MoITT to Launch the First Draft of Telecom Policy

MoITT to Launch the First Draft of Telecom Policy

The ministry of information technology is all set to launch the first draft of telecommunications policy.

The minister of state for information technology Anusha Rehman chaired a meeting, where nn international consultant hired for reviewing and integrating the current telecommunication policies told the meeting about his key findings and policy suggestions about various aspects of telecommunication sector.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) officials attended the meeting.

The minister said that the policy would be forward-looking and promoting latest trends and services. She emphasised that the policy should enable and encourage local manufacturing, content and application development.

During the meeting, expected provisions of the new policy regarding interconnection, voice over internet protocol, licensing framework, broadband services and public wi-fi were extensively discussed. All public sector stakeholders were given full chance to comment and present their views.

It is expected that the first draft of policy would be launched in the third week of July 2014 for review and comments of stakeholders.

The minister said that the policy would be aimed to achieve universally available and affordable telecom services to all users to benefit the economy and society.

A drafting group comprising of ministry, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Frequency Allocation Board officials has been constituted to finalise the first draft before opening it for consultation.

Formal workshops are planned with stakeholders in August 2014 to finalise the draft. The process of requisite formal approvals from the government will take place thereafter.