ISLAMABAD, Jan. 28 (INP): In 2023, Pakistan manufactured or assembled 21.28 million mobile sets, according to the latest data from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).  Additionally, the country imported 1.58 million mobile phones during the same period, Gwadar Pro reported on Sunday. A thorough analysis of the data reveals that around 93.1% of the phones were locally manufactured or assembled, highlighting the significant contribution of the domestic industry.  In contrast, about 6.9% of the phones were imported, showcasing a balanced market approach. This not only reflects the strength of the local mobile industry but also contributes to easing the burden on the country’s foreign reserves.

As per PTA’s data, of the locally manufactured/assembled phones 13 million were Second Generation Mobile (2G mobile), commonly known as GSM phones while 8.28 million were smartphones. The data indicates that within the entire spectrum of devices operating on the Pakistani network, 59.0% comprise 2G (GSM) phones, while 41.0% are smartphones. In 2023, Chinese companies remained the top manufacturers or assemblers of mobile phones in Pakistan.  Leading the chart is China VGO Tel with 2.73 million phone sets, closely followed by China’s Infinix with 2.62 million mobile phones.

Similarly, China’s iTel has manufactured/assembled 2.56 million mobile phones, while X Mobile has contributed 1.52 million sets. TECNO has manufactured/assembled 1.45 million sets, followed by China’s Redmi with 1.31 million mobile phones. CALME, E-Tachi, ViVvo, and Cub Mobile have also individually contributed to the mobile phone industry with impressive production figures.  Specifically, CALME manufactured 1.07 million phones, E-Tachi produced 0.94 million phones, ViVvo assembled 0.83 million phones, and Cub Mobile contributed 0.64 million phones to the market.

These diverse manufacturing outputs highlight the vibrant and competitive landscape of the mobile phone sector with Chinese companies playing a significant role in meeting consumer demands. Meanwhile, PTA stated on Friday that the telecom sector generated Rs850 billion in terms of revenues in FY 2022-23, showing a growth of 17% despite economic challenges. Moreover, cellular mobile services are available to 90% of Pakistan’s population.  The number of telecom subscribers reached an impressive 192 million at the end of September 2023 with 130 million broadband subscribers. Several regulatory measures and initiatives were taken during the reported year for the growth and development of the sector.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China