The National Broadband Network Forum 2024 was held in Islamabad with the theme “Gigabit for All”. The event, organized by PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) in partnership with Huawei, brought together key leaders and experts to discuss how broadband can help boost Pakistan’s digital growth.
What Happened at the Forum?
The forum featured speeches from government officials, telecom leaders, and experts in technology. The event aimed to discuss how broadband services can reach more people across the country, ensuring better digital access for all.
Key Highlights from the Forum:
1. Yousaf Raza Gillani’s Speech
Yousaf Raza Gillani, the Chairman of the Senate, was the chief guest at the event. He emphasized the importance of broadband for the digital economy. He praised PTA for achieving a broadband penetration of 59% in Pakistan but also noted that there is still work to do to reach more areas, especially rural regions.
2. Huawei’s Role in Digital Transformation
Mr. Gillani also spoke about Huawei’s important role in Pakistan’s digital growth. Huawei has been working with Pakistan for many years, helping improve the country’s ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sector. The company is involved in developing technology for AI (Artificial Intelligence), Cloud computing, and Big Data, all of which are crucial for the digital future.
3. Support from the Government
The Minister of State for IT, Shiza Fatima, also attended the forum and expressed the government’s ongoing support for the telecom sector. She stressed that the government will continue to work on closing the digital divide between urban and rural areas, ensuring everyone has access to digital services.
4. PTA’s Efforts for Connectivity
The Chairman of PTA highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, telecom companies, and tech leaders. He stressed that working together will help Pakistan achieve universal connectivity, meaning every citizen will have access to fast internet.
Importance of Broadband for Pakistan’s Future
1. Broadband as a Necessity
Broadband is a critical part of Pakistan’s digital future. It helps people access online services, education, healthcare, and job opportunities. The forum focused on how to increase broadband penetration in Pakistan to ensure more people can enjoy these benefits.
2. Collaboration with Companies like Huawei and Jazz
At the forum, Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, spoke about the importance of partnerships in achieving digital growth. Jazz, a leading telecom company, has been working closely with PTA and Huawei to expand broadband services in Pakistan. Ibrahim emphasized that these collaborations are crucial for improving internet access and enabling innovations like AI.
3. A Connected Future for Pakistan
The goal of the forum was clear: to connect Pakistan digitally and help the country grow economically. Broadband is essential for this growth, as it will allow businesses, schools, and communities to access the digital world. The forum’s discussions focused on how to improve the broadband infrastructure, ensuring that all Pakistanis benefit from the digital revolution.
Key Speakers and Their Contributions
| Speaker | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Yousaf Raza Gillani | Emphasized broadband’s role in economic growth and praised PTA’s efforts. |
| Shiza Fatima | Assured government support to bridge the digital divide. |
| Aamir Ibrahim (Jazz CEO) | Highlighted the importance of partnerships in expanding broadband services. |
| Huawei CEO | Reaffirmed commitment to providing advanced broadband solutions. |
| PTA Chairman | Stressed the need for collaboration to achieve nationwide connectivity. |
What’s Next for Pakistan’s Broadband?
The National Broadband Network Forum 2024 is just one of many efforts to improve Pakistan’s broadband infrastructure. The forum’s discussions are expected to lead to more collaborations between the government, telecom companies, and technology providers like Huawei.
By improving broadband access, Pakistan can unlock new opportunities for education, healthcare, business, and innovation. With the continued support of industry leaders and the government, Pakistan is on its way to becoming a digitally connected nation.
The National Broadband Network Forum 2024 was a successful event that highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to increasing broadband penetration and achieving a digitally connected future. With the support of organizations like PTA, Huawei, and Jazz, Pakistan is well on its way to improving internet access and empowering its people through technology.
