Islamabad:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has published a new report that analyzes the digital Ecosystem of Pakistan, which reveals important structural challenges and persistent gaps in digital infrastructure and adoption.
The report aims to provide a comprehensive general vision of the country’s digital development to help policy formulators and interested parties to make informed decisions. He concludes that Pakistan is staying considerably behind other nations in the progress of digital connectivity and modernization of his telecommunications sector.
According to the report, Pakistan lags many countries in promoting 4G technology and has not yet implemented 5G services. It is also still one of the most taxed telecommunications markets in the region, discouraging both the investment and the user’s affordability.
Although the Telecommunications sector of Pakistan is currently valued at $ 4.52 billion, it is projected to grow at $ 5.32 billion by 2029. However, that growth is threatened by the lack of fiber optic expansion and a minimum investment in digital networks, largely due to political instability and political delays in the last five years.
One of the most worrisome findings of the report is Pakistan’s continuous delay in the 5G spectrum auction, while 101 countries worldwide have already launched 5G commercial services. The government has not made expenses in the 3G spectrum, highlighting a greater stagnation in the development of the network.
The ADB points out that the digital economy of Pakistan contributes only to 1.5% to GDP, well below its potential. Fixed broadband penetration remains alarmingly low by 1.3%, one of the lowest rates in the region.
The report also draws attention to marked disparities in digital access, particularly for women and low -income groups. While 80% of the population is covered by mobile internet networks, real use is limited. The property of mobile phones is 86% for men and 53% for women, and Internet access reaches only 53% of men and 33% of women.
