Jazz CEO Calls To Shift Local Handset Manufacturing Approach

News Desk

Islamabad: As various countries are phasing out 2G and 3G networks to pave the way for more efficient 4G technology, Pakistan must ensure its populace is digitally equipped for the modern age, stated Jazz Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Aamir Ibrahim.

Out of the 67.7 million handsets assembled within the country since 2020, only 22.9 million were smartphones, indicating a critical need for a directional overhaul in the industry, according to the Pakistan Telecommunication stats.

Ibrahim urged the government to take decisive steps, advocating for the discontinuation of both the import and local assembly of 2G and 3G phones and emphasising the need to prioritise the production of high-quality 4G-enabled smartphones.

CEO said that the country still imports and encourages local assembly of non-internet-capable phones on a large scale. He argued that importing, locally assembling and selling 2G phones is impractical in a country with around 125.76 million mobile broadband users but only 2.51 million fixed-line Internet connections.

According to Aamir, the telecom industry is urging a paradigm shift in Pakistan’s local handset manufacturing approach which will not only expedite Pakistan’s digital journey but also position the nation for significant export opportunities.

Given the current global tech landscape, Ibrahim expressed scepticism that any nation would invest in 2G handsets, stressing that a digital revolution is unlikely in an environment where a substantial portion of the populace relies on 2G-only handsets.

The overarching goal should be to ensure that every hand holds a smartphone. Aamir suggested achieving this through affordable instalment plans rather than focusing on feature phones.

Ibrahim also stated that Jazz is phasing out 3G services and reallocating resources to develop a more efficient 4G network. This enhancement promises an improved mobile broadband experience for customers, he added.