Introduction
Information technology is a fast-growing sector of society and one which many think can have major long-term benefits. It is a great way to gain insight into how our world works, and provides an unparalleled opportunity for growth in industries such as healthcare and finance. More and more large corporations are adopting information technologies across all levels of their operations and production processes, bringing both new and innovative ways of doing things to consumers. This includes everything from creating new products, to designing better marketing campaigns, or even using predictive analytics to forecast changes, and help businesses respond swiftly to changes.
The telecommunications sector is one particular area where huge opportunities lie in this space, with mobile phones providing access to billions of data around the world. A big part of this comes because cellphones have become increasingly easy to access, making them ideal tools for delivering rapid digital services such as remote doctor consultations, online education and instant news. The telecoms sector will be another huge factor in building out Pakistan's IT economy in the years ahead.
With increased investment and investment in social media, people can now get access to content on demand, and reach those who might otherwise never know. All it takes is a simple click on one’s smartphone to find information on any subject imaginable, from political candidates to everyday topics like fitness. It is clear to see that the telecom sector and other areas to follow will see tremendous change over the next year in terms of efficiency and productivity, especially in rural areas where there are limited technological infrastructure or connectivity. With these factors at the forefront of mind, let us take a look at what the telecommunications sector holds in store.
Telecommunications Industry Overview:
The telecommunications sector accounts for over half of GDP for Pakistan. As well as providing employment, it supports a wide range of activities including financial functions, health and economic development, education, social interactions, entertainment and commerce. These services also have an important role to play when looking for jobs in the country, particularly in high-growth sectors such as telecommunication, media, tourism and construction. With so much money being invested in this sector, and technology constantly improving, so will its services and the opportunities it brings.
The different sectors will vary greatly depending on where you are located, but the main one is listed below.
Media Sector Key Figures:
In 2015 there were 2,464 television channels that broadcasted live programs in Pakistan. Most of those were owned by large networks, such as Aljazeera. However, a small number was free-to-view to individuals. Of the channels that aired at least four hours a day, 3,000 (about 13%) were viewed on iPlayer alone. There have been about 7,000 TV channels now available in Pakistan, a figure expected to double by 2020, and then triple again by 2024. Currently, there are around 600 private broadcasters broadcasting news and sports, leading to nearly 2,600 local television channels. Around 70% of Pakistan’s population is connected to the internet, meaning everyone can subscribe to almost 200 different publications.
The top three most accessed publications: Times of Pakistan and Pakistan Today have reached the highest level of interest within Pakistan. But the two main magazines in Pakistan can also bring viewers to iPlayer if they want. Overall, there are 8 local magazines and 1 international magazine, with newspapers ranging in circulation in Pakistan. According to the PBS, only 10% of readers access news on the web. Also, Pakistan had a share of only 4.4% of global Internet traffic in 2016 when compared to China’s 12.3%.The government has tried to promote a higher penetration of the web, with measures to reduce access to news and social sites through public policy changes. Such as implementing policies regarding tax loopholes used for web pages and mobile applications, restricting companies’ ability to charge customers for links to websites from news publishers, making national digital identity cards mandatory for accessing certain news and entertainment sites, requiring cable operators to pay a fixed subscription fee for Internet access, and finally banning websites associated with Pakistani politics.
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