The entrance of two new mobile operators would not only bring huge investment, but also greatly help meet growing cell-phone demand in the country, said Information Technology Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari.
"This is a great success of the mobile sector policy of the present government as investors have showed confidence and investing millions of dollars," he added.
In a statement issued here on Tuesday, Awais Leghari said it is because of such policies of the government and economic stability that investment amounting to billions of rupees is pouring into the country.
He said it is a first step, and more investment is expected in other sectors too, adding thousands of jobs would also be generated.
The minister said the induction of new companies would also help generate employment opportunities through setting up of distribution points, exchanges, etc.
Meanwhile, people from different walks of life hailed award of two mobile phone licenses which they termed "a great achievement on part of present government."
The businessmen and representatives of chambers have also welcomed the award of cellular licenses, saying it would open up new avenues of local and foreign investments in the country.
"It is a good sign as the award of cellular licenses to the world-known companies would open up new avenues of investment", said a businessman.
He said the bidding process was very fair and transparent, adding the entry of the Norwegian company, Telenor, in our cellular phone market would send a positive signal abroad in terms of the country's image as well as the investment climate.
Lauding the award of licenses, an official of Islamabad Stock Exchange (ISE) said it would help bring a revolution in telecom sector.
"Awarding of the licenses to two more mobile companies would create healthy competition among the cellular companies, ultimately, improving the telecom services," said a user of mobile phone, Sheharyar Ahmed Bhatti.
The telecom experts of different international companies have also appreciated government efforts to increase usage of cellular phone in the country.
Pakistan is probably going to be one of the fastest-growing areas in the world in the wireless sector, said Douglas Polunin, a manager at Polunin Capital Partners in London.
"Economic growth in Pakistan is making cell-phones more affordable for a wider range of peoples", said Sonnerstedt at Sony Ericsson in a report.
The government last month raised its forecast for economic growth to as much as 5.6 percent for the fiscal year ending June 30, and has targeted 6 percent by 2006.
Pakistan, along with Vietnam, is seen an attractive market because of the potential for rapid subscribers growth, said Foong king Yew, an analyst with the market researcher Gartner.
It is mentioned Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) recently awarded two licences through open bidding to Space Communication, Pakistan and Telenor of Norway.
The two companies offered highest bid of $291 million each to initiate cellular services in Pakistan.
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