A beggar in Islamabad, connected happily on World Telecom Day

The World Telecommunication & Information Society Day, previously known as World Telecom Day, is to be observed today to mark the 143rd International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This day was first celebrated in 1969. For me it means, hassle free access to information for everyone everywhere.

Pakistan has done good in recent past to provide cellular access to far flung areas but still there is a long way to go. Till March 08, Pakistan has attracted around 156.6 million USD in terms of FDI, and has tele-density of about 57% till Apr’08. Pakistan had a staggering growth rate (170%) in cellular subscribers head for the year 2006.

What people say about all this: Siddique Khan a taxi driver in Islamabad has opinion that it’s good that we have all these facilities but many a times we face difficulties while talking to our loved ones because of connectivity problems. My family resides in village in NWFP and we have limited choice there to use the service of only few operators, adds Siddique. I have heard that some more operators are installing their towers which will surely increase the service”.

Once i talked to another man and he said that it is very nice that even a sweeper, a cobbler, a tailor, barber… you name it and every body has cell in his pocket. This not only helps them to connect to their family members but also helps them in their business to book orders and provide availability/appointments on the phone. He had the view that cheap mobile phones should also be available in the market. Currently the average price for low end phones is 3500 to 4000 Pakistani rupees, which still is out of bounds for many in Pakistan.

Last but not least, give your opinions on how do you see the flooding telecom trend in Pakistan; what are the problems and what do you really see to be improved! Cheers and have a lots of talk on this telecom day as if calls were free today

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