The EEC has recently approved the long-waited telecom policy. The policy has addressed and deliberately looked into the issues of current mobile operators, which will make the Telecom sector stronger.“By and large the new policy is very positive for the industry and we look forward to a level-playing field that will further boost the sector’s growth.”

The recent Telecom Policy will add to greater benefits to Pakistan economy by 2025

Commented Omar Manzur, Director Corporate Communication at Mobilink which has the largest cellular Mobile Operator by user base.

Undoubtedly, the document favors the telecom sector but the government is still not in the favor of industry prominence of Mobilink by merging with or acquiring the competitors. However, Omar Manzur assured that they are still in talk with government for positive results such as lessening their tax compulsions, such as customs duty, sales tax and income tax. The telecom sector after its deregulation has shown immense growth with increasing teledensity due to mobile penetration.  As per October 2015 stats, it is near 66 percent which 4.3% up since deregulation.

“The Telecom Policy 2015 is aimed to facilitate the attainment of an all-embracing national agenda and to transform Pakistan into an economically vibrant, knowledge-based, middle-income country by 2025.” As per the new policy document states.

Hayat informed that he will provide a promising base for telecom infrastructure, spectrum, Universal Services Fund (USF), ICT, research and development funds and satellite telecommunications. Further, it will also look into the tax economy of these initiatives. Other problems that have been taken care of Wi-Fi hot spots, fast tracking right of way process for telecom infrastructure, abolishing grey telephony, creating telecentres with USF fund to surge coverage in under-served areas. In addition, policy aims at more penetration into masses and increased competition among telecos.