Telecom firm eyes 4G technology In Pakistan

[LahoreEstate]

Sunday, December 20, 2009
By our correspondent

LAHORE: Mobilink has planned to launch 4G (fourth generation) technology in the near future in Pakistan with the belief that the market can leapfrog to accept the new technology.

Mobilink President Rashid Khan, in a statement issued here on Saturday, said there had been discussions on the launch of 3G technology in the country for some time. However, like some other countries, Mobilink could also go for 4G technology and it was in talks with the government in that regard.

He brushed aside the impression that some cellphone companies had formed a cartel in a bid to block the introduction of 3G technology in Pakistan, saying the telecom operators were in consultation with the Ministry of Information Technology and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for bringing the new technology.

“A decision has to be taken by the government and we will follow its directions,” he added.

Rashid praised the government for a cut in taxes on the telecom sector, saying these had helped the industry boost its revenues.

He said Mobilink had made investment of $2.5 billion in upgrading its communication infrastructure and other things.

“Only this year, Mobilink invested $150 million in Pakistan. Today, we have around 8,000 cell sites across the country, the biggest number by any operator. Besides, we have more than 2,000 touch points.”

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=214271