Mobile penetration in Pakistan had been increasing at a very high pace since 2005 and till 2007 the growth was outstanding. However, with market getting mature and saturated and with other issues settling in, the growth started to drop by 2008. Now the growth in mobile penetration is stable and total mobile penetration stands at 60.4% showing a cumulative growth of 5% in last three years.
MOBILE SUBSCRIPTION
Like number of other emerging markets Pakistan mobile sector also constitutes mainly of prepaid subscription. Since the economic situation is not very favourable due to increased inflation and higher cost of living, individuals have reduced their spending on communication needs, therefore, suitable options to stay connected still rests with easy loads and scratch cards. With over 97% prepaid subscription in the mobile market, the post paid subscription in Pakistan is insignificant.
NETWORK COVERAGE
Network coverage coupled with exciting value added services plays an important role in deciding about the position of any operator in the market. The increasing coverage area serves as a key to incrementing the subscribers base. Number of cell sites erected by the operators also shows the position of the operator in the market and companies are competing with each other to gain bigger share. Today there are 30,126 cell sites erected by all companies combined across Pakistan whereas in 2009 the total cell sites were 28,159 showing a growth rate of 7% in the reported year.
CONSUMER COMPLAINTS SUMMARY (JULY 2010-SEP 2011)
Consumer Protection Directorate (CPD) has been established in PTA to receive and resolve the complaints of telecom customers of different services. As a result of CPD efforts, consumers complaints are being resolved expeditiously. Summary of Complaints received regarding Cellular Mobile Phone service from July 2010 to September 2011 is given below.