Pakistan had its first broadband policy documented in 2001. According to that, the following implied the definition of broadband in the country:
Broadband in Pakistan will be defined as “Always on Internet connection with a download speed of at least 128kbps connectivity”. This download speed target will be subject to an increase as the bandwidth prices reduce, local content becomes available and there is a general increase in awareness of broadband.
The main objectives of the established Broadband policy were:
1. Spreading of an affordable, ‘always on,’ broadband high speed internet service in the corporate/commercial and residential sectors across Pakistan.
2. Encourage the entry and growth of new service providers while stimulating the growth of the existing ones at the same time.
3. Encourage private sector investment in local content generation and broadband service provision.
However, to date even with a supposed technological evolvement of the broadband sector of Pakistan, the penetration rate is quite low. There are multiple reasons for this. To have access to broadband, first and foremost a PC or a laptop is required and secondly a modem & connection. The cost of a PC starts at around $400 and is surely not in harmony with the average income per capita; therefore unless we increase the number of affordable devices the BB penetration will not take off. Secondly, the cost of the modem & flexible bandwidth connection will have to be brought down.
How are these hurdles to be overcome? The best anecdote is to have 3G introduced as a device which is less than USD 70 can not only provide voice but also broadband internet with thousand of non‐text application. It is projected that in Pakistan over 08 million 3G devices are working currently on Pakistan existing 2G networks. it remain a fact that unless 3G technology is introduced by the operators the BB Connectivity and subscriber base will remain quite minimal.
Apart from 3G introduction, the government shall continue to have a liberal policy for private sector facilitation by way of low or no licensing fee, low custom tariff on infrastructure and terminal devices in bringing internet bandwidth through multiple Optical Fiber Cable routes and 03rd party satellites. While, a separate Broadband policy document is not required as was done previously this policy item should importantly be highlighted in the same document as the Telecom Policy.
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