Shahzad Lodhi
The world is still reeling from the effects of the global pandemic that is now almost a year into its existence. With the second wave now on us, we see cases increasing everyday pushing people to adapt to the inevitable ‘New Normal’. During this time, one industry that has shown the potential to help the world in adjusting to the new way of living with lockdowns and social distancing, is the telecom sector.Known economists around the world have been forecasting the increased profit margins and revenues for this sector. The Telecom sector has turned out to become the second most important industry after healthcare since the pandemic arrived.
In Pakistan, telecom sector has been supporting to serve the masses by facilitating the government and crucial national stakeholders in helping survive this pandemic by enabling them to stay connected. Telecom operators in Pakistan are striving in their ‘Research and Development’ to safeguard their consumers’ utility and to help them practice social distancing in the best possible manner with maximum safety.
PTCL and other telecom service providers like Ufone, Mobilink, Zong, and Telenor introduced online billing systems, remote education services, an all-round entertainment portal, and unlimited Internet packages at cost effective price range. These services allowed consumers to continue with their lives without having the risk of exposure to the contagious virus. Apart from the direct consumers of these companies, small businesses especially restaurants used the telecom and internet to keep their business running and converting to doorstep food delivery systems.
The Telecom industry in Pakistan, apart from Covid-19 assistance service, also offers mobile banking services. Such services have directly and indirectly assisted the small and medium enterprises to conduct business remotely. Technology experts foresee that the sector will be leading in providing innovative business practices throughout the globe. The Government of Pakistan, along with PTA and the telecom sector must focus on building a knowledge economy, as they build a better, more connected, and safer future.
While the pandemic is still very much prevalent, the telecom industry must take it as a positive reinforcement. Online education and digital business solutions are the priority of the day and telecom service providers have the potential to cater to these priorities. Perhaps, the pandemic will end soon, however, the race for technology will get tougher. The arrival of 5G is going to be a game-changer around the world. Pakistan must take a strong lead in this initiative and use the ICTs available to build the foundation of a truly efficient and socially inclusive Digital Pakistan.
