Replying to a question in the National Assembly, she said that after launching of 3G and 4G technologies, the number of mobile users increased up to 26 millions, adding the ministry has received three international awards for developments in telecom sectors.
She said that 5G (Fifth Generation) is a commercial/marketing term that refers to the next major phase of mobile telecommunications standard/technology. It is expected that 5G networks will be rolled out in 2020 in the world.
She said foreign investment in the telecom sector has increased from 160.8 million dollars in 2102-13 to 908 million in 2104-15.
The minister said that realizing the full potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in socio-economic development, Ministry of IT's special focus is on ICT skills development, capacity building and entrepreneurship initiatives for youth. In this regard, she said, ministry has taken many initiatives that include Prime Minister's National ICT Scholarship program aimed at providing quality ICT education to the deserving, talented youth of rural/marginalized areas of Pakistan.
Since 2013, fully funded scholarships amounting to approximately Rs. 1.1 billion have been offered to 909 students across Pakistan to pursue four years ICT degree programmes in the top universities of Pakistan.
She informed that through National Grassroots ICT Research Initiative, funding is provided to undergraduate ICT students of public and private sector universities for their Final Year Projects.
Since 2013, funding of Rs. 54.72 million has been provided to 866 Final Year Projects.
She said the ministry has partnered with Microsoft to establish computer labs in Bai-tul-mal women empowerment centers for girls across Pakistan where computer skills will be taught.
She said that workshops have been organized with MIT Enterprise Forum of Pakistan and CEOs of leading IT companies to train youth for launching successful IT businesses.