Point of Discussion:

With reference to the article, entitled Socio-economic impact of 3G/4G technology on

Pakistan, please create discussion on following point:
You are required to identify the potential areas which need extensive research before
implementing the strategy to act.


3G, where else your focus is?
A R : The key objective of our manifesto is creating job opportunities and economic growth.
Now we have this technology highway. We are also working in parallel to create a need in the
public sector to use this medium and contribute in raising demand to flourish private sector. In
order to achieve that we have given three targets to Universal Service Fund (USF), such as
establishing tele-centers in underserved and un-served areas of the country. For the purpose of
ubiquitous development, my preference is for penetration of technology in remote areas where
people could enjoy similar facilities as people in cities do. We want to develop these areas with
services like m/e-health, tele-medicine, e-education, m/e-commerce and e-banking etc. We have
also directed USF to lay down fiber optic cable to connect those areas with rest of the country.
USF has already spread optic fiber to 4000 km in Balochistan and we want them to carry out
similar activity in other underdeveloped areas of the country as well. There are areas in Pakistan
such as FATA where connectivity is at zero level. USF has also been tasked to connect those
areas.
We have also directed a one point agenda to R&D fund that they should prefer to fund only those
projects which can eventually have a commercial value as well. Let me give you an example,
immediately, we need e-agriculture apps which could help farmers in order to enhance their
productivity. These app would educate farmers on fertilizers and their usage pattern, how to
handle a crop in a certain weather condition? Or what to do if a disease spread out? 3G and 4G
will help establish connectivity for these kind of services. We are encouraging smaller
companies with limited resources to develop such apps. Our message for the young developers is
to come forward with your fantastic projects on e-agriculture and like. If your project turns out to
be a need of industry, R&D will provide required funding.
You talked about thousands of jobs creation, how this will happen?
A R: Around 900,000 direct and indirect jobs are expected to be created in the next 5 years as a
result of advent of 3G/4G in telecommunication sector. These jobs will not only engage those
who belong to IT and Telecom sector but also the people who are connected to other sectors of
life. From an IT and Telecom graduate to skilled workers, all will get their share in this
development.
Telecom operators have issues with Right of Ways in many areas of Pakistan, what you are
doing to resolve the issue?
A R: I have taken up the matter. I requested a proposal from the telecom companies regarding
the issue which they are to provide right after license process is completed. So far, I have not
received any document from them. As soon as they submit the proposal, we will try to resolve
the issue by working with higher authorities.
Students at school level are not well equipped with latest technology education. What MoIT
is doing in this area?
A R: This question is a provincial matter. Technology is an enabler, it is for those responsible in
their areas to use this enabler for improving efficiencies and delivery.
To increase computer awareness in less educated sector of the country we need to increase the
number of computer courses and diplomas of computer learning.
Virtual University of Pakistan in running under MOIT. We have established its campuses in
many areas of the country to facilitate those who do not have computers. We have directed them
to teach what is in demand from industry for further strengthening bond between industry and
academia and ensuring job opportunities on graduation.
What are your plans regarding local manufacturing of mobile phones in Pakistan?
A R: Other than 3G and 4G, my focus is on emphasizing the need of local manufacturing of
mobile phones/network equipment/computers, Research and Innovation and transfer of
technology in Pakistan. In our policy directive to PTA, we have inserted that cellular operators
should be encouraged to take initiatives in this area. We are in talks with several mobile
manufacturing companies to invest in Telephone Industries of Pakistan through a public private
partnership mode. This would not only strengthen the weakening organization but also pave way
for transfer of technology in the country. We are ready to facilitate foreign companies by giving
them tax concession if they bring investment in this area. If mobile phones and computers could
be manufactured here, their prices will be much lower. This will be another stream of foreign
direct investment in Pakistan.
We have received an encouraging response from a few companies and one of them has assured
to come back with a proposal in two month time. I have also demanded from telecom operators
to install smart BTS towers that are locally assembled for keeping the environment clean and
clutter free.
Since government has secured foreign investment by selling 3G and 4G licenses, what are
other revenue streams we should expect in the coming years?
A R: Pakistan has lost millions of dollars every years by just not introducing 3G in a timely
manner in the country. Now you can have a clue that if Pakistan lost such a huge amount for not
having this technology then what it can generate after having these technologies. China Mobile
has committed to invest $ 1 billion in next two years. Every company has almost a similar target
and on the whole, nearly $4 billion will come in the country in next 4 years. We will support
telecom sector in all the way to make this happen



Final Answer
For last few years, mobile penetration growth in Pakistan remained in single digit due to slow
economic growth, market maturity and availability of only 2G services in the market. Rural
markets provide opportunities for the cellular mobile operators to increase mobile penetration in
these areas in absence of next generation services.
3G and 4G broadband innovations will bring about venture, business and development in the
nation. Increment in government income, production of job chances, development in the GDP of
nation
The 3G Mobile Broadband would ensure availability of a number of data intensive value added
services, such as real-time access to medical records, on demand TV, e-education, cloud
computing, video calls, real-time weather forecasts and advisory for farmers and many more

3G and 4G technology: Due to market saturation, slow economic growth and accessibility of
only 2G services in Pakistani market; mobile penetration and industry growth has been remained
in a single digit for the last many years. Advent of 3G/4G technology in Pakistan will bring
venture, business, production of more job chances and increment in government income,
improvement in productivity and development in the GDP of nation. This will ensure
accessibility of value added data intensive services, for example, on demand TV, medical
records real-time access, weather forecast, e-education, video calls, cloud computing,
advisory for farmers and many more.
Strategy to implement: The strategy of 3G and 4G broadband innovation in Pakistan will open
new doors of opportunities in creating more jobs and increasing economic growth. If a person is
trapped on roads due to accidents, bad weather or road works, he can track his journey and can
take help with this new technology which can assist road-conditions or maps. With the efficient
use of fastest internet, Hospitals and doctors can provide transmission of scans and reports,
especially in the case of transporting patients. Wireless connections give a chance to work,
connect, learn and play for countries which are dependent on infrequent and insufficient
electricity.
Potential areas for research: Potential areas in market which need extensive research before
implementing this strategy to act are e-learning, e-health, e-commerce and e-agriculture.
Services like smart grid, electronic sensors and smart meters will bring drastic positive changes
in the sector of water and gas. These utilities are one of the basic potential areas where extensive
research is required. Dynamic pricing instead of presently used fixed pricing and optimum
energy consumption are the small examples of changes after research and implementation of
smart grids and smart meters. Transportation sector also needs research regarding connected
automobiles and remote monitoring of automobiles which can support telemetry applications
such as driver and vehicle performance monitoring, usage of internet during travelling and
delivery of emergency services. Health is also one of the key sectors which needs further
research regarding health care solution like remote consultations and diagnosis. Meager
resources need to be managed to provide Telemedicine facilities, video conferencing by doctors,
connection of ambulances and hospitals, dengue tracking system, Education industry will also
be revolutionized by 3G and 4G technology. It will bridge gap between students of rural areas
through online educational content. E-agriculture applications can also be generated which can
educate farmers in order to enhance their productivity To serve these potential areas Universal
Service Fund (USF) has to show efforts, such as building tele-centers in un-served and
underserved areas of Pakistan. Penetration of technology in remote areas is required where
people can enjoy similar facilities as people in urban areas do.