My leader’s address to the gathering had a lot to say in a few words. It was not about rhetoric, but about solid commitment, unswerving resolve and an unmistakable belief to pull this nation out of hopelessness and despair.
The Pakistan Muslim League (N) has this proud legacy of delivering on commitments and taking our nation to the cutting edge of technology and ensuing socio-economic opportunities. The legacy began with our first short stint in power when the first optic fibre cable was laid and 2nd generation mobile services were introduced in 1990. This was followed by wireless pay phones and internet services in 1998 during the second tenure and we are strengthening the legacy in our third tenure with next generation mobile service, extensive deployment of optic fibre cable and e-service platforms.
The new era earmarked by the launch of 3G and 4G services is about making knowledge, information and services mainstream and taking knowledge empowered by ICTs to the core of our society. The convergence of internet and mobile telephony has created a rich brew of content and services that benefits more people, in more places than ever before.
The importance of ICTs for economic development has been widely acknowledged. Their positive impact on women’s empowerment, innovation, trade, employment, foreign investment, education and national competiveness is globally recognised.
According to the World Bank every 10 percent increase in broadband penetration has an impact of increasing GDP by 1.38 percent. With the launch of 3G and 4G services we can look forward to multiples of 10 percent increases and a corresponding growth in GDP.
With information highways powered by 3G and 4 G technologies simultaneously we now look forward to rapid proliferation of quality broadband to deliver on our government’s goal of accelerated digitisation.
Broadband penetration has also shown direct proportionality with several other economic indicators, including employment generation and productivity. Broadband deployment results in the creation of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
An independent study has predicted approximately 900,000 job opportunities across all these sectors in the next five years associated with 3G services. These estimates are based on the growth triggered by an expected 44 million mobile broadband users by 2018.
To complete the broadband infrastructure value chain the Universal Service Fund Company (USF) has been tasked specifically by our government to aggressively extend optic fibre cable connectivity in Pakistan. Under this programme the USF is deploying optic fibre cable/node to each underserved tehsil headquarters and all major en-route towns with population of 15000 and above.
Another forthcoming project aimed at bridging the digital divide between rural and urban communities is the establishment of universal telecentres. In the first phase, 500 telecentres will be established in un-served and underserved rural and semi urban areas of the four provinces and Islamabad. These centres will provide public access to ICT services and also create local employment opportunities.
Most professionals argue that the full value of broadband cannot be leveraged without useful content and citizen-centric applications. The prime focus at the IT ministry is the development of innovative applications and related databases and services. The ministry has initiated a process for international-standard certification of IT companies. Yet another initiative to succeed in achieving ‘e’ with its full potential is the fast-track rollout of the e-government platform to connect government ministries and department through an e-office programme.
We are also pursuing the e-commerce gateway project to catalyse e-commerce in Pakistan with the active support and participation of Ministry of Commerce and Finance. In addition, the Research and Development Board has guided an R&D company to seek, gather and fund innovative projects through academia/industry collaboration. Integrated Technology Parks in three major cities are being deliberated for providing creative and conducive environment for e-enablement.
Fuelled by the positive sentiment for trade and investment and the market opportunity associated with the 3G/4G services, the first time in the history of Pakistan telecom handsets and network equipment manufacturers are engaged with the IT ministry for exploring the option of local manufacturing and assembling facilities through Public Private Partnership together with setting up R&I Centres.
Today, the government of Pakistan stands equipped to deliver on the PML-N’s promise of the e-revolution for Pakistan. Together with local, regional and international stakeholders we will ensure that every measure is taken to put the nation on the track of technological advancement in the quest for ultimate prosperity for the masses and creation of a knowledge–based economy.
It is indeed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision, commitment and desire to equip Pakistan with next generation telecom and IT technologies as promised in the PML-N manifesto that we are striving to fulfil. To us these are not next generation networks (NGNs) but rather ‘next generation opportunities’.
---
Autor(en)/Author(s): Anusha Rahman Khan
Quelle/Source: The News International, 03.06.2014
Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:
