2009 termed as a “mixed year” for the IT Industry

Chairman, Federal Task Force on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Mr. Salim Ghauri on Tuesday said, “The year 2009 would be remembered as a ‘mixed year’ for the Information Technology (IT) industry in Pakistan”.

His statement was based on the fact that, the year 2009 witnessed growth in investment by the Multinational companies (MNC’s) in the industry, and the increased adaptation of IT services in the entire Asia Pacific region. He also said that the industry is on the road to maturity now, giving the example of the dotcom crash in 2001, which the industry could not withstand. Also pointing out the completion of the first draft of “IT policy recommendations” and its submission to the Planning Commission.

So, it has been a mixed year based on the various achievements in the IT industry of Pakistan.

PEW calls for enhanced Internet awareness

“Cyber criminals are getting sophisticated”, says the Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW), raising its concerns and calling out for increase in public awareness on Sunday, 27th December, 2009.

“Systems as well as networks are not designed keeping security in mind. Internet security is considered as an extra burden on budget, which is a wrong belief,” said Dr Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

He also added that Government departments, commercial institutions and private businesses lack co-ordination and knowledge about internet which is a great threat.

The incidents of cyber crimes are on the rise, and will keep rising until we do not build public and corporate awareness whilst improving the government mechanism, inorder to deal with such issues. Masses as well as private sector seems least bothered about it.

PTA issues QoS parameters for improving data services

Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has formulated two sets of key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve and monitor the “Quality of Service” (QoS) in ‘Fixed Broadband’ and ‘GPRS/EDGE’ networks.

The final version of the KPI’s was built after extensive consultations with the relevant operators and stakeholders. The objective is to “create transparency” and set monitor-able standards, in fixed broadband and GPRS/EDGE services, ensuring consumer satisfaction.

PTA has been striving to serve the telecom and ICT sector of Pakistan for its growth and development through different initiatives. Introduction of KPI’s for broadband services is another effort to achieve PTA’s vision “protecting consumer interest and ensuring high quality ICT services.”

Visit the PTA’s website www.pta.gov.pk for the complete story.