Ministry
of Inf0rmation techn0l0gy and Telec0mmunications clear drafting programs to
translate the development of telecommunications in measurable economic benefits
the nation.
Secretary
IT and telecommunications, Anusha Rehman said Tuesday in this direction a team
has to work on a strategy for the achievement of development objectives,
including anticipated rate of.
Additional
job creation to 900,000 tune in next six years, while a target of 20 %
broadband penetration and an equivalent increase in real GDP in the next five
years.
In a
seminar entitled" Driving Sustainability, Long Term in the
telecommunications sector in Pakistan," organized by GSM Association here,
called on the industry to help the democratic government with the innovation of
services to address all of these forecasts and serve their fellow citizens in
their own backyard.
It
was attended by the Chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Dr.
Syed Shah Ismail, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and senior staff of the GSMA
Mobile phone executives and industry experts.
Anusha
Rehman said the present government had estimated that the country's development
in an information society and knowledge economy could be achieved by utilizing
the and strengthening the four pillars-governance, public services, local
software economy and technology.
"We
all have the intention and determination to exploiting the latest broadband
technologies to facilitate engagement with civil society organizations,
businesses and other services through a vision To enable socioeconomic
development and stimulate economic growth,"he said.
He
recently renewed the telecommunication industry in the country is definitely
the engine to build a holistic digital ecosystem infrastructure and the
institutional framework for Rapid delivery of next- generati0n digital services
, applications and related content .
The
minister said the new era began after the award spectrum next generation will
lead to the empowerment of people, and also marks a commitment on the part of
PML (N) government that will let any obstacle come in the way of allowing every
possible opportunity people." Definitely well and truly deserve all that
the next generation of communications has in st0re f0r them," he said and
reiterated its determination to support, develop and enhance the investment
industry partners through proactive policy and regulatory measures.
He
said Inf0rmation and C0mmunication Technologies (ICT), powered by modern mobile
broadband platforms are powerful engines of economic growth, but also a significant
direct source of revenue, accounting for more than 5 percent of GDP in many
countries, in addition to the numerous social benefits.
"It
is a program of our government for the use of ICT to facilitate all these
benefits," he added. The f0cal areas , said it accelerated deployment of
electronic services and the development of applications and content to the
socioeconomic development through the digitization of traditional sectors, but
also to utilize electronic governance to make Pakistan a pioneer in the area of
good governance through solutions at all levels.
Anusha
Rehman assured that her ministry is focused on ensuring that the Cellular
Mobile Operators ( CMOs), secured licenses next generation have a favorable and
supportive regulatory and policy framework going forward to focus on providing
a solution for the masses, instead of focus on solving the problem domain.
The
ministry is also willing to solve pressing issues such as taxation, the right
of way, telecommunications policy revision, especially in the wake of the
recent auction, said added these issues have been taken by higher authorities.
"Our p0licy is definitely g0ing to meet long-term demand of the industry
to design a full spectrum road-map for the future framework of leaving markets
to play their role in this matter," he said.
The
Minister said Pakistan has now gone through the phase of supply policies and
heading towards the demand side policies or minimum for a proper balance
between the supply and the demand side and assured " will be proactive in
building more spectrum resources as demand increases."
He
expressed the hope that this forum will help in finding solutions for the
future, as the best and brightest minds of the industry gathered to facilitate
growth and opportunity.
Chairman
PTA said that the auction of spectrum to make mobile broadband available to
consumers was a landmark event.
He
said for consumers, the availability of high-speed mobile broadband services in
both urban and rural areas will encourage a more connected community and
promoting electronic commerce activities. He hoped also that mobile services
next generation will be a catalyst for the growth of GDP and to introduce
innovative electronic services.
In
his address , the head of the GSMA Asia, Irene Ng spoke about a long-term
vision for the mobile industry. Vikram Raval, Director of Public Policy, GSMA
talked about best practices for more sustainable and equitable tax structure. Head
of Corporate Affairs at Telenor, Aslam Hayat also spoke on the occasion.