KARACHI, Jan 12: Pakistan entered into a new phase of modern telecommunication technology with the operation of wireless local loop telephone service (WLL) in the private sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Awais Ahmed Leghari said the dream of deregulating the telecommunication sector is becoming reality now.

He said that in view of the enormously growing demand, the best way was to open up the sector, adding that a deregulation policy was finalised and approved from the cabinet for the purpose.

"The regulator auctioned the frequencies in a transparent manner and now more than four operators in every region are operating these frequencies," he added. The minister said the results of deregulation were now appearing fast, and customers today had an option of telephone facility in addition to the PTCL.

He said that with the introduction of WLL service, the disparity between the Urban and Rural areas will no more be there and fade out in the next 2-3 years. However, he emphasised that there was need for an environment in which the government of Pakistan may allow healthy competition among the operators in coming future.

The minister said that a plan for laying optic fibre along the railway line and the National Highway was in operation, and said that instructions had been issued to the railway minister to auction the right of way. - APP