Experts from government, regulators, and telecom companies in Pakistan came together to discuss challenges facing the IT and Telecommunication sector. Stakeholders emphasized collaboration to overcome bottlenecks, including rationalizing spectrum allocation and licensing mechanisms.
While acknowledging existing competition, some speakers argued for a shift towards “healthy competition” through regulations. This could involve infrastructure sharing among operators to improve service delivery, particularly in rural areas.
The high cost of spectrum pegged to the US dollar and a volatile currency environment were cited as deterrents to investment. Regulatory reforms and a “whole of government” approach were proposed to address these challenges.
Balancing competition with consumer needs was another key point. Discussions included potential tariff increases alongside addressing ongoing issues like call drops and limited data availability. Speakers stressed the need for modernization to keep pace with regional developments. This could involve a shift to unified licensing, spectrum price rationalization, and reduced tax burdens.
The lack of a strong industry association for telecom companies was also highlighted. A unified voice could help advocate for sector reforms and improve communication with regulators.
The dialogue emphasized the need to strike a balance between promoting competition and ensuring sufficient investment to drive infrastructure development. Collaborative efforts and difficult choices are needed to move the sector forward.
