Mobile Subscriber Numbers in Pakistan have Risen from 68,000 in 1996 to 3.3 Million by End-2003, Reaching over 21 million by Early 2006

DUBLIN, Ireland--(BUSINESS WIRE) Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c36550) has announced the addition of "Pakistan - Mobile Communications and Broadcasting" to their offering. With annual growth well in excess of 100%, the mobile telephone market in Pakistan has been experiencing a period of strong and sustained development. Mobile services were first offered in 1990 and, despite high costs, grew rapidly. Subscriber numbers have risen from 68,000 in 1996 to 3.3 million by end-2003, reaching over 21 million by early 2006. However, by international standards, penetration remained relatively low at around 14%, suggesting that there was room for further expansion. Whilst progress has been made in the regulatory area, rigid policies slowed growth. This report looks at the Pakistani mobile market, as well as a brief look at the television broadcasting sector.