Illegal Import of Mobile Devices Stopped Due to DIRBS
The import of smartphones in 11 months of 2019, as of Nov 30th, stands at 7.64 million. In comparison, the import of smartphones in 2018 (Jan-Dec) was 7.24 Million. Apart from smartphones, other devices having 3G and 4G technology functionality, such as IoT, Dongles, Tablets etc., imported in 2018 (Jan-Dec) were 4.82 million, whereas, in 11 months of 2019 (Jan-Nov), 7.11 million devices have so far been imported. Furthermore, 4G devices connected to mobile operator’s networks have increased from 18% in January 2018 to 31% as of Nov 2019. Whereas 3G devices connected to their networks have decreased from 19% in January 2018 to 13% as of Nov 2019. This reflects that user is preferring to migrate/utilize 4G based devices over 3G. Contrary to certain media reports, the mobile broadband (BB) penetration has also increased from 51.8 million subscribers in Jan 2018 to 76.4 million in Nov 2019 showing an increase of 24.6 million (47.49%) due to increased usage of smartphones. It is also important to mention that 4G smartphones are being sold in Pakistan from PKR 6,450 to 11,000.
