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