Every two seconds a new 3G subscriber is joining the network in Pakistan. That is, more than a million users are being on-boarded to the 3G networks every month. As per latest data released by the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA), 3G users totalled 10.3 million as of February end. Telenor is leading the pack with 3.15 million users, followed by Mobilink (2.6 mn), Ufone (2.47 mn) and Zong (2.12 mn).
The market-makers have our approval as far as the subscription growth goes. Thanks to PTA, we are being regularly updated on 3G numbers. These updates also serve to keep the competitive juices flowing. Now some operators may treat the 3G race as a sprint, others a marathon - but they can pretend to ignore these subscription numbers (are you heeding, Zong?).
This column would now like to break with congratulations and point out that serious work is still cut out for the telecom authorities. Its simply not enough to just roll out newest (or in this case, ten-year old) communications technology. Beyond communicating, what people can do or achieve with that technology in their lives matters more than ever in the now inter-connected physical-digital spheres.
So while numbers look sound and future looks great for 3G in this country, there is a need to move towards "useful connectivity" solutions. The social sector, governance institutions and commercial usage-cases seem ripe for them. We understand that this issue figures on the PTA chairmans to-do list. But a policy blueprint and action plan has to come out soon, so as to start channelling 3G beyond mere communication and browsing and towards more productive usage.
There is another issue that merits attention here. To really unlock the technologys economic potential, online commerce - or e-tailing - needs to be facilitated in this country. Right now, it remains shackled, thanks to absence of electronic payment gateways. SBP has done some work in this regard but it is deemed by tech folks as inadequate and pandering to the banking lobby.
High-speed mobile internet can catalyse commercial activities. A critical mass of potential customers is already here. But the cash-on-delivery model - which is currently indispensable to local e-tailers like Daraz.pk and Hopeshopping.pk in the absence of electronic payment gateways - not only hurts customer experience but also makes the payment process highly inefficient from both liquidity and logistic points of view. PTA must try to bear upon the banking stakeholders to remove this drag.
Lastly, it would be great if an urban-rural breakup of 3G subscriptions is also provided alongside regular stats. Understandably, for commercial reasons, urban areas are the first to receive coverage. However, if even after a year most of the subscriptions are concentrated in urban areas, with very little coverage in areas truly rural in character, it may strengthen the already-existing digital divide favouring urban residents.
Comments
Comments are closed.