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ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP): The telecom industry is urging a paradigm shift in Pakistan’s local handset manufacturing approach, advocating for a transition from 2G-only handsets to a full focus on the domestic assembly of 4G smartphones.
According to data available on the Pakistan Telecommunication website, out of the 67.7 million handsets assembled within the country since 2020, only 22.9 million were smartphones, indicating a critical need for a directional overhaul in the industry.
In a tweet, Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim highlighted that various countries are phasing out 2G and 3G networks to pave the way for more efficient 4G technology, Pakistan must ensure its populace was digitally equipped for the modern age.
Ibrahim urged the government to take decisive steps, advocating for the discontinuation of both the import and local assembly of 2G and 3G phones.
Instead, he emphasized the need to prioritize the production of high-quality 4G-enabled smartphones.
According to Ibrahim, this shift will not only expedite Pakistan’s digital journey but also position the nation for significant export opportunities.
Ibrahim stressed that a digital revolution was improbable in an environment where a substantial portion of the population relied on 2G-only handsets.
He pointed out that the country still imports and encourages local assembly of non-internet-capable phones on a large scale.
In this context, he argued that importing, locally assembling, and selling 2G phones was impractical in a country with around 125.76 million mobile broadband users but only 2.51 million fixed-line Internet connections.
Given the current global tech landscape, Ibrahim expressed skepticism that any nation would invest in 2G handsets.
Consequently, he urged against promoting outdated technology for the masses and instead advocated for the production and export of 4G handsets made in Pakistan.
The overarching goal, as per Ibrahim, should be to ensure that every hand holds a smartphone.
He suggested achieving this through affordable installment plans, rather than focusing on feature phones.
With widespread access to 4G, digital adoption is projected to surge, unlocking vast socio-economic opportunities for the people of Pakistan.
He also stated that Jazz was phasing out 3G services and reallocating resources to develop a more efficient 4G network.
This enhancement promises an improved mobile broadband experience for customers.