ON PAKISTAN TELECOMMUNICATION AUTHORITY September 30, 2021 (2021-9)

 

The Telecommunication (Reorganization) Act 1996, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) was established to regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of telecommunication systems, and the provision of telecom services. PTA's main functions are to promote the availability of a wide range of high quality, efficient, cost effective and competitive telecommunication services throughout Pakistan, and to protect the interests of users of telecommunication services in Pakistan. Accordingly, PTA's vision is "to create a fair regulatory regime to promote investment, encourage competition, protect consumer interest and ensure high quality ICT services".

Digitalization - a revolution in itself, is redefining the way people live, interact, transact and develop as one world. The impact of digital change is rapid and far reaching. Never have individuals, businesses and nations been so dependent on technology, as they are today. PTA is fully cognizant of the growing requirements of digital services in the society, therefore, the regulator has been successfully managing the telecom sector for the widespread availability of latest ICT technologies across the country at affordable rates. Telecom sector has shown tremendous growth over the last few years and also achieved some exceptional milestones.

Since the introduction of 3G/4G services in Pakistan in 2014, the mobile broadband subscription has shown an exceptional growth pattern. It is an ample justification of the fact that cellular revolution has taken over the whole country by storm, connecting millions of people, creating thousands of job opportunities and source of revenue to the government. Owing to prudent policies, effective competition among telecom operators and PTA's commitment to introduce innovative technologies, 87% of the total population is covered with mobile signals, 75% are covered with 3G/4G signals, and Broadband (3G/4G) have reached a historic 100 million mark compared to only 2 million broadband subscribers in 2014. Today, broadband penetration reached 44.6%.

Widespread telecom infrastructure is available in the country with over 47,000 telecom towers / sites and distribution network across Pakistan with over 150,404 retailers and franchises.

Increased adoption of technology specifically in e-education and e-health has witnessed. Operators & businesses have scaled up their operations to facilitate the consumers and given rise to a local start-up boom in Fintech, food services and ride-hailing initiatives. PTA through USF and government policies is shifting the focus of the telecom operators from urban to words rural population to provide broadband, optic fiber and e-services, and bridge the digital divide. To increase the pace of telecom services proliferation, PTA has also enhanced the coverage and QoS obligations in the NGMS licenses.

Due to conducive policies/regulatory environment, Pakistan has significant presence of Intl' Telecom & Digital companies, such as China Mobile, Telenor Globle, Etisalat, etc. There is no barrier for new entrants. During all the NGMS license awards, new entrants were allowed to participate. Since 2003, investment by telecom companies of Pakistan have crossed USD 22.7 billion.

The sector has received over USD 11.6 billion FDI inflow since 2005. Starting the broadband journey in 2014, and now we are a family of 100 million people using broadband for numerous activities. People now do not have to stand in long queues and many daily life activities are now performed on a signal click-reducing cost of doing business, saving time, bringing efficiency, sparing more and more time for further innovation and reaching new heights using technology. All our commitments and achievements are geared to words accelerating Pakistan's journey to words a 'Digital Pakistan'.

Telecom sector being at the frontrunner in Pakistan economy for last couple of years has played a pivotal role in digitalization of the counter. PTA has always been encouraging fair competition keeping pace with rapid modernization of telecom systems, contributing to informed policymaking, and creating synergies. The commendable growth in the telecom sector is a result of prudent and supportive government policies, effective competition, presence of innovative international telecom operators, and the continuous resolve of the regulator to harness advanced technologies.

PTA for seeing the immense dependence of digitization broadband has been working diligently to enhance broadband penetration in the country. It has successfully conducted spectrum auctions and mobile licence renewals with conditions for enhanced network roll-out and improved quality of service which will pave way for further proliferation of broadband connectivity in the country. PTA is also looking into ways to free more spectrum to satisfy Pakistan's vast appetite for mobile broadband and VoLTE, and planning the auction of 5G spectrum in the near future. The aim of Government of Pakistan's "Digital Pakistan vision is to accelerate economic development, transparency, social progress and acquaint the youth with emerging digital technology skills.

It shows massive potential for further growth. Pakistan has a huge youth population, with 64 percent of the total population being below the age of 30. The youth has a huge appetite for new technology and new ideas which creates a lot of business potential in Pakistan for investors. PTA's regulatory approach reflects the vision of the Government to provide good investment opportunities, provide ease of doing business and to provide a level playing field for all investors. With the right approach, active participation and collaboration, PTA aims to fulfil the vision and dream of Digital Pakistan and keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Pakistan Post is issuing the Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs 20/- denomination on September 30, 2021.