Pakistan’s mobile handsets market is growing rapidly as the access for 3G and 4G networks have become a need for everyone. Although Pakistan is a good market for manufacturing mobile handsets and telecom equipment, yet most of the investors and tech companies have less interest in developing manufacturing plants in the country.
A recent statement by the President of Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) further affirms the fact that Pakistan provides a good opportunity for manufacturing of mobile phones, telecom, and internet equipment. However, big firms and investors are more interested in importing these products instead of the establishing manufacturing facilities.
Around 140 million people are using mobile phones while 4.5 crore people are using broadband services, said Zahid Hussain. It is the most crucial time for these gadgets manufacturing companies to establish their firm footings in Pakistan by establishing manufacturing facilities.
Pointing out the other side of the story, Zahid mentioned that the devaluation of rupee, an imposition of heavy regulatory duty by the govt has been a major reason for the investors to hold. Meanwhile, the discouragement of smuggling has boosted the prices of handsets in the market which is an opportunity for local investors to build their manufacturing facilities in the country.
The business leader also indicated that the prices of ordinary mobile phones used by the poor are also seeing an increase due to the current policy of govt. He demanded that low-end phones must be little cheaper, and govt should take these steps immediately.
As the number of 3G and 4G users continue to rise, so the service providers also need to improve their services for a better digital ecosystem.