The digital transformation of
economies across the globe is accelerating with ever increasing pace. Disruptive
technologies and emerging customer expectations are pushing the telecom industry
for advanced solutions of high speed connectivity and access.A key aspect of
Pakistan’s digital policy and PTA’s regulatory approach has been to ensure
wide-spread broadband access across Pakistan.
Pakistan started its journey towards high speed mobile broadband services in
2014 with the auction of spectrum by PTA for Next Generation Mobile Services and
deployment of 3G/4G infrastructure in Pakistan. With the moveto 3G/4G services
in 2014, Pakistan entered into mobile broadband era. Though a bit late for 3G
services, it was a wise move to introduce4G services along with 3G.PTA further
strengthened the uptake of 4G services with additional spectrum auctions of 1800
MHz and 850 MHz in the years 2016, 2017 and 2021. The benefits of simultaneously
launching 3G and 4G - creating a competitive environmentand continuous supply of
required spectrum for advanced technologies - are evident in terms of achieving
116 million broadband mark in just eight yearsfromthe launch of mobile broadband
in Pakistan. This is a remarkable achievement by any yardstick.
Today wide-spread competitive telecom services are available to the people of
Pakistan. We have mobile coverage for over 89% of the population with 193
million biometrically verified SIMs / subscribers andmore than 116 million
broadband subscribers (52.6% BB penetration) compared to meagre 2 million
subscriptions in 2012 before the launch of 3G/4G mobile services. Currently, 77%
of Pakistan’s population is covered by 3G mobile signals and 75% by 4G signals,
catering to the needs of majority of populace all over the country. With prudent
policies and introduction of innovative servicesby telecom operators, the people
of Pakistan are getting internet / broadband services at one of the most
affordable prices in the region. It is pertinent to mention that mobile 1GB data
prices further declined to only 0.58% of the Gross National Income (GNI) per
capita which is well below the UN Broadband Commission’s recommendation of less
than 2%. Moreover, as per Speedtest Global IndexApril 2022, Pakistan’s average
mobile broadband download speed of 17.2 Mbps is also above the speed levels in
other regional countries.
Widespread telecom infrastructure with over 50,632 telecom towers / sites and
distribution network across Pakistan with over 220,000retailers and
franchisesare not only serving the need of telecom services but also helping the
spread of many other digital servicesfor example:with active participation of
mobile operators, their distribution network has enabled opening of 79 million
mobile banking (m-Wallets) accounts and 587,547 m-wallet agents. Wide spread
broadband services and digital payments have also enabled e-commerce upsurge in
Pakistan. E-commerce market in FY20is estimated to have expanded to Rs. 234.6
billion, up 55.5 percent on Year-on-Year (YoY) basis, according to State Bank of
Pakistan's (SBP) special section on'Covid-19 and the Need to Boost Digital
Connectivity in Pakistan’in its report.Using broadband services, the e-banking
has seen remarkable increase i.e. quarterly mobile banking transactions
(app-based / internet only) increased by 8 times from 11.9 million in 1Q2019 to
94 million in 4Q2021 and quarterly internet banking transactions almost
quadrupled from 8.6 million in 1Q2019 to 33.8 million in 4Q2021. Similarly, the
uptake of myriaddigital solutions and services in the country were only made
possible through broadband.
Despite widespread availability of broadband services, there is a gap vis-à-vis
broadband adoption. PTA is, therefore, strategizing on enhancement of current
infrastructure for the promotion of digital inclusion in the country.In
2021-2022, PTA had extensive engagements with the industry for the uplift of 4G/LTE
services in Pakistan as well as AJ&K and GB: made available additional spectrum
(1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands); renewed existing spectrum assignments;
refarmedspectrum assignments, facilitated Optic Fibre deployment and mitigated
Right of Way issues, and enhanced Quality of Service and coverage obligations to
ensure high quality 4G services to the people of Pakistan as well as AJ&K and
GB.These measures along with the approval of Rolling Spectrum Strategy 2020-2023
will enable operators to manage their network planning and investments. This
will ensure accessibility and availability of telecom services to meet the local
demand for broadband.
Along with GoP’s policy for the availability of 5G services in the country, MoiT
and PTA are also planning for spectrum auction for the enhanced proliferation of
LTE, VoLTE and 5G services in near future. Successful 5G tests have already been
carried out in the country. Large contiguous bandwidth availability will be
worked out and rollout for 5G will be prioritized and facilitated.
For a healthy mobile device eco-system, the implementation of PTA’s Device
Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) in 2019 and Mobile
Device Manufacturing Regulations, 2021 has also resulted in establishment of
over 31 local assembly/manufacturing plants of affordable mobile devices in
Pakistan. Over 64 million mobile devices have been locally
assembled/manufactured in Pakistan since 2018 till date with 16 million 3G/4G
smart phones.
With high broadband penetration, enabling regulations and majority of the
population being under the age of 45 years, Pakistan has all the key ingredients
to cater for the digital revolution. PTA is supporting and creating a favourable
and enabling environment for innovation while strengthening consumer protection,
data privacy and cyber security. Being acknowledged as the only 4th Generation
Regulator in South Asia due to its collaborative and conducive regulatory
environment, PTA should continue its resolve for enabling regulatory framework
for the promotion of broadband and digital services in the country.