PTA, stakeholders to form broadband group
Monday, November 17, 2008 18:38ISLAMABAD: Dialogues between the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and other stakeholders concerned have decided to form a broadband stakeholders group to study various aspects of the service and suggest measures to boost it.
The meeting was chaired by PTA Chairman Dr Mohammad Yaseen and attended by representatives of the Ministry of Information Technology, Universal Service Fund, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) R&D, Pakistan Software Export Board, broadband service providers, mobile phone operators, vendors, consultants and academia.
The participants suggested carrying out a study to assess the impact of present taxes on growth of telecom and ICT sectors. Based on results of the study, a case may be taken up accordingly by the Ministry of Information Technology with relevant ministries to eliminate or reduce taxes.
In his opening remarks, Dr Yaseen gave an overview of the telecom sector and highlighted broadband proliferation issues. He said during the past few years, different segments of telecom sector have shown exponential growth, however, broadband proliferation has been comparatively slow. He said percentage growth of broadband has been good but subscriber base is very less.
He highlighted the market potential for broadband in the country and asked the participants to give their suggestions for enhancing the broadband proliferation in the country.
The participants appreciated initiatives of PTA for holding this meeting on an issue of prime importance and expressed their views and made various recommendations.
The various issues which were discussed in the meeting included facilitation by the government and PTA, infrastructure related problems and difficulties, taxation by the government, development of contents, creating enabling environment and utilization of USF for broadband proliferation.
The participants were briefed about the projects undertaken by the USF for broadband. This included laying of optic fiber cable all over the country and a pilot project started in Faisalabad connecting schools, libraries and dispensaries.
They suggested that the government should give incentive to the ICT industry and play its role to create enabling environment taking on board all relevant ministries and departments.
They also proposed that focus should be given to rural areas where there is a great need of e-education and e-government and e-health. It was also pointed out that the “access” is the real impediment to the broadband proliferation, therefore, wireless technology is the best option for its development. In this regard, the availability of more spectrum was also highlighted.
It was suggested in the meeting that a study be carried out to assess the impact of present taxation on growth of telecom and ICT sectors. On the basis of the results of this study, a case may be taken up accordingly by MOIT with the relevant ministry for eliminating/reducing the taxes.
This was also decided in the meeting that PTA should lead the broadband stakeholders group. It was also highlighted that customer awareness campaign be also launched in order to expatiate the benefits of broadband.
