China’s Sunwalk Group plans to invest US$2 billion in Pakistan telecom sector, according to a number of reports.
In order to build an optical fibre network that will eventually cover a region of 100,000 kilometres, China’s Sunwalk Group plans to invest US$2 billion in Pakistan telecom sector, according to a number of reports.
In order to discuss investments in telecom infrastructure, optical fibre cable (OFC), and rights of way (RoW), a high-level delegation from the Sunwalk Group reportedly met with Pakistan’s minister for IT and telecom this week.
A multinational private Chinese company called Sunwalk that specialises in telecommunications and technology has created a number of telecom and communication infrastructure projects in China and obtained a Telecom Infrastructure Provider (TIP) licence in Pakistan.
The delegation was informed during the meeting by Pakistan’s minister that discussions with the Ministry of Railways and Highways Authority regarding the right of way for laying OFC are still ongoing.
He gave the delegation the assurance that all the barriers in this area would be quickly removed. According to the Economic Times in India, relations between China and Pakistan currently seem to be positive.
In fact, less than two weeks ago, the Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) approved the rollover of US$1.3 billion in facilities for Pakistan. Pakistan currently has high inflation, problems with its foreign exchange reserves, a current account deficit, and its currency is depreciating.
In addition to offering internet and broadband services, it also offers cellular telephone, card payphone, and, since Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) was privatised, fixed-line telephone services.
Pakistan telecom sector has experienced significant growth in the recent years as a result of an increase in e-commerce, which increased demand for connectivity, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This chance assisted in building the industry’s network and infrastructure, but operational difficulties like power outages, problems with stability and security, rising fuel prices, and high operating costs persist.