Pakistan’s first CDMA fixed wireless network was launched by Telecard - a local private telecommunication company - heralding the era of 3G network in this part of the world. The network brings Wireless Local Loop technology to Pakistan, which has proven as a break through in achieving high ‘teledensity’ targets in developing and under developed countries. The service was launched in Karachi this year and has been extended in Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas and Larkana.

Ufone, the sister cellular concern of the state-owned telecom upgraded its existing GSM network to GPRS in December. GPRS is a 2.5G technology, which enables mobile subscribers to remain connected to the internet all the time. GPRS enabled mobile devices and phones can enjoy a theoretical throughput of 20 kbps, which is sufficient for most of the text based Internet applications such as email and chat.

Satellite Telephony services were offered by Thuraya, an International Satellite Telephony operator in a joint venture with PTCL at affordable local tariffs. Acting as a perfect complement to the cellular service, the satellite telephony service expands the coverage of telephony services to every nook and corner of the country.

Paksat-1, its first geostationary satellite, has begun commercial services in March 2003 after being moved to its new orbital slot at 38° East Longitude.

Pakistan made the announcement jointly with Hughes Global Services, Inc. (HGS), builder of Paksat-1. The satellite, which was launched in 1996 as the Indonesian Palapa C1, was renamed Anatolia–1 and now Paksat 1 after Pakistan took it over. HGS will also assist Pakistan fully develop the potential of their orbital slot. The contract is worth close to US$30 million over its five-year term.

With over 30 C-Band and Ku-Band transponders, Paksat-1 will provide commercial services including Internet backbone services, remote Internet access, business communications, video, audio and data services and thin route telephony. According to HGS, Pakistan is getting a very capable satellite to initiate its commercial communications business, and that HGS was very pleased to be able to partner them in this endeavor.

HGS provides one-stop shopping for satellite communications solutions in niche and underserved markets. It has provided services in over 70 countries worldwide to over 130 customers. HGS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Electronics Corporation, a provider of digital television entertainment, broadband services, and global video and data broadcasting. Hughes is a unit of General Motors Corporation.

Pakistan’s first geo-stationary satellite PAKSAT-1 became operational in the orbit on 23rd December.. The satellite, despite some operational problems with its hardware, can be used for education. There have been large advertisements in the newspapers for the marketing of Satellite time recently.

Thuraya Satellite Phones. http://www.thuraya.com/. appointed a dealer and agent in Pakistan, based in Islamabad. The service is very cheap, and they have a variety of phones available, including dual mode satellite/GSM models. Pak Telecom info is listed below. The costs look pretty good. Handheld phones are the size of a large cellular phone, and base models are also available. The data option should definitely be purchased as well. Phones are said to cost in the $700-$1000 range. Operating cost varies by country a little, and the world is divided into five "regions". Calling inside your local region to a landline phone will be about $1/min. Calling to neighboring regions, maybe 1500-3000 miles away should be about $1.20/min, and calling halfway around the world will be about $1.35/min. Calls from one Thuraya phone to another are only $0.50/min each, anywhere that the satellite can see. The satellite signal certainly covers Afghanistan well. The phones have a built in GPS receiver which also provides precise navigation data. You can also contact Thuraya directly in Dubai if you are going through there on the way out. The phones are now available in Dubai Duty Free at the airport. Pak Telecom, Thuraya’s service provider in Pakistan, will offer Thuraya mobile satellite services, including handsets and SIM cards.

Pak Telecom is the national operator, offering services such as Domestic & International ISDN Service, Internet/e-mail Service, Digital Leased Lines Services, Home Metering, Wireless Local Loop Payphone Services, Prepaid Card Service (International/Domestic), GMPCS Services, Trunk services, Audiotex service, Voice mail Service, Caller Line Identification (CLI), Universal Access Number (UAN) Universal Internet Number (UIN), only for ISP's, 0800 (Toll Free Number/Advance Freephone Service).

Pak Telecom G-8/4 Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92 51 2282987 ,Fax: +92 51 2282936
Mr Nooruddin Baqai Mobile: 0300 8545111 dgsbp@isb.paknet.com.pk