According to Annual Report 2018-2019 issued by PTA, Pakistan’s Telecom sector has contributed over Rs. 96 billion to the national exchequer in terms of taxes, duties and levies, attracted investments to the tune of US$636 million while sector revenue crossed Rs. 552 billion.
The telecom sector attracted USD 236 million FDI during the year.
The annual report released by PTA represents a comprehensive overview of the PTA and the telecommunication sector’s performance for the year 2018-19.
As per the report, telecom sector continued to grow positively in terms of subscription, revenues and teledensity.
The sector showed a steady growth in subscribers as total subscribers increased to 163.5 million at the end of FY 2018-19, showing a year on year growth of 7%.
The total teledensity reached to 77.7% where the main contribution was by the mobile sector penetration crossing 76.4%. Pakistan has overall 44,919 cell sites covering length and breadth of the county.
The subscription and usage of Broadband service in the country has seen an exceptional growth. Data usage over broadband networks was 2,545 PB for FY 2018-19 from 1,207 PB in FY 2017-18, showing a year on year growth of 113%.
In order to promote latest technologies, PTA took number of initiatives, in which was to set the stage for launch of 5G technology in future. For this, PTA unveiled plans for tests and trials of 5G which is expected to reshape the technological, social and economic landscape of Pakistan.
PTA as a regulator kept playing its role prudently by ensuring an open, competitive, fair and well-regulated sector. It has made a meaningful contribution to the national economy by restricting import of mobile devices through grey channels by implementing DIRBS.
Resultantly, the import of mobile phones through illegal channels has been minimized & FBR’s revenues increased exponentially. Implementation of DIRBS also created incentive for local assembly/manufacture of mobile phones. PTA has been working closely with the State Bank of Pakistan for enhancing digital payments
Expanding 4G coverage through latest technology, promoting broadband connectivity, availability of additional spectrum, affordable 4G handsets, addressing Right of Way(RoW) issues, expanding fiber connectivity, improved QoS parameters, better coverage & 5G testing will continue to be PTA’s priority areas.
The PTA annual report can be accessed online over here.
Excellent report. Good work Shahbash.