The GSMA (Groupe Speciale Mobile Association) has reiterated its strong commitment to supporting Pakistan’s ambitious “Digital Pakistan” vision. This national program aims to leverage the power of digital technologies to build a knowledge-based economy and drive widespread socio-economic growth.
Pakistan has made significant progress in its digital transformation journey. Mobile broadband network coverage has reached nearly 80% of the adult population, a stark contrast to the mere 15% coverage in 2010. However, challenges persist. Despite widespread network availability, only 22% of the population currently subscribes to mobile internet.Bridging this digital divide remains a crucial step.
GSMA Collaborates with Key Stakeholders
During a recent visit to Pakistan, GSMA representatives met with key government officials and industry leaders, including mobile network operators, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT). Discussions focused on critical priorities for 2023, with a specific emphasis on:
- Policy Reform: Advocating for policy reforms that ensure the financial sustainability of the telecom industry.
- Spectrum Allocation: Addressing efficient spectrum allocation strategies.
- Digital Gender Gap: Promoting gender inclusion within the digital landscape.
- Supporting Youth Initiatives: Encouraging and empowering youth participation in the digital revolution.
Several key initiatives demonstrate the commitment to collaborative action:
- Digital Inclusion for Women and SMEs: A signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mobilink Microfinance Bank and GSMA signifies a joint effort to promote digital inclusion for female entrepreneurs, small and medium businesses (SMEs), and the agri-tech sector.
- Making Mobile Internet Affordable: The “Smartphone 4 All” event, co-organized by GSMA, MoITT, and Kistpay, served as a platform to launch the new GSMA report, “Making Digital Pakistan a reality.” This report emphasizes the importance of affordable handsets in driving wider mobile internet adoption.
- Improving Mobile Connectivity: The GSMA conducted a Mobile Connectivity Index (MCI) workshop at PTA headquarters. This workshop aimed to identify areas and actions for improving mobile connectivity through collaboration with key stakeholders.
The GSMA emphasizes the critical role of the mobile industry in realizing the “Digital Pakistan” vision. They advocate for supportive policies that include:
- Fiscal Incentives: Favorable fiscal policies to encourage investment in the ICT sector.
- Reduced Fees: Removal of sector-specific fees to ensure financial sustainability for telecom operators.
- Predictable Regulations: Establishment of predictable regulations that attract foreign investment in the ICT sector.
This renewed collaboration between the GSMA and Pakistan paves the way for a future powered by digital inclusion and technological advancement, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s overall development.
