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Cellular users reach 121 million Telcos added 143,609 new telco users in February(Flare (Pakistan) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Teledensity is one of the foremost indicators of a country’s telecom outlook. Total teledensity of the Pakistan dropped to 68 percent from 72 percent thanks to sales of cellular connections in Pakistan which hit the rock bottom, since the new SIM rules are confining cellular companies to sell SIMs via service centres and company owned franchises only and cleaning the unregistered SIMs. According to latest stats issued by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, five cellular companies added a total of 143,609 new subscribers in February 2013, down from average addition of around 1000,000 subscribers per month during past six months. Total cellular base was recorded at 120,962,829 subscribers at the end of February 2013, up from 120,819,220 subscribers in January 2013. Mobilink remained the market leader with 36,011,288 subscribers, while Telenor stood second with 30,423,114 subscribers. Ufone had 23,345,258 subscribers at the end of February 2013 while Zong reported 18,659,009 subscribers. Warid registered a total base of 12,524,160 subscribers during the given period. Cellular sector is the most important part of the telecom profile of Pakistan as it constitutes the major part of overall teledensity figure. Telecom mobile sector of Pakistan is a competitive market as confirmed by the Herfindhal-Hirschman Index (HHI) for the sector. As a result, companies kept on increasing their network coverage to gain the first entrant advantage as cell sites increased to 33,920 during FY 2012. In addition, PTA regularly explores new growth avenues for the cellular industry such as mobile financial services where PTA has collaborated with State Bank of Pakistan to use mobile platform to reach the 85percent unbanked population of the country. The daunting task of formulating the Regulations, it showed in annual report of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. The report reveal that PTA always keeps national and public interests at the apex of its regulatory schema and the regulator’s efforts to reorganize the SIM sale and subscriber verification procedures need no introduction. This year, PTA took the next step in this regard as automation of pre-sale documentation project rolled out this year. For consumer health safety, PTA conducted BTS health hazard survey to ensure that mobile signals do not harm any individual in the nearby areas. Similarly, PTA took stern measures to restrict cross border interference and sale of Afghan SIMs in Pakistan territory. For consumer protection, PTA has already set up a dedicated department and revamped its complaint management system to ensure consumers reach the Authority conveniently. During the FY2012, PTA resolved 33,310 consumer complaints received against mobile operators, PTCL, LDIs, WLL, ISPs and MNP. In order to gauge consumer perception about telecom services, PTA launched consumer perception survey system and shared the results with general public. Besides approving consumer friendly package offers, PTA also prepared a comprehensive tariff awareness guide for consumers highlighting important aspects of tariffs and packages. For development of rural connectivity in far flung areas, PTA launched the cellular village connection trial (CVCT) project in Neelum Valley, AJK. Recognizing the pivotal role of agriculture in country’s economy, PTA organized a seminar on telecom’s potential to assist and develop the agriculture sector of Pakistan. To ensure regulatory compliance by the operators, PTA issued enforcement orders to the operators related to different matters. PTA took notice of increasing helpline assistance service charges by operators and refrained them from doing so. PTA also settled issues pertaining to broadband which were mostly related to PTCL’s anti competitive practices. As part of its mandate and being a quality driven organization, PTA carried out a number of surveys related to broadband, helpline assistance, MNP and Internet bandwidth providers. The survey results were shared with the public for information and areas of improvement conveyed to the relevant operators. PTA also blocked websites and other internet links which are considered offensive and hateful towards the sentiments of the general public on regular basis. All these regulatory efforts of PTA had a positive impact on the sector economy as telecom revenue also spiked to Rs. 411 billion showing a growth of 13percent during FY2012. Telecom contribution to the national kitty was the highest ever this year i.e. Rs. 132.51 billion. Investment remained on the lower side this year; however, this would be a temporary phase as companies prepare for massive investment in the 3G arena soon. During FY2012, total telecom imports in the country increased by 24.5percent to reach $ 954 million mainly due to high imports of mobile handsets. Broadband subscribers in Pakistan crossed the two million mark to reach 2,178,833 showing 41 percent growth rate during FY2012. The challenge for PTA though is to elevate the broadband penetration which currently stands at 1.2 percent, up from 0.89 percent at the end of previous year. Wireless technologies like WiMAX and EvDO could be the game changer as these are already outperforming the primitive fixed broadband options. Similarly, local loop (LL) segment of the telecom industry is gradually progressing where customers are turning towards wireless solutions such as mobile cellular services. PTA places special emphasis on research to transfer and implement new technologies as well as to find out ways of better management of the telecom sector. PTA is also widely regarded as one of the best examples of a sound regulatory regime; therefore, international and national organizations collaborate with PTA to conduct trainings, workshops, seminars and forums etc. In this regard, PTA joined hands with a number of local and international organizations such as ITU, LIRNEasia, CGAP, APNIC, Huawei, Ericsson etc to conduct seminars/workshops/ forums relevant to the emerging challenges of the telecom industry. PTA also takes care of its work force by organizing various local and foreign trainings and also sends its officers for representation at various international forums. PTA, as caretaker of the telecommunication industry of Pakistan, believes in minimum regulatory intervention without compromising on quality of service (QoS), consumer protection, investor concerns and national interests. The Authority shall continue to govern the telecom sector with watchful eye and deal with emerging issues of the sector with professionalism and reconciliation with all stakeholders. |