Mobile Operators: The Centerpiece in Digital Revolution
Telecom companies deliver indispensable infrastructure, applications and connectivity services in many areas for digitization to realize its full potential The telecom sector of Pakistan has witnessed a huge transformation after the arrival of 3G/4G services in the country, and now it has opened doors for 5G. From the growth in mobile-phone penetration to unveiling various m-Services; Pakistan’s telecom sector has become a success story for many countries that still are struggling with the technology revolution. Mobile operators have not only opened ways for other technology-based organizations to flourish, but they have also ventured in different services and expanded their service portfolio from just being a communication service provider. All of this has speed up the digital journey of our country. Here are some of the contributions made by the operators in making Pakistan more digital. Mobile operators not only provide voice connectivity but with the advent of 3G/4G services, they now also provide high-speed internet connectivity that is the heart of the digital revolution. This high-quality internet connectivity not only gives people a voice but also creates opportunities for better services and products for every industry. Mobile operators not only provide voice connectivity but with the advent of 3G/4G services they now also provide high-speed internet connectivity that is the heart of the digital revolution Pakistan is continuously experiencing massive growth in terms of cellular subscribers, be it 3G or 4G. According to PTA, Pakistan has more than 160 Million telecom subscribers. Pakistan is continuously experiencing massive growth in terms of cellular subscribers, be it 3G or 4G. In a small-time, all four operators expanded their service coverage to almost 100% area of the country. Jazz and Zong both have more than 10,000 network sites across the country. Whereas, Telenor Pakistan leads with more than 11,000 cell sites in the country. Ufone also has 9000+ coverage units across the country. The availability of fast internet is the major reason for the introduction of all online services that are now available in Pakistan. So this alone can be considered the greatest contribution in the digital revolution. Mobile operators are not only providing basic connectivity, but they are also focusing on the mobile app innovation that is the key in the whole digitization process. M-education, m-health, m-commerce, m-agriculture and other mobile-based services have been only made possible with the help of mobile operators. M-education, m-health, m-commerce, m-agriculture and other mobile-based services have been only made possible with the help of mobile operators Pakistan is an agrarian country as most of its economy is based on agriculture. To boost up the economy and to make the agricultural department digital, different companies have introduced mobile-agriculture to provide more ease to the farmers. Jazz “Bakhabar Kissan” is an e-agricultural app available on play store that provides information about the latest markets rates, weather forecasting, animal husbandry and all agricultural news. Telenor Pakistan, in collaboration with the Tameer Bank and government of Punjab, also has introduced the Connected Agriculture Punjab Package (CAPP) for farmers. The CAPP includes many initiatives and services to the farmers, such as interest-free loans, subsidies and consultancy services regarding crops and fertilisers. These services are provided through a digital mobile platform, and 125,000 smartphones have also been distributed to farmers. Jazz BIMA Sehat service provides 24-hour doctor and hospital insurance services. Telenor Khushal Beema Insurance service lets the users secure their future without going anywhere by just depositing a moderate amount from their account. Ufone’s UTahafuz is also a financial security service in case of need. Zong Accidental Insurance provides the hassle-free insurance service to assist its users in case of need. Jazz has also done some admirable work in m-health as well; its Healthpass application helps to improve health outflow management. The telecom operators have played a vital role in making the country more digital by introducing branchless banking services. In the bank-led model, cellular mobile operators, authorised financial institutions, and technology firms have enhanced their financial services and essential infrastructure by developing real-time and user-friendly solutions. Telenor’s Easypaisa is a mobile wallet app that lets users handle their financial transactions easily. Jazz has also introduced the “JazzCash” which provides digital payment services. Ufone’s Upaisa has also made the financial transactions and money transfer so easy that people do not need to wait in a long queue in the banks when they can easily make their transactions through their phones. Cellular mobile operators, authorised financial institutions, and technology firms have enhanced their financial services and essential infrastructure by developing real-time and user-friendly solutions There is no shortage of talent in Pakistan. Currently, the country has the largest youth population. So, for the young tech-savvy generation, full of energy and abilities mobile operators also provide various opportunities for them to show talent abilities. Telenor Velocity is a road map to the digital revolution and a platform for the youngster to prove their metal. Telenor Velocity is the first Digital Startup Accelerator, which focuses on helping startups to land in the market within a period of 4 months, by using Telenor Pakistan’s scale and assets. Currently, 17 startups have graduated by raising the fund to $2.2 Million under Telenor Velocity. On the other hand, Jazz has collaborated with Ignite and Teamup to launch the National Incubation Center in Pakistan. For the young tech-savvy generation, full of energy and abilities mobile operators also provide various opportunities for them to show talent abilities Mobile operators also hold various events every now and then to empower youth. Jazz organised the SDG Hackathon Program last year, in that program, it provided a platform for 144 entrepreneurs, innovators, coders, and social scientists to cater the civic and social problems. Telenor also introduced Hackathon Program last year, giving the youngsters a platform to show their abilities. Such programs are fruitful in the sense that they provide a platform to the people who have fewer opportunities. Not only the telecom operators provide fast internet at low rates, but they have introduced their own entertainment applications. Jazz’s Mobile TV lets users watch dramas online. Jazz has also introduced five regional apps that provide different services like regional music, dramas and stories, etc. Similarly, Telenor’s Easy Bazar app lets the users do online shopping without any hassle. Jazz’s discount bazar is an app that let’s users to order food online at discounted rates. As we further head forward in the digital revolution, new opportunities will be created for telecom companies to create value dependency not only for their own industry, but but for other industries as well Zong mobile Bazaar is a marketplace for buyers and sellers for the barter of things including motor vehicles, mobile phones and property. Jazz has also collaborated with Gameloft to download and play games on mobile phones using Jazz internet. Similarly, Zong Play is a value-added service that lets users download, purchase or play free games online. Telenor has also its game store, Gamebox, that has plenty of games. Last but not least, Ufone’s gaming portal lets users play a variety of games including puzzle, action, strategy and adventure games. Telecom industry is the epicentre of the entire digital transformation. As we further head forward in the digital revolution, new opportunities will be created for telecom companies to create value dependency not only for their own industry but for consumers, other industries, including retail, automotive, electricity, e-commerce and even entertainment and the broader economy.
