No. of broadband subscribers in Pakistan rises to 26 million

Minister for Information and Telecommunication, in her written reply in the Parliament, telecom sector investments, including proceeds from Spectrum auction and further investments in telecom infrastructure, have crossed US$ 2.668 billion.

“World Bank studies indicate that 10 percent increase in high-speed internet connections boosted annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by 1.38% point. According to these estimates, and considering the exponential rise in mobile broadband users (3G/4G) it is expected that the introduction of this technology will have a very positive impact on economic growth in the country”, the minister stated.

The minister stated that IT exports had risen by 41% in 2014-15 as compared to previous
year; content and software development was also gaining significant momentum and soon will get status of sub-sector within IT sector.

The connectivity of broadband through 3G/4G services has resulted in expansion of financial services web and e-commerce related activities particularly in relation to women which constitutes 51% of the population, according to the minister.