Eid Mubarak

CELEBRATING 60TH ANNVI IN MANAGING FERQUENCY SPECTRUM FOR BRINGING SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BY FAB IN PAKISTAN

Celebrating 60^th Anniversary in Managing Frequency Spectrum for bringing Socio-Economic Development by Frequency Allocation Board in Pakistan. Commemorative Postage Stamp August 18, 2011:- The Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) is a statutory body constituted by the Pakistan Telecommunication ( Re-organization) Act, 1996. Since its inception as a Pakistan Wireless Board in 1951 and subsequently as FAB in 1996, the FAB is regulating frequency spectrum in Pakistan. FAB has exclusive authority to allocate and assign portions of the radio frequency spectrum to the Government, providers of telecom services and telecom systems, radio and TV broadcasting operations, public and private wireless operators and others. The Frequency Allocation Board has also power to monitor the radio frequency spectrum and take enforcement action, investigate all complaints of interference and take appropriate action for their resolution; and regulate establishment of wireless base stations in Pakistan.

From 1951 to 1996, the Board remained involved in the frequency Management/allocation & assignment for ratio and TV broadcasting services; the private telecom networks of public sector corporations/organizations like WAPDA, SNGPL, Pak Railway, Pak Steel etc; the private networks of corporate sector organizations/companies; the public telecom services providers like T&T/PTC and SCO; communication networks of foreign office, civil armed forces, police, security agencies and the three defence services. It is worth mentioning that in the pre Act era prior to the 90’s the wireless communication technologies and system were not so developed and commonly used.

It was the start of 90’s when modern radio trunking and cellular Mobile technologies were introduced in the country and for the first time frequencies were made available by the Board for commercial cellular mobile networks in Pakistan. The Board comprehending the future technologies, arranged frequencies for the two cellular mobile operators i.e. Paktel and Instaphone which were granted licenses by the Ministry of Communication in 1990. The Board also arranged frequencies for the 3^rd cellular mobile licensee i.e. Mobilink which was granted license by the Ministry of Communication in 1992. Frequencies for these licenses were made available through a difficult and complicated process by vacating spectrum from incumbent historical users.

In the post Telecom Act era of 90’s, the Board arranged frequencies for the wireless data networks which helped the spread of ATM machines in the Banking sector as well as other data service/applications and wireless PCO services. The Board also approved satellite earth station links – VSATs for intercity data networks connectivity of Banks, oil companies and other corporate entities linking far flung rural areas. In 1998, the Board also arranged frequencies for the 4^th cellular mobile licensee i.e. Ufone.

The major achievement of FAB was its consistent input and services in Telecom De-Regulation Policy for Telecom Sector – 2003 and the Cellular Mobile Policy – 2004. For this the Board has arranged spectrum in the 450 MHz 479 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands enabling the introduction of two new nationwide cellular mobile licenses, seventy eight WLL licenses inn 14 telecom regions and to PTCL in all 14 regions to open new era of telecom and broadcast services in deregulated private sector. The auction of the said frequencies valuing US$ 582 Million and Pak Rupees 14.03 Billion in 2004 and subsequent renewal valuing US$582 million during 2005-07. Additionally, FAB has also arranged further frequencies valuing hundreds of billions worth in the 1900 MHz, 3.5 GHz and 2100 MHz (3G) band for 3G and broadband services.

Frequency bands for long distance back bone and point to point wireless links for the cellular mobile and other communication and data/broadband links have also been arranged and assigned to operators. FAB is continuously working in making available additional frequency spectrum for the growth of the telecom and broadcasting sector. To this effect new frequency bands in the 70 and 80 GHz ranges have also been planned for further growth of the broadband networks in Pakistan.

Frequencies management for the Broadcasting sector is another big achievement of FAB. Frequencies worth several hundred million for phase I to phase VIII auction of FM channels have been assigned for licensing by PEMRA.

The spectrum made available by FAB has generated direct and indirect revenue streams as well as have brought socio-economical benefits to the public. It has triggered opportunities for sizable direct and indirect jobs as well as training opportunities for fresh talent. The human resource talent in wireless system have found new sector of job opportunities in foreign countries and has become source of revenue generation for the nation. Another indirect benefit is the software market development attached to the wireless communication. The indirect revenue generation in the from of taxes as well as contribution toward Universal Service Fund and R&D Fund is over hundreds of billions of rupees.

As explained in the preceding paragraphs, FAB has contributed significantly in the growth of telecom and broadcasting sector resulting into socio-economic development of the country. FAB is continuing its efforts to maximize the use of radio spectrum in the best interest of the country with fresh vigor and zeal. To this effect, the FAB commemorates its 60^th anniversary of managing the spectrum and its contributions in the socio-economic development of the country with renewed commitment.

On the occasions of celebrating 60^th Anniversary in Managing Frequency Spectrum for bringing Socio-Economic Development by Frequency Allocation Board in Pakistan, a commemorative postage stamp of Rs. 8/- denomination is being issued by Pakistan Post on 18^th August 2011.

SOUTH KOREA: THE AGE OF DINOSAURS SERIES STAMPS (2ND)

As the second installment of the "Age of Dinosaurs Series," Jurassic dinosaurs of the Mesozoic Era are introduced.

Jurassic Period of the Mesozoic Era, which spanned about 50 million years from about 199.6 million years ago to 145.5 million years ago, refers to the period that followed the Triassic Period. In this period, giant reptiles such as dinosaurs thrived on the land, and ammonites, in the sea. In the latter part of the Jurassic Period, birds appeared for the first time, with gymnosperms like cycads and Ginkgo thriving.

Scelidosaurus
As an herbivorous dinosaur, it had a rather small head and small body, being 250 kg in weight and about 4m in height. It walked on four legs. With its hind legs being longer than the front legs, it is thought to have run with its hind legs and to have walked with its hind legs to reach and feed on the leaves of tall trees. Its most prominent body feature is the oval-shaped dermal scutes on both its back and tail. It was discovered both in the U.K. and U.S.A.

Stegosaurus
As an herbivorous dinosaur during the Late Jurassic Period spikes on its tails. Compared to its large body, its head was relatively very small, with its long hind legs and short, crooked front legs making its back crook forward. With its large body, it moved very sluggishly. It is 9 m in height and 2 tons in weight. It was discovered in the western part of the U.S.A.

Allosaurus
As a carnivorous dinosaur flourishing in the latter part of the Jurassic Period, it is known to be the fiercest predator in the North American continent. Its feature is the crests just in front of its eyes. It also had a sturdy jaw and teeth made for killing herbivorous or other carnivorous dinosaurs, as well as the hand that had sharp claws. It was 3.6 tons in weight and 14m in height. And it was discovered in the western part of the U.S., Portugal and Australia.

Dilophosarurus
As a carnivorous dinosaur during the Early Jurassic Period, it had two crests split in the shape of a V on top of its head. Its razor-sharp teeth, long and strong legs, and long claws were perfect for hunting. Its first toe on its hand was shaped in the way to hold a prey, functioning like a thumb. It was 330~450 kg in weight, and 6~7 m in height. It was first reported in the U.S., with the possibility of having been discovered in the southern part of China being raised.

Magnificent Endangered Animals Stamp Issue From Gibraltar

Gibraltar has recently issued a spectacular set of six stamps and a miniature sheet which feature the following six Endangered Animails:

The Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) is the only living species of the genus Elephas and distributed in Southeast Asia from India in the west to Borneo in the east. Since 1986, it has been listed as endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years. The species is threatened by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation.

The Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), is a species of rhinoceros, native to the eastern and central areas of Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Angola. Recent conservation success has led to very gradual population increases to about 4,000 after a long and devastating period of hunting and poaching. However, the species remains Critically Endangered due to the strong demand for rhinoceros horn for traditional Asian medicines.

The Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a bear native to central-western and south western China. The giant panda lives in a few mountain ranges in central China, mainly in Sichuan province, but also in the Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. The panda is a conservation reliant endangered species. Wild population is estimated at about 1,590 individuals living in the wild.

The Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), is a tiger subspecies native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, and has been classified as endangered by IUCN as the population is estimated at fewer than 2,500 individuals with a decreasing trend. None of the Tiger Conservation Landscapes within the Bengal’s tiger range are large enough to support a population size of 250.

The Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) is a bear native largely within the Arctic Circle encompassing the Arctic Ocean, its surrounding seas and surrounding land masses. The polar bear is classified as a vulnerable species, with eight of the 19 polar bear subpopulations in decline. For decades, large scale hunting raised international concern for the future of the species but populations rebounded after controls and quotas began to take effect.

The Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) is one of the two species of orangutans. Found only on the island of Sumatra, in Indonesia, it is rarer and smaller than the Bornean orangutan. In the wild, Sumatran orangutans survive in the province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD), the northernmost tip of Sumatra. The species has been assessed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2000. It is considered one of “The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates.”

These stamps can be viewed and purchased online via the Gibraltar Stamps website, under 2011 stamp issues or through WOPA under 2011 stamp issues, Endangered Animals

Stamps Celebrate Centenary of British Red Cross Uniform

Guernsey Stamps is delighted to announce the release of six stamps to celebrate the centenary year of the uniform of the British Red Cross, an organisation which began in 1870.

Illustrated by Robin Cook, the collection begins with the 36p stamp which reflects the year c1911. During this time British Red Cross volunteers worked as part of the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) scheme and were given official uniforms such as the red dress and stiff cuffs worn by Nursing Commandants, as the stamp depicts.

The First World War saw changes to the uniform that would make them easier to keep clean in combat conditions and, as illustrated on the 47p stamp, male VADs was issued in British Army khaki green.

On the eve of the Second World War the design of the Red Cross nurses’ uniform changed to a short-sleeved, round collared dress, reducing the amount of dress material needed during a time of rationing (48p stamp).

The 1960s saw more changes to the uniform, reflecting practical requirements and fashion trends. Head veils were replaced by disposable paper caps and dresses became shorter. During the 1980s an adaptable ‘mix and match’ clothing range was introduced, more suited to the growing health and social care role of the British Red Cross, as the 52p stamp shows.

In 2001 the Red Cross uniform was replaced by work wear with the emphasis placed on clothing that was less formal and more unisex in design, including sweatshirts and fleeces. As the 61p stamp illustrates, a new roundel was introduced to be worn on clothing to give greater visibility to the Red Cross emblem.

A new range of British Red Cross work wear was introduced in 2009 which saw the first major change in clothing colour since 1911, from navy blue to red, white and grey to comply with the current Red Cross branding (65p stamp). Formal dress uniform has remained unaffected by these changes.

Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic at Guernsey Stamps said: – “I am delighted that we have been able to capture the ever-changing style of the British Red Cross uniform over the last 100 years. It is interesting to see how this organisation has adapted its uniform to reflect the needs and demands of the time, whilst the Red Cross emblem has remained prominent throughout.”

British Red Cross Director of Fundraising, Mark Astarita, said: “We’re thrilled with the stamps which perfectly illustrate the Red Cross’ fascinating history and would like to thank Guernsey Stamps for its support. Our uniforms may have changed considerably but the marque of the Red Cross today still means the same thing: unconditional care in a crisis.”

These stamps can be viewed and purchased through WOPA under Alderney 2011 stamp issues, British Red Cross Uniforms

PyeongChang 2018 – Host of the XXIII Olympic Winter Games

A commemorative stamp celebrating the hosting of the XXIII Olympic Winter Games is issued, conveying our delight and exhilaration and looking forward to the date when this dream is realized in PyeongChang – a locale that is surrounded by Taebaek Mountains to its east, the Charyeong Mountains to its southwest, the Odae Mountain and Gyebang Mountain to its north. The locale is more than 700 meters above sea level and receives over 250 cm in average annual snowfall.

At the moment Pyeongchang was named as the venue for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games at the 123rd IOC (International Olympic Committee) session held on July 6th 2011 in Durban, South Africa, the delegation from the Republic of Korea as well as the entire South Korean population who were holding their breath while watching the scene past midnight, roared with excitement. It was a splendid feat after the two heartbreaking failures.

As the third Winter Olympiad to be held in Asia, the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games will provide another crucial momentum for the balanced development of winter sports to spread throughout every corner of the global village. In addition, PyeongChang 2018 is aspiring toward a splendid dream of realizing the true value of Olympics and break new ground in winter sports through its “Dream Program” which will provide hope to many and the chance to explore the possibilities of trying something new for others.

Title: PyeongChang 2018 – Host of the XXIII Olympic Winter Games
Date of Issue: 3 August 2011
Country: South Korea
Denominations: 250 won

National day 2011 – Singapore

Singapore post issued a set of four stamps showing areas of Historical Significance to celebrate National day 2011.


Title: National day 2011
Date of Issue: 8 August 2011
Country: Singapore
Denominations: 50c x 2, S$1.10 x 2

Counting in Kiwi

Take a numerical journey from 1 to 21 in a quintessentially ‘Kiwi’ way with the Counting in Kiwi stamp issue. With each number, you’ll discover unique and quirky aspects of New Zealand’s culture, history and Kiwiana.

Each of the 21 stamps in the issue has a distinctive ‘Kiwi’ flavour. Of course we start at number 1, which is represented by State Highway 1 – the road that runs the length of both the North and South Islands. As we count higher, we discover snippets of the New Zealand way of life until we reach 21 – the milestone birthday that is widely celebrated in New Zealand with a traditional 21st key.

This iconic sheet of 21 stamps is a fun representation of Kiwi culture that’s not to be missed! Following on from the popular A to Z of New Zealand stamp issue, this time we use numbers to tell entertaining stories about our unique nation.

The full set of 21 stamps is also spread across a set of three first day covers, the first of which has numbers 1 (State Highway 1) to 3 (three-hour ferry ride across Cook Strait). The second first day cover includes numbers 4 (four stars of the Southern Cross) to 10 (ten guitars – the popular song of the 1960s), and the thirdfirst day cover includes numbers 11 (first 11) to 21 (21st key).

Title: Counting in Kiwi
Date of Issue: 10 August 2011
Country: New Zealand
Denominations: 60c x 21

Rastrapati Bhavan

India Post issued a Set of four Stamps and a Miniature sheet featuring Rashtrapati Bhavan of India.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India,located at Raisina hill in New Delhi,India. Until 1950 it was known as “Viceroy’s House” and served as the residence of the Viceroy and Governor-General of India. It is amidst an area known as Lutyens’ Delhi. At present,it is the largest residence of any Chief of the State in the world. The construction of the building was planned for 4 years,but World War I intervened and construction required 19 years tocomplete.Its first occupant,Lord Irwin,began occupation on January 23, 1931.

Title: Rastrapati Bhavan
Date of Issue: 5 August 2011
Country: India
Denominations: 500p x 4

Facial Tattoos – Taiwan

To increase understanding of the culture of facial tattoo, which is gradually disappearing, Chunghwa Post issued a postage stamp showing tattooedAtayal woman weaving against the background of Mt. Dabajian.

In the early days of the tribal society of the Atayal, an aboriginal people of Taiwan, decorative facialtattoos were customarily stained on tribal members’ faces during solemn rituals. Men tattooed one or more vertical lines on their forehead and chins, whereas women tattooed one or more vertical lines on their foreheads as well as V shapes on their cheeks, extending from their ears to their lips. The traditional Atayal facial tattoo is fraught with social meaning. Apart from being symbols of glory, these tattoos demonstrate tribal identity, convey that their bearers have reached adulthood, and serve as badges of bravery and talent.

The Atayals produce excellent woven goods, and only women who are skilled weavers are entitled to wear facial tattoos.

Title: Facial Tattoos
Date of Issue: 1 August 2011
Country: Taiwan
Denominations: NT$25

Facial Tattoos – Taiwan

To increase understanding of the culture of facial tattoo, which is gradually disappearing, Chunghwa Post issued a postage stamp showing tattooedAtayal woman weaving against the background of Mt. Dabajian.

In the early days of the tribal society of the Atayal, an aboriginal people of Taiwan, decorative facialtattoos were customarily stained on tribal members’ faces during solemn rituals. Men tattooed one or more vertical lines on their forehead and chins, whereas women tattooed one or more vertical lines on their foreheads as well as V shapes on their cheeks, extending from their ears to their lips. The traditional Atayal facial tattoo is fraught with social meaning. Apart from being symbols of glory, these tattoos demonstrate tribal identity, convey that their bearers have reached adulthood, and serve as badges of bravery and talent.

The Atayals produce excellent woven goods, and only women who are skilled weavers are entitled to wear facial tattoos.

Title: Facial Tattoos
Date of Issue: 1 August 2011
Country: Taiwan
Denominations: NT$25

50th Anniversary of EDB

Singapore post issued two stamps ‘Global Asia’ and ‘Future Ready’ to show theSingapore’s economic development.
‘Global Asia’
‘Global Asia’ depicts Singapore as a strategically located ‘Home’ in Asia from where global and local companies can grow in the region and beyond. Asian companies also find a ‘Home’ in Singapore, from where they can orchestrate their global plans. The artist, Justin Lee, has drawn inspiration from elements of pop art, traditional Chinese paper cutting techniques, Malay and Indian fabric patterns as well as the iconic Singapore ‘Merlion’. The green dot in the ‘O’ symbolisesSingapore’s openness to business and innovation.

‘Future Ready’
‘Future Ready’ projects Singapore as a forward-looking, innovative and business-friendly location that welcomes the future. The designers, :phunk, have chosen a futuristic motif of a tree emerging from a single point to depict Singapore’s continual development of new capabilities to harness growth opportunities today and tomorrow. The minimalist golden lines and dots represent how Singaporefosters innovative solutions for tomorrow by connecting people, capital, markets, technologies and ideas.

Title: 50th Anniversary of EDB
Date of Issue: 1 August 2011
Country: Singapore
Denominations: 1st Local, S$2

Philanippon – New Zealand

Philanippon 2011 will run from 28 July to 2 August 2011, and will bring the philatelic community together on an international scale. Located less than half an hour south of Tokyo by train, the picturesque waterfront city of Yokohama is Japan’s second largest city with a population of over three million people.

The theme of Philanippon 2011 is ‘Stamps Link the World’, and the exhibition will feature approximately 2500 frames across 12 classes. Postal services from around the globe will attend the event, which is expected to attract upwards of 100,000 visitors.

New Zealand Post has issued a special exhibition miniature sheet and exhibitionsouvenir cover to commemorate the event. The exhibition miniature sheetincorporates two $1.90 All Blacks stamps as well as a $1.90 silver Round Kiwi stamp – all set against Mount Taranaki in New Zealand’s North Island. Part of anational park, this snowtopped 2518 metre mountain is a popular destination for tourists and trampers alike.

Title: Philanippon – New Zealand
Date of Issue: 28 July 2011
Country: New Zealand
Denominations: $1.90 x 3

The Legend of the White Snake

The Legend of the White Snake is one of the four popular folk legends of China. lt was existed by oral tradition and then it developed into storytelling in local dialects, such as Pinghua (narrative singing), Shuoshu (classical instrumental music and narrative) and Tanci (narrative style of singing and instrumental music).

After that, it was adopted for drama performance as well as many other ways of interpretation, including novel, opera, cartoon, movie and modern dance, etc. It can he deemed as a typical masterpiece containing the inputs of folk cultures of China all through one thousand years. It was inscribed in the first batch of NationalIntangible Cultural Heritages List.

“Meet when Travelling the Lake” – It tells stories about a while snake who cultivated itself in Mount Emei in Sichuan for a thousand years and turned into a lady with a charming appearance, named Bai Suzhen. She yearned for the prosperous place called Diji and went down the mountain for worldly pleasures together with the green snake, named Xiaoqing. When they went to the scenic West Lake in Hangzhou, they took the same boat with an assistant in an herbal medicine store, named Xu Xian (Xu Xuan), and borrowed an umbrella from him. Lady Bai and Xu Xian fell in love with each other and got married. They were looking forward to a happy and peaceful life in the man’s world.

“Revelation during Duanyang Festival (Dragon Boat)” – Lady Bai and Xu Xian went to Zhenjiang and set up an herbal medicine store “Bao He Tang”, in Xijundu Street. They loved each other and the store became well known. However, Fa Hai, a monk from Jinshan Temple found out Lady Bai was actually a white snake who had cultivated itself for a thousand years. He enticed Xu Xian to give realgar wine to Lady Bai to drink on the Duanyang Festival, it made Lady Bai to reveal her true appearance. Xu Xian was frightened out of his wits and passed out.

“Steal Herb and Save the Husband” – Lady Bai went to the fairyland in Mount Kunlun after traveling across mountains and rivers. She risked her life to steal the celestial herb to save the life of Xu Xian. The god of Mount Kunlun was moved by the true love of Lady Bai and she finally got the ganoderma lucidum and saved Xu Xian.

“Fight between the Dragon and the Snake” – Fa Hai, the monk from Jinshan Temple in Zhenjiang, only cared who was a human being or a bogy but never cared who was good or evil. He made every endeavour to get Xu Xian and Lady Bai apart. He persuaded Xu Xian to become a monk and then imprisoned him in Jinshan Temple. Lady Bai went to Jinshan Temple to look for her husband and fought with Fa Hai. Lady Bai and Xiaoqing invited black fish spirits, shrimp soldiers and crab generals while Fa Hai turned to the “Dragon King of the East Ocean” and the Third Prince for help. The fight between the dragon and the snake occurred around Jinshan Temple.

“Captive Lady Bai in Pagoda” – In order to break up Xu Xian and Lady Bai, Fa Hai captured Lady Bai one month after she gave the birth to her son with a gold bowl and captive her under Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou.

“Dutiful Son Worshiped the Pagoda” – Xu Shilin (Mengjiao), the son of Lady Bai, grew up and became the Number One Scholar in the National Exam. He went to worship the pagoda and met his mother with cries. Lady Bai was a stylite with a kind heart. She had loved and hated and now been imprisoned under Leifeng Pagoda for over ten years. She had reached the selfless state for her understanding on the life. She asked her son to forget the hatred and become an integrity official, bringing welfare to all people.

“Flooding of the Jinshan Temple” – The expression “Flooding of the Jinshan Temple” has become a popular idiom in China and often is used to describe a huge hood. It’s originated from the Legend of the White Snake. In order to save her husband who was imprisoned in Jinshan Temple, she used magic arts to flood the Jinshaii Temple and numerous shrimp soldiers and crab generals rushed into the temple. Fa Hai had to change his cassock into a long dam to block the water. However, as the dam became higher and longer, the flood also grew up. The purpose for Lady Bai to flood the Jinshan Teiuple was to save her husband and pursue a happy life, so it is also called as “Flooding of the Jinshan Temple with Love”; Fa Hai tried to break up Xu Xian and Lady Bai and finally the gods were angry and people resentful, so it is also called as “Flooding of the Jinshan Temple with Resentment”: Lady Bai was pregnant and afraid that the flood might cause damage to innocent people, so she didn’t defeat Fa Hai. The watching people shed sympathetic tears, making it “Flooding of the Jinshan Temple with Tears”. The river water and tears together became roaring waves, which would flush away the unfairness and praise the true love in the world. As the song sings: “If the water has feelings, flooding the Jinshan Temple please. Leave the true love in the world, even an instant will be warm!”.

Title: The Legend of the White Snake
Date of Issue: 28 July 2011
Country: Macau
Denominations: 1.50, 1.50, 2.00, 2.00, 2.50 and 2.50 Patacas