GSMA — an industry body representing mobile networks has released a report ‘Pakistan Progressing towards a fully-fledged digital economy’ explaining the progress and gaps in the mobile market of Pakistan. The study states that market penetration in Pakistan tracks below rates seen anywhere elses in South Asia.
According to the study at the end of 2019 there were 89 million unique subscribers of mobile phones out of which 81million were using smartphones. Even then Pakistan faces a huge “usage gap” according to which around 54% of the population which is covered by a 3G/4G network does not subscribe to mobile internet services. This is due to two main factors i.e affordability and non-availability of content in local language.
According to the study the up coming market would be of 4G network. With 3G having peaked 4G would reach 129 million connections by 2025.
The study suggests that “Samsung and Huawei account for over half of all mobile phone sales in Pakistan, reflecting an absence of homegrown firms” Although according to the PTA 100,000 mobile phones are now being assembled each month in Pakistan.
