Telecom services contribution to reach 1.4 pc of GDP by 2025

ISLAMABAD

Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications (MoIT) has envisioned to take contribution of telecom services up to 1.4 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025.
Besides, the active export of telecom sector will be enhanced from US $ 1.4 billion to $ 4.0 billion by 2020.
Official sources said it has been recognized that implementation of proposed telecom policy would have far reaching impacts on national economy as it has been envisaged to increase telecom revenue to Rs. 800 billion in next five years.
The sources said during year 2014-15, telecom sector achieved new heights of success after launch of Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS).
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), a regulator is striving to maintain a balance between smooth provision of latest telecom technologies, protecting telecom consumer interests and facilitating fair business concerns of the investors.
As part its measures, the Authority streamlined the SIM sale process and implemented Biometric Verification System (BVS) at sales channels of Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) which is a landmark achievement in this regard.
Working hand in hand with the telecom industry and under the patronage of government, the telecom sector continued to perform well above expectations during the first two quarters of this year.
PTA’s efforts have been well appreciated for proliferation of telecom and ICT services in Pakistan by prestigious international forums.
Since the auction of NGMS spectrum in April 2014, PTA has won many accolades within and outside Pakistan for not only conducting fair, transparent and efficient auction of NGMS spectrum but also for being proactive in meeting the present day challenges of the telecom industry.
The long anticipated availability of broadband speeds on cellular handsets became an immediate phenomenon as the number of 3G and 4G LTE subscribers spiked instantly.
According to latest available statistics, approximately one million 3G and 4G LTE subscriptions are being added by CMOs each month since the commercial launch of these services in Pakistan.
The coverage area of 3G and 4G LTE services is also expanding to the major cities of Pakistan which means that the subscriptions will also expand in parallel with expanding coverage.

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