3G stands for third generation wireless technology. It enhances the cellular service experience such as multimedia, high speed mobile broadband, internet access with the freedom to view video recordings on your mobile handset.
3G is the evolution of cellular technology allowing users to make video calls, watch live TV, access the high speed internet, download large email attachments faster, downloading music tracks, along with all the basic services a cellular network provides like messaging or making a call.
This technology was a breakthrough in telecommunication in early 1980s but it was officially launched worldwide in early 2000s.
In 2007 an announcement was made regarding the introduction of 3G in Pakistan, creating ripples in the telcom industry. The question of the hour was how to make the most of this 3G technology?
From Packaging to branding, all market players had their strategic plans cut out. Six years down the road and still there is no progress in finalizing the terms of auction of 3g mobile licensing in Pakistan.
The only established sector of the country, Telecom Sector has been a victim of market saturation and cut-throat competition for quite some time now.
3G mobile service had the potential of reviving the sector to a better class of competition but Procrastination is a virtue, our Governments possses in abundance.
With the profit margins thinning, in the saturated market, additional government taxes work as the last straw. Some brands are currently re-vamping their Brand Image, others continuing the long tested streak of similar yet veteran advertisement campaigns and the rest just praying to exist peacefully.
Telenor, one of the major Telecom companies announced to invest a billion US dollars in Pakistan, for 3G mobile licensing.
Our Government prolonged this Foreign Direct Investment to an extent that the CEO of the company recently stated that if no viable terms are finalized Telenor will soon think of investing elsewhere.
Financial services can benefit unimaginably once people become familiar with 3G. According to Tribune.com.pk, only 9% of the Pakistani population use Mobile Banking. With introduction of 3G financial Institutions could embed themselves in the cell phone, which over 120 million of Pakistani use.
There are numerous businesses which can benefit from the arrival of 3G technology, the only question now remains, when will the Government finalize the auction procedures.
Do you think the current government will introduce 3G technology in Pakistan any soon?
