| With
only 12,000 telephones for a population of 34 million at the time of
independence, ICTs have come a long way in Pakistan (PTA 2008). Now there are
about 125 million subscribers of telephone services. Although some researchers
claim that the benefits of enhanced telecommunications connectivity have not
been seen across the board, the fact remains that the economic and social
benefits of enhanced telecom connectivity and other ICT processes have
positively impacted the economy of countries.
According
to Robert J. Shapiro and Kevin A. Hassett (2012) that during the transition
from 2G to 3G, nearly 1.6 million new
jobs were added in USA between 2007 and 2011.. Other economic studies indicate
that for every one percent increase in a country’s broadband penetration, GDP
per capita increases roughly by ten percent.
Pakistan
Telecommunication Authority estimates that in Pakistan, by 2020, the share of
telecom employment will be five percent. Telephone revenue will touch more than
Rupees 617 billion (PTA 2012). The employment in ICT sector will reach more
than two million. Rural areas will have enhanced connectivity because of work
being done by the Universal Service Fund which will significantly improve
people’s life styles and will reduce poverty. Reaching out to rural areas will
reduce digital divide.
Can
ICTs on their own reduce poverty? What is ICTs future outlook in Pakistan? What
is being done to reduce the digital divide? Are enhanced taxes on ICT services
negatively impacting progress in this sector and investments? These are some of
issues that will be discussed in this paper. Finally, concrete recommendations
will be made for the consideration of policy makers.
References:
Shapiro R. J.
and Hassett, K. A. 2012, ‘The Employment Effects Advanced in Internet and
Wireless Technology: Evaluating the Transition from 2G to 3G and from 3G to
4G’, New Policy Institute and NDN. Washington, DC.
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