Abstract

The mobile communications market in Pakistan is going through a high growth phase; ICT (Information and Communications Technology) infrastructure is expanding and penetration of telecommunication products and services is also rising. Taking communication services to rural and backward areas is something that the Pakistani government must do to invigorate the economy. However, technological industries are underdeveloped, and Pakistan's communications infrastructure is still rather weak. The huge investments needed also present challenges for Pakistan, which is still a relatively poor nation. Therefore, the Pakistani government will have to continue to liberalize the telecommunications industry and attract foreign investment. The telecommunications investment policies implemented by the Pakistani government will impact the future development of the communications industry.

Due to strong market competition and market saturation, mobile operators in mature markets are starting to turn to the emerging markets of South Asia, which have huge populations and low mobile penetration rates. Mobile operators from various countries such as China Mobile and SingTel hope that through strategic alliances or acquisitions they can obtain more opportunities to develop markets in South Asia. The emerging mobile communications markets in South Asia offer many opportunities not only to mobile operators, but also to equipment suppliers. For instance, ZTE, Huawei, and UTStarcom are relying on their price advantages to enter South Asian markets.

Appendix

List of Companies