ISLAMABAD, May 4: The government has provided a level-playing field to investors in the telecom sector through favourable and consistent policies and minimum interference to ensure smooth operations at all level , said Minister for Information Technology Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari here on Tuesday.

In a meeting with Arne Kjetil Lian, vice-president, and Stein Eiterheim, director, Telenor Mobile, Norway, the minister welcomed the company's decision to invest in Pakistan.

"We would want the company to work with us as a partner in the growth of telecom sector and create a healthy environment that ultimately benefits both the company and the consumers," he said. Norwegian ambassador Janis Bjorn Kanavin was also present.

The Norwegian firm had successfully bid for a $291 million mobile cellular licence in a recent auction organized by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. Mr Leghari said Pakistan looked with appreciation at the confidence the Norwegian firm had placed in investment potential of the telecom sector in the country.

He said a low teledensity and a conducive business environment in Pakistan would provide the company an ideal opportunity to launch its operations in a big way. he Norwegian ambassador described as encouraging the company's decision to invest in Pakistan and hoped it would further assist in the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The vice-president of the company said they were looking forward to commencing operations in the country as soon as possible. He said his company would try to win subscribers not by pushing for a price war but by ensuring a top quality service and a healthy competition.