update it regularly through software updates.

Why regulations matter: Different countries have different rules about which WiFi frequencies can be used, how strong the signal can be, and which channels are reserved for other purposes (like military or weather radar). These regulations help prevent interference with critical services.

When a country's regulatory body like PTA changes these rules, the changes eventually make their way into the wireless-regdb, which then affects all devices sold or used in that country. The changes for Pakistan can be seen in this commit: wireless-regdb.git commit

Recommendation for PTA/FAB

Please review and restore the previously available channels with reasonable EIRP limitations (ideally ≤ 30 dBm). A simple updated document would resolve this widespread issue affecting internet users across Pakistan.

Have you experienced similar interference issues with your 5GHz WiFi? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.