Monday, August 9, 2010

Mobilink Pledges Rs. 85 million For Flood Relief

15143746 1 300x225 Mobilink Pledges Rs. 85 million For Flood Relief
Mobilink, Pakistan’s market leader in cellular communication services, with the support of parent company Orascom Telecom Holding has committed Rs. 85 million for providing relief to the affectees of the floods caused by torrential monsoon rains in Pakistan.
Mobilink will be coordinating with relief organizations including World Food Programme and World Health Organization to reach out to the flood victims to ensure that aid needs of the deserving and un-served are met in an efficient manner. The funds will be used to provide immediate relief assistance including clean drinking water and dry food rations.
Naguib Sawiris, Executive Chairman, OTH and Khaled Bichara, Group Chief Executive Officer, OTH expressed grief at the loss of lives, infrastructure and the ongoing crisis adding that Mobilink and Pakistan hold a very special place at Orascom and the Rs. 85 million fund is a humble way of expressing solidarity with the millions of people affected by the worst floods in Pakistan’s history.
Rashid Khan, President & CEO Mobilink shared that, “This is a national tragedy that requires each one of us to respond with support that is tangible and urgency which is critical. As one of the largest private sector organizations in the country, Mobilink has always been at the forefront in supporting our fellow citizens in times such as these. We have an experienced team who have been a part of Mobilink’s efforts in the 2005 earthquake, Balochistan floods and more recently the IDPs Relief efforts as well as a generous employee and subscriber base that makes us ideally positioned to deliver effectively.”
In addition to committing funds at the company level, Mobilink has also set up a short code to enable Mobilink users to contribute Rs. 10 (plus tax) by texting “Flood” to 616 or deposit donations  to Mobilink Foundation account (account # 0401-0028266-0001) by visiting any NIB branch. Mobilink has also set up a salary fund to enable employees to donate towards this cause.
According to sources, the flood has affected more than 3 million people, including 1.4 million children. Having killed at least 1,400 already, the death toll  is expected to rise as more heavy rain is reported in the midst of the monsoon season, feared breakout of water-borne diseases such as cholera and  a food crisis due to several parts being cut off for almost one week now.
Last year, Mobilink established a complete relief camp accommodating 1,000 families of IDPs with a Rs. 81 million fund. Recognized as the largest private sector relief commitment for the IDPs, the camp provided inhabitants with all basic need items ranging from tents, bedding and hygiene items, dry food rations, cooking areas and utensils to basic health care, education and even recreation. As a company committed to reshaping lives, Mobilink and Orascom have shown unwavering commitment in the past as well by actively engaging in the relief and rehabilitation of the Oct 2005 earthquake affectees

Mobile Internet Users Increasing Tremendously in Pakistan

increase chart  Mobile Internet Users Increasing Tremendously in Pakistan
In the recent years, due to pretty low rates of cellular services, there is an increase in the number of subscribers with an accelerated pace. Furthermore, the subscribers adopting internet services are showing incredible growth of 161 percent by June-end.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority reported, the number of internet subscription on network of different cellular operators have reached 14.4 million by the end of closing financial year 2009-10. The number of internet subscribers on cellular operators’ network was recorded 4.4 million by the end of 2008-09.
Telenor has grabbed the biggest share in terms of number of mobile internet users; however, penetration-wise Zong is leading the market with its lowest cost package of internet services.
Industry analysts said the internet subscription numbers might be over-stated by the authority because the internet users are not permanent in the cellular sector on specific operator’s network. They were of the view that cellular operators’ revenue has seen a healthy increase from the usage of mobile internet on GSM technology.
The quality of handset also facilitates subscribers to use internet, an internet services are used mostly on expensive handset of branded companies. The growth of mobile internet subscribers has outpaced the growth of internet subscribers utilizing broadband and dial-up connections in the outgoing fiscal year.
As per estimated figures, the number of internet users had reached 19.5 million by 2009-10 as compared, with the number of users reported less than 19 million in the country by the end of corresponding previous year.
However, the number of internet connections has reached nearly 10 million in the country including broadband and dial-up. The broadband growth witnessed 150 percent in just two years, which has never been experienced before.
The number of broadband users has grown from 45,000 in 2007 to 900,000 this year. Due to these results, Pakistan has been placed 6th in terms of quarterly growth and 10th in terms of annual growth in the global broadband market by a leading web source on broadband statistics.

Telenor Pakistan Pledges Rs100 Million for Flood Affectees

Photo Telenor Pakistan pledges Rs100 Million for Flood Affectees 300x201 Telenor Pakistan Pledges Rs100 Million for Flood Affectees
Telenor Pakistan has pledged Rs. 100 Million in funding and telecommunication services, towards relief and rehabilitation of flood affectees. The amount will be used to facilitate immediate relief efforts and longer term rehabilitation initiatives by Pakistan Red Crescent Society.

Chief Strategy Officer and VP Corporate Affairs, Telenor Pakistan, Aamir Ibrahim said, “In this hour of need, where millions have been affected by devastating floods across the country, Telenor Pakistan stands by its brethren. We will contribute through donating funds, offering our telecommunication services and volunteering our collective employee efforts towards the rehabilitation of the affectees. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the destruction caused by recent floods. We are sure that this humble effort will help those who need it most.”
Secretary General, Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Brig. (Retd.) Muhammad Ilyas Khan appreciated Telenor Pakistan’s timely contribution. He said, “This is a great initiative from Telenor Pakistan and hopefully will also encourage other organizations to contribute in a similar manner. This is a national crisis and everyone needs to do their part by coming forward and extending support.”
Telenor Pakistan runs a number of community support initiatives aimed at helping communities help themselves. In addition to becoming a disability friendly organization, Telenor Pakistan also takes a lead in extending support to disaster victims. In wake of October 2008 earthquake in Baluchistan, it was the first telecom operator to reach the affected area that provided communication facilities and a month’s supply of food items to 160 families. Other than providing crisis communication support to Edhi, National Crisis Management Cell, press and relief organizations, Telenor Pakistan also made a contribution of Rs. 65 million to the President Earthquake Relief Fund and International Red Cross after the 2005 earthquake. Telenor Pakistan and PRCS also worked together during the IDP crisis to help thousands of displaced people from tribal areas of Pakistan.

Ufone and PTCL Contribute to Flood Relief Fund

Mr Walid Irshaid, President PTCL & Ufone and Mr Abdul Aziz, CEO Ufone jointly presenting cheques to the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani for the PM’s Flood Relief Fund 2010.
Mr Walid Irshaid, President PTCL & Ufone and Mr Abdul Aziz, CEO Ufone jointly presenting cheques to the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani for the PM’s Flood Relief Fund 2010.
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Pakistan and its sister concern Ufone, donated Rs.53.5 million to the Prime Minister’s flood relief fund.
Mr. Walid Irshaid President PTCL and Ufone  and Mr. Abdul Aziz CEO Ufone met the honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Yousuf Raza Gillani and expressed their solidarity at this time of need.
The Company has and always will stand by the people of Pakistan. This effort is in response to the recent call for help from the private sector by the Prime Minister.
Mr. Walid Irshaid President PTCL and Ufone Pakistan said that this is a testing time for all in Pakistan. The natural calamities have been unimaginable and it is up to each one of us to come together in order to create a unified effort to help the people of Pakistan.
We as socially responsible organizations need to join hands and make this the fastest and most effective relief effort ever. And hoped this contribution will help in providing people relief of their grievous conditions.

Speed Boost with Wi-tribe!

wi Speed Boost with Wi tribe!After the recent Upsize Gbs offer, now Wi-tribe is offering more speeds so you can surf, socialize and stream  more fast. Through Speed Boost you can get 50% more speed on your current package.

Charges and Subscription:
  • 99 Rupees will charged additional to your current package charges.
  • Validity of the speed boost is 30 days after subscription.
  • For subscription please visit http://wi-tribe.pk/boost/ and fill a form or  dial 111 187 423 or  visit Wi-tribe outlets.
Note:
  • This offer is only for speed, bandwidth will remain the same.
  • Terms and Conditions apply.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Telenor Pakistan, Partners Organize Leadership Conference for PWDs in South Asia

The Regional Leadership Conference for Persons with Disabilities in South Asia 2010 was inaugurated at a local hotel today. The three-day conference has been organized by Special Talent Exchange Program, SightSavers Pakistan and Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education in partnership with Telenor Pakistan’s flagship corporate responsibility program ‘Khuddar Pakistan’. Some 80 leaders of organizations working on issues related to persons with disabilities (PWD) from Pakistan as well as dignitaries from Bangladesh, Japan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and US are also attending.
Chief Guest at the occasion, Vice President Corporate Affairs and Chief Strategy Officer Telenor Pakistan Aamir Ibrahim while commenting on the event said: “Through Telenor’s Khuddar Pakistan program we aim to provide the disabled community of Pakistan with integration and inclusion opportunities. We believe that a platform like the Leadership Conference enables participants to devise ways and means to resolve the issues that they face. It is also an opportunity for government and corporate sector stakeholders to get a clear perspective on steps necessary to mainstream Persons with Disabilities.”
Country Director, Sightsavers Pakistan, Niazullah Khan appreciated the initiative as a positive step towards inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. He said: “We are extremely satisfied with how the conference has progressed from a national initiative last year, to a regional one during 2010. We are sure that the conference will achieve its desired results and will continue to grow as a potent platform for Persons with Disabilities”.
Others who spoke at the inauguration were Muhammad Atif Sheikh, President, STEP; Akiie Nino Miya, Executive Director, APCD; Dong Lin Li, Country Director, ILO Pakistan; Toshiya Sapo Chief of JICA; and Adam Thomson, British High Commissioner to Pakistan.
The conference is expected to provide various stakeholders with an understanding of upcoming developments in the disability sector and the needs of persons with disabilities. It will close on August 2.

ZONG Extented LBC Offer to 21 More Cities

LBC2 ZONG Extented LBC Offer to 21 More Cities
ZONG after the thriving launch of ‘Location Based Charging’ in 37 cities formerly, ZONG has now made a new move and added 21 more cities to its LBC offer.
Now customers in Bagh, Bela, Dadu, Dipalpur, Ghotki, Khairpur, Lodhran, Mailsi, Mandi, Bahauddin, Mirpur, Khas, Narowal, Nawabshah, Okara, Pannu, Aqil, Pasrur, Pattoki, Rawlakot, Sangarh, Shakargarh, Wazirabad and Ziarat can also subscribe to this offer and make unlimited free calls to all ZONG numbers anywhere in Pakistan.
All existing, new & MNP customers using ZONG network in the cities mentioned below, are permitted to avail this offer.
Offer details:
• Daily subscription for unlimited on net calls on a charge of Rs. 7+ tax/day.
• All subscription will be through short code i-e 522
• The relevant keyword will have to be sent to 522 e.g. for Bela send ‘bla’ to 522“– refer to table below
• If customers want to unsubscribe they will be required to send “unsub” to 522 or Call 310
Short code & Keyword:
The LBC cities along with the relevant Keywords are as follows;
S.no. City Keywords
1 Bagh bgh
2 Bela bla
3 Dadu ddu
4 Dipalpur dpp
5 Ghotki gtk
6 Khairpur krp
7 Lodhran ldr
8 Mailsi msi
9 Mandi Bahauddin mbd
10 Mirpur Khas mks
11 Narowal nrl
12 Nawabshah nws
13 Okara okr
14 Pannu Aqil pna
15 Pasrur psr
16 Pattoki ptk
17 Rawlakot rkt
18 Sangarh sgh
19 Shakargarh skg
20 Wazirabad wzb
21 Ziarat zrt
source: Telecom Recorder