|
|
In early 2009, The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) felt that
Pakistan was ready for 3G technology. With teledensity up to 63%, over 100
million mobile users and the telecom sector contributing 3% to the economy’s
GDP, the PTA announced in August 2009 that the services would be rolled out
very soon.
Since then we have had numerous seminars organized by PTA, themed upon
3G technology and its importance for Pakistan. These seminars were attended
by representatives of all the major telecom companies, government officials and
the successive ministers of IT and telecommunication. Even Qualcomm, a
leading US technology firm, was invited to participate and express its interest in
the Pakistan telecom industry. The most recent seminar wrapped up with the
PTA chairman stating “..by the end of this quarter they would be able to rollout
plans for 3G services once the policy is approved by the government”, a tune
that has been played to the industry for two years, now. I ask, what is the delay?
The government has been saying for two years now, that it is very serious
about launching 3G in Pakistan. But all we see are more and more statements
and false promises of a launch. People are already using 3G enabled handsets
in Pakistan without the services being available.
Mobile telecommunication has a large and significant impact upon economic
growth, besides helping social development. This impact may be twice as large
for a developing country like Pakistan, with mobile wireless technology such as
3G, offering the means to enhance mobility and ease in our lives through
improved and sophisticated services. Such technology would allow rural
businesses and consumers to be connected and be at par with global news,
markets and standards.
3G opens the doors to opportunities such as expansion in commerce,
betterment of workplace dynamics, greater citizen access to mobile enabled
healthcare and education services and steering the country towards being a
more information based society. So far the telecom industry is the most
attractive in terms of foreign direct investment and reels in almost 30% of it.
With 3G services, new ancillary businesses, such as the mobile application
development, would open up, where the focus would be on local applications
for the general population. This has the potential of greatly escalating the
quality and speed of carrying out everyday tasks and business related work.
A couple of years ago, Pakistan was a regional leader in the telecom market,
with one of the highest teledensities in the world. Even after the economic
downturn when the markets slowed down, an opportunity presented itself,
whereby 3G technology, if launched, could capture a new wave of users, along
with being ahead in the global standing. But the opportunity was never availed
and the government has continued to dither. Once regional telecom leaders,
we are now fast becoming tail-enders.
In 2008, India faced a great crisis with corruption poisoning its Telecom sector
and exposing the 2G spectrum scam that cost the Indian government 176,000
crore in damages. The former telecom minister A Raja issued licenses through
illegal means and at throwaway prices to inexperienced, under qualified and
ineligible companies, causing economic as well as reputation damages to the
country. The Pakistan economy could never withstand such a tremendous
setback. It is imperative that we learn from India’s mistakes and not follow that
track. Instead Pakistan government should put serious effort into granting these
3G licenses in a transparent manner, based on merit and stick to clearly
defined rules and procedures.
India eventually bounced back and finally launched 3G in 2010, along with
China, both are now reaping the benefits. Today even Nigeria and other parts
of Africa have launched 3G and the Middle East has taken a step further to 4G
services. We must not waste time, and I urge the government to take a stand
and work with the telecom sector in launching the 3G services. They must
figure out a way to support the IT and Telecom sectors allowing them to
achieve their true potential and sustaining both the economic and social growth
of the country.
|
|
|
|
The author is President & CEO NetSol Technologies
|
|
|
|
|
