Pakistan's telecom sector has highest taxes in region: ADB

Islamabad: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said that Pakistan has the highest taxes on the telecom sector in the region. 4G coverage in Pakistan is the lowest in the region, and preparation for 5G is also inadequate.

The Asian Development Bank has released a report on Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and status, according to which the digital ecosystem in Pakistan needs more investment, and Pakistan’s digital sector’s share in GDP is only 1.5 percent.

The report states that purchasing internet devices is a big challenge for women and the poor in Pakistan. Fixed broadband access in Pakistan is only 1.3 percent, access to the fiber optic network is limited, and urgent expansion is inevitable.

80 percent of the population in Pakistan has access to mobile internet, but usage is very low. 86 percent of men and 53 percent of women have mobile phones. 53 percent of men and 33 percent of women have internet access.

A conducive environment is needed for telecom investment. It is necessary to focus on laying fiber optics in backward areas; the province should increase the demand for fiber broadband in schools and hospitals.

A cybersecurity framework is necessary for digital governance and digital literacy programs. Low-cost smartphones should be provided for women. Data governance and service design need to be upgraded for e-governance.

The Asian Development Bank said that the agricultural value chain and digitization of SMEs can increase GDP. Women and youth in rural areas should be taught online business.