The telecom sector posted the highest-ever revenue of Rs644 billion in fiscal year 2020-21 as compared to the revenue of Rs592 billion in the previous year.
The sector attracted $202 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) and contributed Rs226 billion to the national exchequer, according to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) annual report for 2021.
During the year, an amount of $486 million was generated through spectrum auctions and licence renewals in the country. Broadband service subscribers surged to 110 million, the report said, adding that around 50% of the country’s population subscribed to broadband, with bulk (49%) consisting of mobile broadband connections.
“PTA has so far issued mobile device manufacturing authorisations to 30 companies, attracting investments to the tune of $120 million, producing 10.1 million smartphones in 2021 and creating 2,000 jobs,” the report said.
