Telecom sector: an estimated 200,000 jobs generated since 3G/4G launch

ISLAMABAD: Since the launch of 3G/4G in Pakistan, an estimated total employment of 200,000 (direct and indirect) has been generated by the telecom sector, official documents revealed.

Documents noted that with the successful auction of spectrum in 2,100 MHz and 1,800 MHz bands in June 2014, telecom operators launched 3G /4G services in Pakistan. Over the years, operators have expanded their 3G/4G networks and towers across Pakistan and generated a number of direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Since the launch of 3G/4G in Pakistan, an estimated total employment of 200,000 (direct and indirect) has been generated by the telecom sector, in which, 5,780 are direct job creation by telecom companies, whereas, the rest are indirect job opportunities that include employment generated through mobile phone shops, Franchises/ retailers, Tower Manufacturers, Tower Installation Companies, Tower Security Staff, Sub- Contractors, Consulting / Service Companies.

In addition, PTA has also issued 30 authorizations to mobile device manufacturing companies that have also generated an estimated 50,000 employment opportunities. It may be noted that the above-referred employment estimates do not include induced employment generated in the economy by widespread usage of 3G/4G services in the country such as e-commerce, e-businesses, e-banking, Uber/Creem/Bykea services, freelancing etc.

The documents further stated that employment estimates are based only on the information available with PTA. However, currently approximately 44,200 employees working in all telecom companies in Pakistan and 128 million broadband subscribers are in Pakistan.

Following steps taken by the government in view of the revolutionary changes in the field of technology: Technological field has two components i.e. Telecom and IT Services. The PTA is dealing with one of the components i.e. Telecom Services and allied Telecom Systems.

The following steps have been taken by the PTA in this regard as per policy directions of the federal government as well as guidelines of MOIT&T: (1) Renewal of cellular licenses of Jazz, Ufone and Telenor with the following clauses to improve the quality of services and enhance coverage;(2) Mandatory Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) as well as FTTH connections for licensed operators to enhance fiberization in the country; (3) Introduction of 4G services in AJ&K and GB; (4) Issuing of rolling spectrum strategy, for better visibility of spectrum policies of the government;(5) Ease of doing business by simplifying the telecom licensing process, in various categories; (6) Right of Way Policy issued by federal government; (7) New Cable System —PEACE - Addl 16 Tbps international capacity;(8) Spectrum Auction —Pakistan - 9 MHz, AJ&K and GB - 28.6 MHz;(9) Framework for 5G Roadmap and Trials.

All companies successfully conducted 5G trials.

Cellular Mobile Network Quality of Service Regulations, 2021 has been promulgated on 9th September 2021. This regulation enabled the PTA to standardise the definition and measurement procedures of service quality parameters as per the latest ITU standards.

The threshold values of Mobile Broadband Speed have been enhanced to cater for the growing demand of consumers. Besides this, the latest ETSI methodology of 10 measurement Network Performance Score (NPS) is also part of these Regulations.

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