Communication Sector in Pakistan
Table of Contents
Communication Sector in Pakistan 2
. Postal Service: 2
2. Radio 2
3. Television 3
4. Telecommunication 3
5. Information Technology (IT) 3
Importance of Communication: 4
. Economic importance 4
2. Political importance 4
3. Social importance 5
Industrial Facts & Figures 5
Telecom Sector: 6
Telecom Sector Growth 8
Cellular Mobile 9
Fixed Line Services 10
Wireless Local Loop 11
Sector Accomplishment a) FDI in Telecom Sector 12
Contribution to National Exchequer 12
Socio-Economic Impact of Mobile Phone Growth 13
Employment Generation 15
Reduction in Telecom Services Tariff 15
International Recognition of Telecom Policies 16
ITU Elections 16
Telecom Regulatory Environment in Pakistan - rated the best by LIRNEasia 17
Regulatory Measures 17
Licensing of Telecom Services 18
Telecom Developments in AJ&K and NAs 18
Rural Telecom Development 19
Payphones Concessions and Facilitation 20
Electronic Media 20
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) 20
Pakistan Television Corporation Limited (PTV) 21
Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) 22
Pakistan Post Office 23
References: 25
Communication Sector in Pakistan
Communication is the basic importance in the development process of a country, and density of the transport network is an index to economic development. As compared with developed countries, Pakistan possesses a less developed communication network. Government is making serious efforts to develop an efficient communication network to meet the growing needs of the country.
Communication plays an important role in the economic and cultural development of a country. Pakistan has following means of communication.
. Postal Service:
The Post office is a Federal Government entity which provides postal facilities through a network of 12828 (2178 urban and 10650 rural) post offices across the country. The department is providing various traditional postal services to the consumers at a reasonable price. It also provides the facility of life insurance, payment of military pensions, collection of motor vehicle tax, renewal of arms and driving licenses etc.
2. Radio
Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) has played a pivotal role in promoting national interest by providing information, entertainment and education to audiences at home and abroad in 35 languages (19 regional, 1 sub regional, 16 foreign) from 24 Radio Stations and 5 FM Stations.
3. Television
First television station was introduced in Pakistan by a private television company, in November 26, 1964. In June 1967, it was converted into private limited company named as Pakistan Television Corporation Limited, with prime objectives to establish a Television Network in Pakistan for the provision of broadcasting news, documentaries, education and entertainment. There are two channels in the country namely PTV Home and PTV News. There are also operating 22 private TV channels across the country.
4. Telecommunication
The Telegraph and Telephone department was converted into Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation on 15th December 1990 for better telecommunication system in the country. On 1st January 1996, the corporation was recognized by establishing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the National Telecommunication Operation (NTC) and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). PTCL has issued 60,000 telephone connections to its customers. 6 Mobile companies are operating their network in Pakistan under PTA. There are at least six crore people are using mobile phone in Pakistan.
5. Information Technology (IT)
IT has assumed unprecedented importance in the global economy. Government has accorded a very high priority to this sector. IT is one of the key determinants of competitiveness and growth of economy. For promotion of IT, above than 400 cities have been provided internet facility. Pakistan has established Software Technology Park at Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar. Currently, in 2006-07 Pakistan has earned 50 million dollars from software industry. The Ministry of Science and Technology has approved different projects which will be implemented in the next few years.
Pakistan enjoys good international telecommunications links via satellite. The availability of domestic telephone service improved in the 1990s as the utility was privatized. Cellular telephone service and Internet connections are available though not widespread. Radio and television are controlled largely by the government.
Importance of Communication:
. Economic importance
It promotes the internal and external trade, utilization of natural resources, mobility of labor, reduction in unemployment, increase in agricultural production, reduction in population pressure and elimination of starvation and hunger etc.
2. Political importance
It creates the political awareness in people, maintenance of law and order in society etc. It also helps bringing out the opinion of the masses.
3. Social importance
Linkage of people develops brotherhood and sense of unity, and this can stimulate economic activity within the country. It promotes the education across the country and provides the modern information by
Industrial Facts & Figures
In 1999-2000, there were only 0.3 million cellular mobile subscribers in Pakistan which jumped to 2.4 million by 2002- 03 as a result of introduction of CPP regime and addition of another mobile operator (Ufone). Mobile subscribers continued to rise at an unprecedented pace, reaching 5.0 million by 2003-04. Major turnaround was witnessed when the mobile companies started giving free mobile connections and bearing the cost of government levies themselves. In a short period of 10 months in the outgoing fiscal year, more than 5 million new subscribers have been added to the list, reaching over 10.5 million by end April 2005. In other words more than 100 percent increase in subscriber in just 10 months was unprecedented. Accordingly, the teledensity with respect to cellular mobile has jumped form 0.2 percent in 1999-2000 to 7 percent in 2004-05.
For promotion of Information Technology, 1900 cities/towns/villages have been provided Internet facility, up to March, 2005. Total telephone lines installed by March 2005 were 5.5 million as against 4.4 million up to June 2004 last year.
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd has emerged as a successful Forbes 2000 conglomerate with over $1 billion in sales in 2005. Cell phone market has exploded almost fourteen fold since 2000 to reach a subscriber base of over 60 million in 2007. In addition, there are over 6 million landlines in the country. As a result, Pakistan won the prestigious Government Leadership award of GSM Association in 2006.
The World Bank estimates that it takes about 50 days only to get a phone connection in Pakistan.
In Pakistan, following are the top mobile phone operators:
. Mobilink
2. Ufone
3. Telenor
4. Warid
5. Instaphone
6. Paktel (recently been acquired by China Mobile for US$ 450 million)
The cellular base in Pakistan is growing at around 14% per year and already the cellular customer has outpaced the fixed line customers. Wireless revolution has swept Pakistan, and competition among the mobile operators is pulling the prices down. Its as cheap as Rs.2 to call to USA per minutes (that is 3-4 cents per minutes). Sony Ericsson, Nokia and Motorola along with Samsung and LG remain to be the popular brands among customers. Though Nokia ...
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4. Warid
5. Instaphone
6. Paktel (recently been acquired by China Mobile for US$ 450 million)
The cellular base in Pakistan is growing at around 14% per year and already the cellular customer has outpaced the fixed line customers. Wireless revolution has swept Pakistan, and competition among the mobile operators is pulling the prices down. Its as cheap as Rs.2 to call to USA per minutes (that is 3-4 cents per minutes). Sony Ericsson, Nokia and Motorola along with Samsung and LG remain to be the popular brands among customers. Though Nokia has a strong market presence, this has been somewhat taken over by Sony Ericsson, through aggressive marketing and advertisement.
Pakistan is on the verge of Telecom revolution and it is by far the most attracted sector in Pakistan in terms of Foreign Direct investment coming in Pakistan. It s estimated alone that this year 2006-07, FDI attracted by Telecom will be US$ 2 Billion out of the total FDI of US$ 6 Billion, the highest in Pakistan history.
Telecom Sector:
The Government and the Regulator (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) have created a business friendly environment in the telecom sector of Pakistan through a series of initiatives. The Government has announced various businesses centric policies, which take into account the market demands and challenges, are open and consistent, and are creating a conducive environment for healthy business activities in the sector. Competition has now been introduced in each segment of Pakistan's telecom sector including fixed line, mobile and other value added telecom services. An unprecedented growth has been witnessed in almost every segment and the cellular phone sector in particular. Total teledensity in the country has reached 40.2 (as of end April 07) registering year on year (YoY) growth of 53 percent (Table.14.9). During July-April 2006-07, telecom sector attracted US$ 1.4 billion which is expected to cross one and half billion dollar mark at the end of year. As a result of strong growth in the sector the revenues of the telecom companies reached Rs. 193 billion last year and are expected to cross Rs. 240 billion in 2006-07. Consequently, the contribution of telecom sector in the government's exchequer is also expected to cross Rs. 81 billion during 2006-07. The success of telecom sector in Pakistan is now globally recognized and it has emerged as a role model for other emerging telecom markets.
Teledensities of Regional Countries (%)
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07*
Pakistan
4.3
6.3
1.9
26.2
40.2
Sri Lanka
2.2
6.6
23.4
29.0
37.0
India
7.1
8.9
1.5
2.8
5.4
Bangladesh
.6
2.0
4.5
9.0
5.0
Nepal
.8
2.0
3.0
3.5
6.5
Teledensity includes fixed, WLL and mobile
* As of 30th April 2007
Source: PTA
Telecom Sector Growth
The dramatic growth on the telecom sector has been supported by prudent government policies. Teledensity of the country has improved many folds in the last couple of years. Currently the total teledensity in Pakistan is over 40.2 percent, which was just 2.8 percent at the end of 2000. Total number of mobile subscribers in Pakistan has crossed 55.6 million by end March 2007 whereby mobile density has hit 35.8 percent, far surpassing the fixed line teledensity which is 3.32 percent with total working connections of 5.2 million. The Wireless Local Loop (WLL) subscribers are also on the rise and have reached 1.6 million. Similarly, value added services, such as payphones and Internet usage are also on the rise. There are 353,194 PCOs working across Pakistan and more than 2.4 million registered Internet subscribers with an estimated 12 million Internet users. (Table.14.10)
Table:14.10 Teledensity of Pakistan (%)
Year
Fixed
Cellular WLL Total
2001-2002
2.5
3.66
2002-2003
2.69
.62
4.31
2003-2004
2.94
3.31
6.25
2004-2005
3.43
8.29
0.17
1.89
2005-2006
3.37
22.16
0.66
26.19
2006-2007march
3.32
35.79
.06
40.17
Source PTA
Cellular Mobile
The growing competition in the vibrant cellular market of Pakistan has compelled the operators to offer very competitive services. Four out of five GSM operators performed well during the year exhibiting tremendous growth in their subscriber base and provided the market with new, innovative and value added services. Added competition from Telenor and Warid has provided real momentum for the growth of Pakistani mobile market. These two companies have given an impetus in the industry for lower tariffs, expanded networks, customized packages and high tech services. During the year, wireless companies continued to expand their network and subscribers exponentially. Today, mobile segment of telecom sector is considered to be the most thriving one. On average, approximately 2.3 million subscribers have been added on cellular mobile networks each month in Pakistan during the first nine months of 2006-07. This is an exemplary growth in relation to the population of any country in Asian region. Total mobile subscribers at the end of April 2007 crossed the 58.6 million mark (Fig-14.3).
Fig-14.3: Cellular Mobile Subscribers
The entry of Warid and Telenor in 2005 resulted in significant changes in the market; one of them was market structure with respect to subscribers' share. These two companies started attracting customers, which reduced the market share of the dominant player, Mobilink from 64 percent in June 2004 to 44 percent in March 2007. The two new companies now have over 32 percent (As of March 2007) of the market share which is very healthy development with regard to competition and maturity in the market. Herfindahl Index, also known as Herfindahl - Hirschman Index (HHI, is measure of the size of firms in relationship to the industry an indicator to the amount of competition among them) a widely used measure of the industry concentration, also shows an improvement in Pakistan's mobile market competition, particularly during the last one year (Fig-14.4 & Fig-14.5). Socio-economic impact of mobile phone is also given in Box 14.2
Fixed Line Services
In the Long-distance and International (LDI) segment, 13 companies are operational out of the total 14 LDI licensees. PTA also awarded licenses to 38 Fixed Local Loop (FLL) companies for their operations in various telecom regions. So far, 4 companies have launched their services, with limited network coverage in few cities of Punjab and Sindh. Few other companies like Neyatel, Multinet Broadband and Stanlay are at their rollout stage; however, their coverage is limited with low capacity. Currently, there are 5.2 million fixed line subscribers with 98 percent subscribers of the incumbent operator, PTCL (Fig-14.6).
Wireless Local Loop
WLL technology was introduced in Pakistan in 2004 with the objective to bridge the digital divide between the rural and urban areas as the deployment of WLL services is much easier than the fixed line. The total WLL subscribers have reached 1.6 million which are now 30 percent of the fixed line subscribers. WLL density has also increased to 1.06 percent. Now 5 WLL operators are providing their services in the country. The coverage extended by PTCL for WLL services has reached over 1,080 cities/towns of Pakistan (Fig-14.7)
Sector Accomplishment a) FDI in Telecom Sector
In the last 2-3 years Telecom sector has attracted record inflows of FDI. During 2005-06, telecom sector received over US$ 1.9 billion FDI and emerged as the single largest sector attracting FDI. In the year 2005-06, telecom sector received 54.1 percent of the total FDI which is even higher than last year's 32.4 percent. During July-April 2006-07, telecom sector attracted US$ 1.4 billion which is expected to cross one and half billion dollar mark at the end of year (Fig-14.8).
Contribution to National Exchequer
Telecom sector is also a major contributor to government revenue. During 2005-06 total revenue collected by the government in the form of taxes and PTA deposits was more than Rs. 77 billion. The government collected total GST/CED of Rs. 8.8 billion in 2001-02 on telecom services, which increased to Rs. 26 billion by 2005-06. It is expected that the contribution of telecom sector in total GST/CED collected by CBR will grow in the coming years. In 2006-07, GST collection is expected to be over Rs. 33.8 billion. The government also collects activation tax on new mobile connections at the rate of Rs. 500. In 2006-07, it is expected that the collection under this head would cross Rs. 12.24 billion (Table 14.11).
Table: 14.11 Telecom Contribution to Exchequer (Rs. in Billions )
GST
Activation Tax
PTA Deposits
Others
Total
2001-02 8.9 0.12 0.04 0.99 10.05
2002-03 11.5 1.91 0.47 15.75 29.63
2003-04 12.1 4.02 0.69 21.59 38.40
2004-05 20.5 7.53 17.72 21.38 67.13
2005-06 26.8 11.40 17.38 21.55 77.10
2006-07 E 33.8 12.24 11.50 23.51 81.05
E: Estimates are based on 6 months' actual data
Source: Central Board of Revenue and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority
Socio-Economic Impact of Mobile Phone Growth
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has conducted an independent study to assess the socioeconomic impact of mobile growth in Pakistan. A survey of 1,269 mobile phone users was conducted during March 2007 in all four provinces AJK and NAs. The study found that the use of mobile has created socio-economic awareness among the users in changing their life style, in improvement of their
business and related activities, saving time on inter- city trips and local visits and ultimately in saving money and increase in their sales and income. The use of mobile phone on average made 35 percent increase in the sales of individual businessmen included in the survey.
Use of mobile has also increased the access to medical, financial and other services. According to the survey results, more than 52 percent respondents reported that the use of mobile has improved their access to doctors and health personnel. It also improved their family cohesion and elevated women's role and say in family and society. (Fig-14.9 Fig-14.10 & Fig-14.11)
Fig-14.9: Average Increase in Sales of
Individual Businessman
Source: PTA
Employment Generation
The study also analyzed the business outlook and the value chain of the mobile sector in the country. It estimated the current employment level of 354,042 employees engaged in the telecom sector at various level of value chain including employment at Telecom Companies, vendors, tower businesses and cell phone shops. It is projected that 58,009 direct and indirect employment opportunities will be created in 2007-08.
Reduction in Telecom Services Tariff
Significant reduction has been witnessed in the tariffs of almost all the telecom services over the last two to three years. The national and international long distance tariffs which were Rs. 34 and Rs. 70 per minute in 1996 respectively, have reduced significantly to as low as Rs. 0.67 and Rs. 0.79 per minute, respectively through calling cards. The incumbent operator PTCL has also reduced its NWD and international tariff drastically. In addition, the new local loop operators are also offering zero line rental packages and free local call packages to telecom subscribers. Similarly tariffs of mobile services have also reduced. The minimum prepaid on-net tariffs which were Rs. 5.75 per minute in 2003-04 have reduced to Rs. 1.50 per minute. The international long distance tariffs from cellular mobile have also reduced and are as low as Rs.1.95 per minute. The cellular mobile operators are also offering friends and family packages in which the tariff is as low as Rs.0.99 per minute. The cellular mobile operators are offering per second, per 30 second and per minute billing to their subscribers. (The details of telecome tariff can see in Table 14.12)
Table: 14.12 Telecom Tariffs (Rupees)
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
Mar-07
Fixed Local Loop
PTCL
Installation Charges
Urban 1350 750 750 750
Rural - 500 500 500
Local call Charges (per 5 min.) 2.01 2.01 2.01 2.01
Local mobile (per min.) 2.8 2.80 2.12 2.50
Long Distance Tarifs(per min.) 3.00-7.39 3.00-5.25 3.00-4.00 2.00
International Long Distance (per min. 26.09 20.00 18.00 2.00
Minimum tariffs)
Wireless Local Loop (Minimum Tariffs available)
Line Rent - 149 Zero Zero
Local calls -
Table: 14.12 Telecom Tariffs (Rupees)
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
Mar-07
On net (per min.) - 0.4 Free
Free
Of net (per 5 min.) - 2.01 2.01
2.01
NWD - 3.15-4.75 1.49-2.99
.49-1.99
International Prepaid Calling Cards (Minimum Tariffs available)
Long Distance (per min.)
0.67
0.67
Intl' Long Distance (per min.)
.99
0.79
Cellular Mobile (Minimum Tariffs available)
Airtime Tariffs (per min.)
5.00
2.50
.50
On net 5.75
Off net
Cell 7.75
7.00
2.50
.90
Fixed. 7.76
7.76
2.50
.90
NWD (per min.)
On net 14.75
2.75
2.50
.50
Off net
Cell 16.48
4.39
2.50
.80
Fixed. 18.75
6.39
2.50
.90
International Long Distance (per min.) 34.75
22
3.75
.90
SMS
On net 1.5
.50
0.50
0.20
Of net 1.5
.50
.00
.00
Source: PTA
International Recognition of Telecom Policies
ITU Elections
Pakistan contested ITU elections for a Council Seat and Radio Regulation Board (RRB) membership. The elections were contested with full preparations and campaign was launched jointly by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Information Technology & Telecom (MOIT&T) and Pakistan Telecommunications Authority. Pakistan won the Council seat (117 votes) and Chairman PTA got elected as Member RRB (110 votes) with a comfortable margin. The number of votes obtained for both the candidates have increased considerably from previous elections indicating an enhanced position and image of Pakistan at international level.
Telecom Regulatory Environment in Pakistan - rated the best by LIRNEasia
Sectoral growth and regulator's performance have been appreciated internationally. Last year, PTA received two international awards - "GSMA - Government Leadership Award" in recognition of effective regulatory framework for cellular growth, and Global Regulatory Exchange (G-REX) Award for PTA's active participation in the policy dialogue among the telecom regulatory bodies. Recently a study has been conducted by LIRNEasia (Organization based in Sri-Lanka) for the regulatory assessment of the Telecom Authorities in the six selected countries of Asia (Pakistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Philippines and Thailand). This study has rated the Telecom Regulatory Environment (TRE) of Pakistan as the best in the group of these six countries. TRE, has been rated the best on the basis of its effective regulation in terms of market entry, interconnection, universal service and utilization of scarce resources.
Regulatory Measures
After successful deregulation of the telecom sector, the PTA is endeavoring for higher telecom growth in the country. Prudent and transparent policies are also in place to achieve this objective and the PTA has taken several measures for the uplift of the sector including Mobile Number Portability (MNP), simplified licensing, telecom liberalization in AJK and NAs, International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) system to counter mobile handset theft, rural telecom development, quality of service and consumer protection.
Licensing of Telecom Services
Issuance of licenses for the telecom services in Pakistan is one of the core functions of the PTA. In this regard, transparent and simple procedures have been adopted and till now, the PTA has issued 6 cellular mobile licenses and 92 WLL licenses for operations in different telecom regions. Similarly, a total of 84 licenses have been issued for the provision of Fixed Local Loop services to 37 companies. Also, the PTA has issued 14 licenses to
4 telecom companies for provision of Long Distance and International services in the country. In addition, 720 licenses have been issued for value added services.
The Class Value Added Services (CVAS) Regime was implemented in October 2005. So far 182 CVAS licenses have been awarded. This new regime is more simplified under which more than
5 different individual license categories have been merged into just two license categories i.e. Data type and Voice type. Under the existing value added service, old licenses are also being converted into new CVAL licenses.
Telecom Developments in AJ&K and NAs
Keeping in view the rising demand of AJK and NAs for advanced telecom facilities, the PTA has initiated the liberalization of telecom sector in the area after the mutual decision of the Governments of Pakistan and AJ&K to open the telecom sector for private operators for enhancing telecom facilities in the region. In this regard, licensing for cellular mobile took place in June 2006 in Islamabad where Mobilink, Warid, Ufone and Telenor were awarded licenses to operate services in AJ&K and NAs. Similarly, licensing for fixed line and wireless local loop is also underway. Currently there are over 260,000 cellular mobile connections in the region provided by the cellular companies.
Rural Telecom Development
For the provision of affordable telecom services in underserved and unserved rural areas, the Government and the PTA have initiated a project wherein a fund has been created namely the Universal Service Fund (USF). The basic objective of the USF is to expand telecom infrastructure and services to unserved and underserved areas by providing subsidy to the telecom operators in these areas. Contribution to this fund is made by the telecom operators set under the policy as well as by the government and international development agencies. So far an amount of Rs. 4.82 billion has been collected in this account. The Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoIT&T) has also issued the policy for the utlisation of this fund for rural telecom development.
The PTA has developed a strategy for the establishment of Telecentres in rural areas and the project consists of two Phases; in the first phase, PTA has launched a Telecentre project called "Rabta Ghar" all across the country. Under the scheme, 400 Telecentres will be established in the first phase for which the equipment worth over Rs. 50,000/- will be provided free of cost. The PTA has also arranged free delivery, installation and training of the "Rabta Ghar". In the second Phase of Rural Telephony scheme, Telecentres will be established through micro financing from local Banks. For this scheme all major banks and all micro finance banks were approached to provide micro credit for the establishment of Telecentres.
In addition to the PTA's efforts for promoting rural telephony, the MoIT&T has also issued a Policy Guideline on the "Provision of Pay phone / PCO Service for Broader Coverage, Outreach and Economic Opportunity". The policy has been framed with a view to expanding telecom services in far flung areas by allowing local loop and cellular mobile operators to establish PCOs. Resultantly, Mobilink has launched its PCOs on a large scale.
Payphones Concessions and Facilitation
To make payphone business sustainable, the PTA has announced a substantial reduction in the Annual License Fee (ALF) of Card Pay Phone Operators (CPPO) i.e. PTA will now charge only 0.1 percent ALF from Card Pay Phone Operators on their gross revenue with effect from 1st July 2006 instead of 1.5 percent. Further, the Authority also rescheduled the Annual License fee outstanding up to June 30, 2005 for all payphone licensees. The ALF shall be payable in 6 equal installments on a bimonthly basis starting from December 16, 2006.
The business of Fixed Line CPPO segment which had mushroom growth in the last few years is shrinking due to growth of mobile PCOs. Due to this reason as well as for economy of scale, consolidation of some businesses is expected in future. In this regard, the operators' requested and PTA assured the operators that it will facilitate Mergers & Acquisitions of Payphone Operators/Companies. Payphone operators will submit specific proposals to PTA for consideration of mergers. Mobile operators have been asked to facilitate Payphone operators by offering discount on Mobile Termination Rates and to consider offering better packages to licensed payphone operators. PTCL was also asked to revise its tariffs for the payphone industry.
Electronic Media
Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)
PEMRA was established in March 2002 with a view to open up electronic media to the private sector. The Government's intention behind the establishment of PEMRA was to improve the standards of information, education and entertainment and to enlarge the choice available to the people of Pakistan in the media. Since its inception, PEMRA has made efforts in establishing standards of directness of information. The process of licensing through transparent bidding has earned appreciation from stakeholders as well as the general public. In a short span of 5 years, it has endeavored to change the broadcast media landscape of Pakistan, working as a catalyst for growth and development and has awarded broadcast licenses in various categories.
During the first nine months of the current fiscal year, 350 licenses have been awarded for establishment of Cable TV in different cities of Pakistan. During this period PEMRA has also awarded 3 licences for satellite TV and 2 licences for Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) channel distribution service. PEMRA has also granted
Landing Rights Permissions to 10 Foreign Satellite TV channels. The PEMRA has issued a total of 19 satellite TV licences since 2002, out of which 16 are operational including 4 for educational purposes, 103 FM licences out of which 68 are operational, 6 Multi Channel Multi Point Distribution Service (MMDS) licences with 5 operational and Landing Rights Permission to 23 foreign channels. PEMRA is also in the process of issuing Direct to Home (DTH) and teleport licences.
Pakistan Television Corporation Limited (PTV)
PTV has played a significant role in helping the earth quake affected people of Northern Areas of Pakistan and Kashmir. In this respect PTV has established a TV Centre in AJ&K with three re-broadcast centres at Kotli, Rawalakot and Bagh. The Government is giving priority towards the socio-economic uplift in less-developed areas of the country. PTV has also been telecasting regional languages programmes round the clock. A channel called "Bolan" was launched for the viewer of Baluchistan. PTV is operating with four channels in the country, namely PTV-I, PTV-2(PT V-World), PTV-3 and PTV National. The Rebroadcast Centres, which extend the PTV signal to remote areas, include 49 for PTV-I, 30 for PTV-2 and 13 for PTV-3.
Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC)
Radio is the fastest, mobile and cheapest electronic media which is capable of reaching the masses far and near. With its varied and wide ranging programmes, PBC is catering to all segments of society. PBC has 31 Broadcasting Houses, 33 medium wave transmitters, 8 short wave transmitters and 21 FM transmitters which transmitted programmes for listeners at home and abroad. Programmes in 21 national and regional languages are broadcast on the medium wave in Home Service and 16 foreign languages in the External Service for foreigners and in national language in the World Service for Pakistanis living abroad. The network of Radio Pakistan covers 98 percent of the population and 80 percent of the total area of the country.
Radio Pakistan introduced FM Service in October 1998, which was warmly welcomed by the listeners. In view of its popularity PBC launched FM 101 Service through a network in July, 2002. Presently 8 FM Stations are broadcasting FM 101 Service. This service has gained tremendous popularity among the youths and may rightly be called radio of the youth.
To boost agriculture production and promote awareness amongst farmers regarding cultivation and protection of cereal and cash crops, a crop cultivation week was celebrated through different radio stations. Similarly exclusive programmes were broadcast to educate the general public in connection with monsoon and spring tree plantation campaign. Music based programmes are the popular programmes among the audience of Radio Pakistan. During the year under review proper attention was given to the production and presentation of musical programmes. PBC News is the biggest source of dissemination of news in the country. Its General News room in Islamabad and attached units are presently putting on air 136 news bulletins daily. These include national, regional, external, sports, business, weather and local bulletins. It also broadcasts hourly headlines bulletin on FM-101 network.IV.
Pakistan Post Office
Pakistan Post Office a state enterprise dedicated to providing wide range of postal products and public services. An efficient postal system is essential for cohesiveness of a vast country with a large population like Pakistan. As a true emblem of federation, it is committed to serving every one, every day and every where. It provides postal facilities through a network of 12, 339 post offices across the country. In compliance with the Government welfare policies, the Pakistan Post Office is providing a variety of services on behalf of Federal and Provincial Governments and autonomous/corporate entities. In order to facilitate payment of utility bills, Pakistan Post is collecting P.T.C.L, Electricity and Gas bills through out the country, while WASA bills are being collected in Hyderabad, Multan Quettan and Sialkot, by the post offices. Pakistan Post earned Rs. 331.260 million in the shape of commission during July- March, 2006-07. It has taken various measures to streamline the post office system on modern lines, including adoption of better information technology. A number of information technology projects have already been completed/ implemented and a few more are in the pipeline.
Fiscal
No of Post
No of Tele-
Telephones
Internet No. of Internet
No of
Mobile
Year
Offices
graph Offices
(000 Nos.)
Connections Cities
PCO
Phones
Urban
Rural
Total
(Million) connected
*
Urban
Rural
Total
990-91
,867
1,546
3,413
95
302
497
188
..
3,861
991-92
,909
1,471
3,380
299
210
509
461
..
4,676
992-93
,983
1,213
3,196
320
210
530
548
..
5,618
993-94
,970
1,315
3,285
327
85
412
801
..
6,422
994-95
2,026
1,294
3,320
330
86
416
2126
..
4,600
995-96
2,092
1,327
3,419
319
04
423
2376
..
9,410
68,038
996-97
2,024
1,192
3,216
340
93
433
2558
..
0,040
35,027
997-98
2,044
1,250
3,294
356
92
448
2756
0.01
0,071
96,096
998-99
2,103
0,751
2,854
308
93
401
2861
0.20
0,107
265,614
999-00
2,103
0,751
2,854
293
91
384
3124
0.50
0,400
306,463
2000-01
2,302
9,932
2,234
293
91
384
3340
0.80
66,968
742,606
2001-02
,983
0,284
2,267
258
04
362
3656
.00
97,751
,698,536
2002-03
,808
0,446
2,254
239
87
326
4940
.60
,350
39,493
2,404,400
2003-04
2,267
9,840
2,107
215
73
288
4460
2.00
,898
80,901
5,022,908
2004-05
,831
0,499
2,330
215
77
292
5191
2.10
2,210
217,597
2,771,203
2005-06
,845
0,494
2,339
-
-
-
5128
2.40
2,389
353,194
34,506,557
Jul-Mar
2005-06
,875
0,536
2,411
-
-
-
5,174
-
2,339
236,166
27,344,938
2006-07
,845
0,494
2,339
-
-
-
5,200
2.50
2,444
353,194
55,600,211
.. Not Available
Source:
(i): Pakistan Post Office
* Included Cardpay Phones
(ii): Pakistan Telecommunications Company Ltd
Note : Telegraph offices closed in 2006
(iii): Pakistan Telecommunication Authority
References:
* www.finance.gov.pk
* www.google.com