State of Telecom Industry in Pakistan

MobileActive.Org, a grass root organization which focusses on the role of mobile technology for social change and awareness, has released a new report, Wireless Technology for Social Change: Trends in NGO Mobile Use. A key point which struck me was the importance of affordability. Survey shows that Financial discounts by telecom companies and vendors is the most significant factor … I see this as a great opportunity to make a huge difference to these organizations and to create goodwill!

Here’s a brief intro.

Mobile technology is transforming the way advocacy, development and relief organizations accomplish their institutional missions. The report Wireless Technology for Social Change: Trends in NGO Mobile Use, released by the United Nations Foundation and The Vodafone Group Foundation, brings this point home.

Wireless Technology for Social Change: Trends in NGO Mobile Use was written by Sheila Kinkade (ShareIdea.org) and Katrin Verclas, and commissioned by the United NationsFoundation-Vodafone Group Foundation Technology Partnership. The report examines emerging trends in “mobile activism” by looking at 11 case studies of groups active in the areas of public health, humanitarian assistance and environmental conservation.

We (bloggers, consumers, industry experts) are usually quick to criticize organizations such as PTA. Main reason is that these organizations have a lot of authority and their decisions have significant impact on consumer’s pockets and industry’s profit margins. They face a lot of challenges and have to make difficult decisions. Consider the presentation “Telecom Policy Evolution“, by Mudassar Hussain of MOITT, at the TeleCON 2008 event. It acknowledges that convergence (IP, telecom + media) has significantly changed the landscape and policy makers need to address these changes. The time to do that is the upcoming 5 year policy review cycle which starts in July 2008. It is an important time for the policy makers to look back and assess their performance and to define objectives on which to base their new policies. And with a new government in place there will be additional twists. Excerpt:

Synergies between different regulatory areas should be developed:
• Telecom contributing with infrastructure and access issues
• Broadcasting with access and content issues
• IT with privacy and security, access to PCs, etc.
• Policies to supplement each other and work in cohesion even
if not converged

Objectives of Policy:

Policy has to be well thought out keeping in mind local market
objectives to be achieved: Consultation and partnership of all
key industry stakeholders is crucial.

Industry concerns of protection of investment have to be duly
addressed with full industry participation by both the policy
makers and the regulators.

Strength of the markets has to be ensured by dynamic and
timely actions of the Govt. in direct partnership and consultation
with industry and consumer community stakeholders.

Inputs of all stakeholders present in the forum are welcome on
all areas of format, scope and outlook as well as specific issue
related proposals.

For full presentation click below.
Telecom Policy Evolution - Muddasir Husain