ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom Anusha Rehman on Wednesday said that the government and telecom industry needed to work hand-in-hand to realize the agenda of “Digital Pakistan.”
She said joint efforts were must for meaningful contribution of IT and connectivity to socio-economic welfare of the masses.
She expressed these views while inaugurating a flagship digital lab during a digital-festival organized by the Telenor Pakistan.
She expressed her firm intent to work in collaboration with the industry to achieve the milestone of “Digital Pakistan.”
After post 3G/4G, the minister said, there has been manifold and massive increase in consumption of mobile broadband, which has led to further opportunities for the operators beyond simple voice.
Broadband penetration which was below 3 per cent in 2013 has reached over 19 per cent and growing.
She appreciated Telenor Pakistan for looking into innovation in telecom services delivery, which is evident from their renewed focus on digital services applications and platforms.
“All of these measures directly or indirectly contribute to the achievement of digital Pakistan objective” she observed.
The minister said that the government wanted competition among the industry and welfare of the customers. “We want that the telecom industry should reach to farmers of the country and play vital role for socio-economic development” she said.
Digital services, financial inclusion, smart urbanization, Internet of Things (IoT), social sector applications and content are some of the key areas that the telecom service providers are now addressing as the part of their mainstream business.
The government has also accorded highest priority not only to cover remaining un-served population in terms of supply but also to support mainstream digitization of economy and society under the banner of “Digital Pakistan”, the minister added.
CEO an CMO Telenor Pakistan Irfan Wahab Khan said that “Telenor Pakistan is playing a pivotal role in the realization of government`s digital and financial inclusion goals. With innovative products and solutions and our largest and fastest growing 3G customer base, Telenor Pakistan continues to the digital life partner of the Pakistani people.”
