Ufone introduces IR Special Package – Upto 70% Discounts

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Ufone brought another offer for its customers roaming in UAE, Saudi Arabia, and UK. Now you can get rates of Rs. 15/- per minute on incoming calls when you travel to UAE, Saudi Arabia or the UK, up to 70% discounted rates.
How to subscribe:
Dial *444*55# Or SMS 55 to 444
Note:

• Rs. 50 + tax
• Discounted rates are applicable on
  • Etisalat in UAE
  • Mobily in Saudi Arabia
  • Vodafone in UK
• In addition to subscription charges, Subscription SMS while roaming in other than Ufone network will be charged according to roaming tariffs.
• This is a Limited time offer

100th Jazz Super SMS Khazana winner announced

Sohail Kamil, Senior Manager Customer Care, Mobilink (L) handing over Rs. 550,000 cheque to Muhammad Shafiq (R), the Jazz Super SMS Khazana lucky winner from Toba Tek Singh

Mobilink has recently announced the 100th winner of Jazz Super SMS
Khazana, an exciting trivia-based contest which gives Jazz customers a
chance to win cash prizes
on daily, weekly and instant basis.
Since April 2010, Mobilink Jazz, Pakistan’s premiere pre-paid brand has
rewarded more than 71 participants with daily prize of Rs. 75,000 each,
while 12 Jazz customers have been rewarded with weekly prize of Rs. 550,000
each.
Moreover, 17 lucky participants have also won instant cash prize of
Rs. 30,000 each bringing the total number of Jazz Super SMS Khazana winners
to 100. Recently a prize distribution ceremony was held at Mobilink Customer
Care Center in Faisalabad, where Sohail Kamil, Senior Manager Customer Care,
Mobilink presented a weekly prize cheque of Rs. 550,000 to Muhammad Shafiq,
the lucky winner from Toba Tek Singh.
In the Jazz Super SMS Khazana campaign, each Daily-prize is worth Rs. 75,000
in Cash, while the weekly prize is valued at Rs. 550,000 each. There are
also 20 cash prizes of Rs. 30,000 each for Jazz customers on instant-win
basis. The Bumper prize at the end of this campaign is Rs. 1 Crore and the
lucky Jazz Super SMS Khazana Bumper Prize winner will be announced on 3rd
August, 2010. Jazz customers can participate in Jazz Super SMS Khazana by
simply sending “JK” or any keyword to 5555.
List of all lucky winners is regularly updated and is available along with
further details about the Jazz Super SMS Khazana on Mobilink website
www.mobilinkworld.com

Zong Gives Away Prize to KPO Winner

ZONG’s Keep Phone On (KPO) reward program received an overwhelming
response from the consumers.
The first KPO lucky draw took place in which
one lucky winner received a motorcycle for keeping his phone on. Picture
shows Farman Iqbal Khan, CSC Manager Peshawar handing over the key to
Attaullah Khan of Kark.

Telenor 5MB Prepaid GPRS Bucket

Finally, Telenor Pakistan has introduced prepaid GPRS bucket.
Price:
Get 5 MB quota for GPRS at Rs. 11.95 (including taxes)
How to Avail?
All telenor prepaid and djuice customers can avail this package by dialing *345*901# from their telenor prepaid.
Validity:
Validity of this package is till 12:00 AM in the night from the time you subscribe. Customers can activate package as many time he/she wants during the day.
Note:

• Package will not be renewed next day automatically by the network, customers have to reactivate by dialing through *345*901#
• To check remaing quota in GPRS bucket dial *999# (12paisas will be charged to checking reaming quota)
• Charging pulse in this GPRS package is not 64 KB, it is 1KB.

Without this GPRS package, for Telenor customers normal GPRS rates are Rs. 1+tax per 64 kb and 50 paisas+tax per 64 kb for Djuice din raat package.
Click here to get Telenor GPRS/MMS  settings
This GPRS package is better than of Ufone’s daily GPRS bucket, however still Zong is leader in providing several inexpensive GPRS packages.

Amendments in Telecom Act Proposed

National Assembly has accepted a bill to be presented in the house urging amendments in Pakistan Telecommunication Act 1996.
Bill has proposed amendments in 8 sections of Telecommunication Act, 1996 with 12 amendments in total.
The purpose of amendment is to introduce procedures for defining and tackling grey traffic. Moreover, PTA members are proposed to be called “Executive Members”, with one as the chairman of authority.
Authority will consist of 3 Executive Members and 5 non-executive members. All members will be appointed for a fixed term of 4 years with a chance for re-appointment. All members will be appointed with minimum experience of 15 years in Telecom, Finance or Legal domains, with 20 years of experience as exception for the chairman.
Bill proposed that Provincial Governments will nominate one non-executive member each, while fifth non-executive member will be nominated by Federal Government.
Bill says that Executive Members of authority will be paid the salary and be entitled to the privileges of MP-II while the chairman will be paid salary and be entitled to the privileges of MP-I.
Salary of non-executive members is proposed to be defined by authority itself.
Once passed from NA, Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization)(Amendment) Act, 2010 will be effective immediately

Mobilink Jazz brings ‘Bonus on Usage’ Offer!

Mobilink Jazz has announced new promotion ‘Bonus on Usage’ through which all Jazz customers  can enjoy a low on-net call rate.
With Bonus on Usage offer, all Jazz customers will be able to call on any Mobilink number for Rs. 0.45/30 sec for 24 hours after a daily usage of Rs. 20 only. Jazz Bonus on Usage offer commenced from midnight of July 20^th and will conclude at midnight of August 3^rd, 2010.
How to Avail Offer:
Dial *108# on mobile screen and press send in order to subscribe. One time charge of Rs. 2.00+tax will apply.

Terms and Conditions

• Subscriber who achieve the threshold on August 3, 2010 will get the discounted tariff till next day
• The new Tariff will be applicable on on-net Calls only. The off-net tariff will remain as per package plan
• Tariff will become active as soon as the threshold is achieved. If threshold is achieved during the call, the new Tariff will be applicable from next call
• Daily usage window will start from 00:01 Hours to 23:59 Hours on any given day
• The offer is not available for Jazz 24 Ghanta Offer users
• New tariff will be applicable on all Packages under the following timings and conditions

Samsung brings global Cyber-Games contest to Pakistan

Lahore: Mr. Roy Chang, Manager Samsung Electronics Giving out the latest handset of Wave to a lucky draw winner in the final of World Cyber Games

Samsung Electronics Company Limited engaged the Pakistani Cyber-Gaming enthusiasts in a thrilling National Final as a part of the World Cyber Games (WCG). This contest was recently held at the Expo Center-Karachi, to encourage Pakistani gamers to compete internationally. Samsung is the global sponsor of this event, and seeks to promote this trendy contest on a local level. Sindh Minister for Youth Affairs- Syed Faisal Sabzwari awarded the winners at the closing ceremony.
The participants were provided with 20 Samsung LCD Monitors to enjoy gaming in the main arena, while the winners also got LCD monitors as prizes. Another highlight of the exciting competition was a Samsung Mobile Challenge, where participants used Samsung Galaxy phones to play Asphalt 5, a thrilling cyber game. Samsung Galaxy is a gamer’s dream phone, due to its 4″ Super AMOLED display, 1GHz Hummingbird processor, along with the innovative PowerVR SGX540 GPU. It also offers the highest number of Frames-per-second, featuring upto 55.8 FPS.
The General Manager, Samsung Pakistan Mr. Steve Han said; Samsung is proud to bring the WCG to Pakistan, where almost ten thousand participants registered from all over Pakistan. After a tough competition in the preliminary rounds, 11 gamers were crowned Champions of Pakistan. On the global scale, 72 countries have registered for the WCG this year. The Grand Finale will be held in Los Angeles, USA during September, 2010.
A trendy kiosk was installed for displaying the latest models of mobile phones. A special lucky-draw awarded the winners with three Samsung “Genoa” phones and one Samsung “Wave” phone as prizes. The game “Counter Strike 1.6” was won by the Team “I-DX” from Karachi, where the Team U-5 from Lahore became runners-up. “Warcraft DOTA” was won by ‘Team CL’ of Karachi as “Team Hope” from Quetta was the runners-up. The ‘Team Rebel’ from Lahore took the winning title against “Team DD” from Islamabad in “Call of Duty 4”, whereas Farhan from Karachi won the final round in “Need for Speed-Most Wanted”.

Zong Becomes the Fastest Growing Network in the Country

Zong has become the fastest growing network of Pakistan as it has recorded 500 percent growth in terms of number of cell sites during the last three years. The Company now has 5,612 cell sites out of which a massive 4,500 have been set up since 2007.
In April 2008, Zong joined the Telecom industry in Pakistan as the smallest operator. It took ZONG two years and the fastest rollout in the history of the industry to setup a network which its competitors had taken more than a decade to set up. ZONG now covers 10,000 cities, towns and villages across Pakistan.
“It has been more than 2 years since the launch of ZONG during which we have made monumental progress,” said Salman Wassay, Head of Marketing, ZONG. “In all areas of our operations, we have upped the ante and set new benchmarks for the industry,” added Wassay.
ZONG’s reach now stretches from the mountain tops of Ishkoman in Gilgit-Baltistan to the rocky plains of Buleda in Balochistan to the midst of mega cities. It has chosen to work with some of the top companies like Ericsson, Huawei, Alcatel Lucent and ZTE to provide top-of-the-line infrastructure for its services.
ZONG has so far invested US $1.66 billion in Pakistan and has plans to further invest $300 million in 2010 which is the largest investment by any telecom operator in the current year. The Company continues to invest heavily in the construction of GSM networks, support systems and transmission facilities, and for the development of new technologies and new businesses. China Mobile – the parent company of ZONG – pursues continuous innovation in the provision of services, business, technology and management and has sustained a leadership position in the telecom industry.

Telenor Posts Strong Second Quarter 2010

Highlights:

• 519k net subscriber growth
• Stable ARPU
• 16% organic increase in mobile revenues from subscriber growth
• Financial services starting to contribute to revenue growth
• Margin jump driven by higher revenue, decommissioning of leased lines and reduction in SIM tax Q3 09

Telenor Pakistan’s added 519,000 subscribers in the previous quarter, a rise of 14% over the same period last year with subscriber numbers reaching 23.80 million at the end of Q2 2010.
EBITDA margins also continued to rise, up 34% over the previous quarter and 75% year-on-year. ARPU remained positive both year-on-year and over the previous quarter.

Click on image on enlarge

Jon Eddy Abdullah, CEO Telenor Pakistan while commenting on the results said: “I am pleased with the fact that Telenor Pakistan continues to perform well. Still, the energy shortages, currency devaluation, security costs and discriminatory taxation on the industry are a constant challenge. We look forward to timely intervention by the government through measures aimed at minimizing the impact these factors are having on the development of the industry and, as a result, the country.”
In the previous quarter, Telenor Pakistan also did well on other fronts. It became one of the few mobile operators in the world – and the first in Pakistan — to receive a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Mobile Money for the Unbanked Fund. It launched the industry-first, state-of-the-art, Sahulat Ghar to help bring mobile services to more people across the country. And it provided free telecommunication services to Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation in Hunza to assist in emergency communications regarding the situation in Attabad and surrounding areas.

Zong Offers you to Block Promotional SMS

Zong has become the first operator to provide its customers with a facility to block promotional SMS, a unique service through which you will be able to restrict promotional SMS from the comfort of your homes and offices.
Usually, other companies block promotional messages by calling helpline or by visiting service centers.
How to Block Promotional Messages:
To block promotional SMS,

• Visit this URL: http://203.82.55.30/websms/blocklist.aspx
• Enter your number and you will receive a PIN Code
• Enter that PIN code on the website to block all promotional SMS.

How to UnBlock Promotional Messages:
To unblock promotional SMS just enter your number and unblock the promotional SMS.

Mobilink CEO, Rashid Khan, Interview:

In its latest edition, Aurora Magazine published an interview with Rashid Khan, CEO, Mobilink.
Conversation primarily focuses on Mobilink’s strategy for ongoing market trends, competition and future policies.
We are presenting this interview (probably the first ever after Rashid Khan’s current appointment) for our readers with a special thanks to Aurora Magazine of Dawn Group.
A: When you moved into your current role, what objectives did you set for yourself?
Rashid Khan: The environment presented a number of challenges; there was the global recession and the price of oil was $50 per barrel.
On the local front we had challenges with respect to the security situation, political instability and load shedding. All of this affected us and we have had to make some fundamental changes. We were used to experiencing exponential growth in the telecom sector – we had year on year growth of 100% – and the penetration in Pakistan is quite high. When the growth slowed down, we had to revamp the business by taking these ground realities into account.
A: What were some of those fundamental changes?
Rashid Khan: Let’s take the example of load shedding which was a huge problem for us. No network is designed to handle 10-12 hours of load shedding. We had to invest by putting in battery operated generators (and two generators in some case); so that was one set of issues.
Then there was the problem of affordability; with so many inflationary pressures, would customers spend on basic necessities or on communication needs? To counter this we introduced bundle packages and tried to incentivize customers so that cellular services would become more affordable.
A: You also came in at a time when competition had increased.
Rashid Khan: You are absolutely right. A few months before I took up the CEO’s position, Zong was launched as the fifth operator, and I don’t think this market can sustain five operators in the long term, so that was a challenge as well. Each operator has to find its own niche or market share.
We had to invest in terms of quality of service; we also had to be competitive in terms of rates and build our brands. We extended our customer care across the country and set up a large number of offices and Jazz service points so that we could take customer service closer to our customers.
A: How has Mobilink as an organization changed/evolved since you took over?
Rashid Khan: I think Mobilink as an organization has shifted gears. Although we are still growing – we have added two million subscribers in the last six to eight months and our market penetration is about 60% now – though the pace of growth has slowed down. So we have had to focus on the quality of the service, on adding users and also on providing better value added services.
A: Has finding the right kind of HR been a problem for Mobilink?
Rashid Khan: For Islamabad in general that is true. In Lahore and Karachi, obviously because of the population base and the characteristics of those cities, it is not such a big problem.
We have gone to institutions like the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) and hired people directly from there; we have incentivized them well. We conducted a large number of training sessions there and even professors from MIT and the Harvard Business School came over for those sessions.
A: Does Mobilink have a management training programme?
Rashid Khan: Yes, we do. Two years ago, Orascom Telecom – our 100% shareholder – picked up quite a good team of people from each of the subsidiaries in the different countries. These people spent three to six months in each of the subsidiaries and at Orascom’s headquarters in Cairo. The training programme was associated with the London Business School and has been very useful. Now that those team members are back, they are adding a lot of value to Mobilink.
A: What is Mobilink’s USP particularly since telecom brands are becoming increasingly commoditized in the price war?
Rashid Khan: The price war has certainly taken its toll. Yet a few paisas here and there is not going to make a great difference; customers are not going to use the cheapest network, they want value for their money. This means good quality of service and a brand they can associate with themselves. These are areas we have invested in heavily.
A: At one point people chose Mobilink because it had the largest network but over the years, because of the competition that perception has been eroded.
Rashid Khan: To some extent, yes. We have the largest network and the largest footprint as well. Even if you talk only about Islamabad, all the five operators have their services here but it is the quality of service that sets us apart. I think customers are able to make that differentiation.
A: Mobilink does a great deal of Pakistan-centric advertising. Why is this important?
Rashid Khan: As the largest private sector company in Pakistan we have a corporate social responsibility. We feel that we owe it to society and the environment we operate in.
This is not just restricted to advertising; we are very practical about this. When the Swat IDP issue came to the fore, we had a choice to simply donate some money to the Government; instead we established a full-fledged camp and invested one million dollars. Another exciting area is women’s literacy.
At the recent GSM World Congress in Barcelona the Cherie Blair Foundation and the GSM Association published a report on women and mobile phones that contained a feature on an SMS literacy programme that was piloted in Pakistan with UNESCO and Bunyad. This is the first time that SMS has been used as a literacy tool for women anywhere in the world. Our contribution was recognized in the report.
A: CSR has become such a buzzword that sometimes you get the impression that companies do it because it is expected of them. Has Mobilink been able to rise above that?
Rashid Khan: We are the only company in Pakistan that established an IDP camp on our own, and it was not simply to get our picture in the papers. Obviously, we got help from the UN and the government of NWFP, but our team members were the foundation of the project.
We have the Mobilink Foundation where team members are expected to volunteer. So it’s not just about allocating some funds in order to gain recognition. It is the involvement of the team members and they take a lot of pride in their work.
A: Is Mobilink considering data and mobile internet usage as an alternative revenue stream, and if so is it necessary to make data usage on mobiles more affordable?
Rashid Khan: Yes, it is necessary. The penetration is currently quite low so it is expensive, but as this evolves matters will improve.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is encouraging operators into that area and based on this Mobilink has invested in internet service provision.
We have a wireless service in Karachi. We believe that the internet, mobile telephony and fixed telephony are already converging. We have a network of 8000 cell sites, 6500 kilometres of fibre optic cable and access to a submarine cable through Orascom.
We have all the ingredients that make broadband or the internet successful. Of course, some work is required in the area of localized content. Most of the content is currently in English so unless we have the content developed in Urdu or the regional languages the penetration will be low, and to this end we are encouraging local content providers. It will take some time but we do see potential in this area. Mobilink is shifting from cellular and is moving towards providing total telecommunication solutions.
A: In the future, is Mobilink going to focus on a particular segment of the market?
Rashid Khan: Not really. What we need to provide are segmented solutions. Be it the rural market or the urban, voice is the common denominator for all these segments, but in addition to this there could be applications as simple as listening to music by dialling 555 or it could be a sophisticated BlackBerry application that helps you get around a new city.
A: There has been talk of consolidation in the telecom sector. Were it to happen, how would it affect Mobilink’s market leadership position and what would your strategy be in this situation?
Rashid Khan: We are the leader and we will continue to be. Our shareholders believe that this market has a lot of potential, so we continue to invest.
This year we will be investing $250 million in Pakistan which brings our total investment to $3.5 billion, the highest investment of all telecom operators. So even if there is some consolidation, which may happen according to some rumors going around, we will continue to maintain leadership.
We have enough investment not only in cellular technology but also in affiliated technology, such as broadband. We have the confidence of our customers, we provide services that they like and we will continue to maintain that.
A: Do you think the consolidation is inevitable?
Rashid Khan: I think the market forces will determine that. We believe that there are too many players. Based on the low prices and high operating expenses, it’s a natural evolution.
A: What are the most pressing issues for telecom operators?
Rashid Khan: Overall the PTA as well as the Ministry of IT and Telecom have been very supportive. They have laid a solid foundation for its growth and I must compliment them. But the taxes in Pakistan are probably the highest of any other country. Last year, the activation tax was reduced from 500 to 250 rupees and the GST was reduced from 21 to 19.5%, and this helped us a lot, especially considering the overall economic environment.
A: What is your vision for Mobilink in the next three to five years?
Rashid Khan: To be the leading telecom service provider in Pakistan. Currently we are leading in the cellular technology but there is the fixed line area.
The Mobilink team got together about eight years ago and made it a corporate vision to provide total telecommunications solutions. We are on our way to achieving this.

Telenor Gets High Tax Payer Award of Excellence

Telenor Pakistan has won the High Tax Payer Award of Excellence from Pakistan Customs (Islamabad Collectorate) for the year 2009-10.
In a ceremony held in Islamabad recently, Chief Collector Omar Farooq (right) gave the award to Muhammad Yousaf Rashid, Manager Logistics, Telenor Pakistan.
This is the second time Telenor Pakistan has won the High Tax Payer Award of Excellence from Pakistan Customs.

Telecom and IT Focused PR Wire Launched

With a key focus on Telecom and IT industry for Pakistan, Middle East, and Africa, TeleTechWire – an Online PR Distribution Website originating from Pakistan has been launched.
Online PR Wire is comparatively a new phenomenon in Pakistan; however, it is a well recognized tool for PR activities online and over social media.
In simpler words, Online PR Wires distribute Press Releases to a wide range of media outlets, including, press, electronic and online media. Usually the submission of Press Releases to PR wires is free, while there are paid services available too for increased coverage and promotion.
Exactly same is the case with TeletechWire, which promises to disseminate your full-text press releases to hundreds of newspapers, magazines, trade journals, TV channels, radios, blogs and online newswires.
In addition to reaching IT & Telecom journalists at print, online and broadcast media through Email and RSS, all press releases are posted on its website, which is indexed by Google News as well – meaning that all news releases posted on TeleTechWire will automatically appear in Google News.
Posting of IT & Telecom related press releases and events on the Teletechwire website is absolutely free of charge while it offers premium services with extra powerful features.

Warid Launches Email to SMS Service

Warid has offered SMS Email that enables its customers to send & receive emails 24/7 on mobile phone without having to connect to the internet.
Through this service, customers can get emails instantly from popular email accounts such as Yahoo, Hotmail and Gmail directly on their cell phones as SMS messages.
This service manages up to 5 email accounts and can be used on all handsets. All new e-mails will be pushed to mobile phone instantly as e-mail alerts; customers can read these e-mails in detail and reply to them immediately!
Key Features:

• Warid SMS Email will enable you to check and reply to emails regardless of the handset type.
• The Emails shall be pushed as SMS alerts.
• The service shall support all popular Email services including Hotmail, Yahoo and Gmail.
• You will also be provided with a web account at which you can manage your email accounts.
• The service shall be available for both Warid Postpaid and Prepaid users.

How to Register & Add Email Address:
To subscribe to the Warid SMS email service kindly follow the steps mentioned below:

• Send “Sub” to 2200 via SMS
• You will receive a Thank you message for subscribing to Warid SMS Email along with an additional message for options of adding email accounts, “Yahoo, Hotmail and Gmail”.
• Reply to the SMS choosing the desired email service by sending ‘1’, ‘2’ or ‘3’ at 2200.
• Once you receive a confirmation message, reply with User ID and Password. Example:
• Once the username and password has been verified, your account will be configured against the respective Warid number.
• You can also confirm the verification status of the email account by signing into the SMS email web portal.

Subscription through Web:
In order to subscribe the service online kindly follow the below mentioned procedure:

• Click here to Register.
• Enter your Warid number in the following format 92321XXXXXXX and click on “Submit” to get subscribed. You will receive a message on your mobile to register for this service from 2200.
• In order to retrieve the password against the web portal via SMS, click on “Retrieve password by SMS” located on the homepage.

Charges:

• Monthly subscription charges: Rs 25+tax
• Per SMS Charges: Charges of Rs 0.50+tax

Terms & Conditions:

• A customer can add up to 5 different email accounts from Hotmail, Yahoo and Gmail.
• However, there will be only one default email account, which will be used for composing emails. Moreover other recipients will receive e-mails from that particular email address.
• Monthly subscription fee: Rs. 25+tax
• Requesting full email/replying/forwarding via SMS will be charged Rs.0.5+tax/SMS
• A customer can add up to 5 different email accounts from Hotmail, Yahoo and Gmail.
• The service is available for both Warid Postpaid and Prepaid users.
• Primary email account will be the first email account that customer has selected.
• Primary email will be used as default for all new emails being composed.
• For replying emails same account will be used on which customer has received the email.

Note for Gmail Account Users
In case you have configured your Gmail account, you are requested to follow the below mentioned procedure:

• Go to your Gmail Inbox
• Click on “Settings”
• Click on “Forwarding and POP/IMAP”
• Check  “Enable POP for mail that arrives from now” option
• Click on “Save changes”

Service Commands:

• Composing an email: To compose an email write COMPOSE and send it as an SMS to 2200
• Replying an email: To reply to an email write Reply and send it as an SMS to 2200.
• Forwarding an email: To forward an email write Forward< recipient’s email address> and send it as an SMS to 2200.
  
• Enabling email alerts: To enable email alerts write “Enable” and send it as an SMS to 2200.
• Disabling email alerts: To disable email alerts write “Disable” and send it as an SMS to 2200.
  
• Getting Help: To view all available commands against the SMS Email, type “Help” and send it as an SMS to 2200.
• Status Check: To check the status of your subscription type “Account” and send it as an SMS to 2200.
  
• Delete an E-mail Account: In order to delete an e-mail account, simply send “Delete” to 2200. You will receive an SMS with configured for you on your mobile number. Reply with desired e-mail account to be deleted.

PTA Regulates Clock Synchronization for Telecom Networks

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued a regulation draft called “Clock Synchronization Regulations 2010″, for time synchronization of telecommunication networks in the country.
These regulations shall apply to all LDI/LL/Cellular mobile/CVAL Data licensee for the purpose of synchronization of their system clocks across network for error free billing, call data record and data recovery procedures.
Through this regulation PTA has asked telecom operators to maintain primary reference clock with their networks. All clocks on the network will be synchronized with this central PRC or Primary Reference Clock.
PTA has said that telecom operators can also synchronize their clocks through NTP or Network Time Protocol.
Once process is in place, all operators will submit their clock synchronization information to PTA for testing purpose and to maintain synchronization updated on regular intervals.
The licensee shall maintain a record of their clock synchronization test for (03) years. This record shall at all times be open to inspection and audit by the authority or representative of the authority.
On the basis of PTA findings and/ or at least 10 complaints filed to the PTA against a licensee in one month, the authority shall initiate an investigation process through an nominated officer.
Regulation Draft for “Clock Synchronization Regulations 2010″ can be downloaded here (PDF File – 330 KB)

Warid Supports National Polio Immunization Drive

Warid Telecom (Pvt.) Ltd, socially responsible corporate citizen in its efforts to make Pakistan a polio free country once again supports National Polio Immunization Drive by running an awareness campaign.
To eradicate polio from the country, Rotary Club members in Pakistan started a National Polio Immunization Drive all over the country from 12th to 14th July, 2010.
Warid broadcasted an awareness text message notifying its subscribers about national immunization drive. Nearly 34 million children less than 5 years of age were immunized in the 3-day campaign. Over 86,000 teams administered Anti-Polio drops to the children countrywide.
Rotary International is actively involved in eradicating Polio from the world. Most nations are Polio free today, except for 4 polio endemic countries, namely Nigeria, India, Afghanistan & Pakistan.
Warid Telecom is doing its part with this earnest desire that soon our country will become Polio free.

Share your Story with Jazz to Win Prizes

Mobilink Jazz brings “Jazz Apni Kahani” contest. If you have an inspiring story to tell, here’s your chance to share it with the world. The writers of the best stories will not only win the hearts and minds of Pakistanis but they will also get a chance to win fabulous prizes. The winner of the best story will get a Laptop.
Other prizes include mobile handsets, dinner vouchers as well as a special “Jazz Apni Kahani” Lucky Draw through which lucky Mobilink customers will get a chance to win Free minutes and Free VAS subscriptions.
For more information about contest mechanics and participation in “Jazz Apni Kahani” visit: www.mobilinkgsm.com/apnikahani .
The last date to enter into “Jazz Apni Kahani” contents is July 30th, 2010. Results of the winning stories will be announced in the 1st week of August.
Terms & Conditions:

• Multiple entries are not allowed
• All prizes are non-refundable
• Stories must be original. Plagiarism will lead to disqualification
• By submitting the story, the participant is granting Mobilink the permission to use it for promotional activities
  Only participants with active Mobilink numbers (Jazz/indigo) registered on their names will be eligible for Jazz Apni Kahani Lucky Draw
• Mobilink Employees, their immediate family members & first blood relatives, Mobilink Franchise & dealers are not eligible to participate in this campaign.
• Prizes will be delivered within 15 working days of the results announcement (Note: Due to operational issues the above mentioned prize delivery time may take longer)
• Mobilink reserves the right to not publish any story that does not meet the required criteria

Mobilink Loses, PTCL, SCO Retains SMP Status

PTA has revised Significant Market Player Status of telecom operators in their relevant markets.
According to determination issued, dated August 25th, 2004, PMCL, PTCL and SCO were significant market players in their respective businesses including Local Loop, LDI, Leased Lines, Interconnection and Mobile Market.
According to said determination SMPs were as following:
Significant Market Players in 2004

However, through a determination, PTA has announced new Significant Market Players which are as following
Significant Market Players in 2010:

This determination was issued after market review, stakeholders’ financial market share analysis and review of operator’s other data.
PTA said that mobile operators are pretty competitive and hence don’t require SMP status for any operator. Broadband industry, AJK and Gilgit and Baltistan regions were also defined in recent determination for SMP regulation.
Complete determination can be downloaded by clicking this link (PDF File – 1.2 MB)

Prepay Nation Launches Intl Topup For Ufone

Prepay Nation and Ufone announced a global partnership encompassing the sales of Ufone airtime on Prepay Nation’s platform.
This service will benefit the Pakistanis residing abroad and their families in Pakistan by enabling them to make the pre-payments for their Ufone mobile bills from international retail locations. This service not only assists the significant Pakistani Diaspora but will also benefit international organizations who have employees working overseas in Pakistan.
“This is a considerable opportunity for our distribution partners with points of sale in key Pakistani Diaspora communities to generate additional revenues while helping patrons stay connected with their friends and family back home” said Jessica Bishop, Vice President of Prepay Nation. “We are delighted to supplement Ufone’s retail foot print across international boundaries,” said Bishop.
Mr. Taimur Faiz Cheema Head of Value Added Services, Ufone said “Ufone takes pride that we work closely with the world’s very best business Partners to provide mobile airtime on international level. Our partnership with Prepay Nation will further our commitment to bring increased convenience and better value to our subscribers.”
“Prepay Nation has favorable capacities, and is well positioned for ever evolving success,” said Mr. Cheema “The launch of Ufone airtime recharge on Prepay Nation’s platform will bring additional distribution points for Ufone while creating value for the customers of both companies.”
The option to recharge a Ufone prepaid account is available forthwith to all of Prepay Nation’s merchants and distribution partners across North America and the Middle East.

PTCL Likely to make $100 Million for Etisalat this Year

We know that PTCL’s budget document for next year got leaked and was partially produced by “The News” few weeks ago.
As expected, more details are coming out with this figure of USD 100 million that PTCL (through EIP) is likely to send back as profits to the United Arab Emirates in 2010-11.
Report said that EIP (Etisalat International Pakistan) has sent back about $ 475 million during previous three years, which is about one fifth of the price it paid for PTCL, since taking over the management of the company, quoting the data in the leaked document.
The company earned Rs 15.64 billion ($250 million) in the first year after the handover. It earned Rs 9.151 billion ($125 million) in the next and Rs 9.231 billion ($100 million) in 2009-10, according to the document.
The company is projecting Rs 9.124 billion profit ($100 million) during the current financial year, it added.
Besides this all, the EIP is also earning money from Ufone Pakistan, a subsidiary of PTCL, and sending it home. All foreign companies are free to repatriate 100 percent of the profit they earn.
PTCL has decided not to say any words on this projected amount, as this claim by “The News” is for a future transaction.
It merits mentioning here that Etisalat is yet to pay $ 800 million to Pakistan Government against 26 percent shares of PTCL.
Via The News

1 Month Free BIS/BES Services for New Activations: Ufone

Ufone is offering one month free Blackberry services for all new activations till July 31st.
Regular Blackberry Internet Service charges are Rs. 900 per month (with free unlimited GPRS usage). This waiver is for both BES and BIS services.
Ufone is currently offering following Blackberry Handsets:

• BlackBerry Bold 9700: PKR 50,000
• BlackBerry Bold 9000: PKR 45,000
• BlackBerry Curve 8520
• BlackBerry Curve 8900: PKR 35,000
• Blackberry 8820: PKR 34,000
• Blacberry 8800: PKR 29,000
• Blackberry 8520: PKR 29,000
• BlackBerry Curve 8320
• BlackBerry Curve 8310
• BlackBerry Pearl 8220
• Blackberry Pearl 8100: PKR 24,000
• Blackberry Pearl 8120: PKR 27,000

Prices are mentioned as communicated to us by Ufone Helpline.

Warid is Giving Away Bonus Against Credit Usage

Warid is offering bonus money added into your account on daily basis, based on your usage. This bonus money can be used for both on-net and off-net calls (but not for International calls).
Bonus Money will be added each day, based on your airtime usage for warid-warid calls for one particular day. Bonus details are as following

• If you use Rs. 5 to Rs. 9.99 then you get 10 paisas as bonus
• If you use Rs. 10 to Rs. 14.99 then you get 20 paisas
• If you use Rs. 15 to Rs. 19.99 then you get 70 paisas
• If you use Rs. 20 to Rs. 29.99 then you get 2 Rupees
• If you use Rs. 30 to Rs. 59.99 then you get 5 Rupees
• If you use above Rs. 50 then you get 7 Rupees as bonus

For example, in one calendar day, you consumed 23 rupees for Warid to Warid calls then you will get 2 Rupees bonus.
To check your remaining bonus money dial *200#
Note: This is a limited time offer, call 321 for more detail

Get your New PTCL Landline Phone in 500 Only!

In a latest move PTCL has decreased the connection charges for new landline phone connections. Previously PTCL was charging 750 Rupees but now charges are slashed to Rs. 500 Only.
It is worth mentioning here that PTCL has recently imposed Installation charges on new Broadband connections, keeping the Inflows balanced.

Note:

• From 1st July 2010, all NTC (New Telephone Line Connections) customers will only pay Rs.500 as installation charges.
• This offer is for all NTC customers whether they are commercial or residential customers.
• This is a limited time promotion

Ufone Continues Futsal Extravaganza in Karachi

Youth in Karachi enjoyed an extravaganza of passion for Futsal, blast of music and fun as the craze for Ufone’s Uth package and soccer continue to rule the minds of all.
The Karachi final of Futsal was played between ZUFC Zammzama United Football Club) and Mavericks at Rahat Stadium, Defense. After some very intense and thrilling moments ZUFC snatched a comfortable win over Mavericks with three goals to nill. The winning team was awarded with a cash prize of Rupees Fifty thousand and the runner up received a prize of Rupees twenty five thousand.
Before the grand finale, event was made more participative as some active spectators from the crowd were also called down into the ground for 10 very short 3 each penalty shoot matches in which the maximum scorer of each match was given a souvenir in the shape of Ufone Uth shirt.
The final was followed by a live concert of popular music band “Call The band”. The Crowd sang and danced all the way with almost all the numbers. The band performed various numbers however the most popular ‘Sab Bhula kay’ received an electrifying response from the crowd.
One huge LED TV screen was also displayed at the venues which projected the concert as well and in the break time it displayed Ufone Uth ads and FIFA’s official song of the world cup 2010 which took crowd on to their toes and they were dancing all the way.
After the concert a lucky young spectator got PS3 through lucky draw conducted on the spot.
In the end the spectators stayed on as the mega final of the FIFA World Cup 2010 between Netherlands and Spain was presented live for Karachi football lovers on the big LED screen as an icing on the cake for a very lively and fun filled night.

Official: PTCL Doubles DSL Broadband Speed

Its official now that PTCL has doubled its broadband data rate speed and upgraded all its existing 2 Mbps customers to 4 Mbps data rate on the same tariff and all existing 4 Mbps customers have been upgraded to 6 Mbps data service at the same tariff.
In addition a new 8Mbps package has also been introduced. PTCL will have the following data rates for all its broadband existing and new customers with effect from July 15th  2010.

• 1 Mbps at Rs 1199
• 4 Mbps at Rs 1999
• 6 Mbps at Rs 4999
• 8 Mbps at Rs 6999

The existing 2 Mbps package will no more exist and all existing 2Mbps customers have already been upgraded to 4 Mbps package on the same tariff.
We are also hearing the rumors that Link Dot Net is also planning to double its speed, however, no confirmations yet.

Warid Glow Celebrated Soccer Mania

Warid Glow organized screening of knock out stages of FIFA World Cup 2010 which was the most popular and awaited event of the year.
These screenings were organized in different cafes and hangouts of Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad.
In Lahore, Uptown LA DHA and Sheikhuz Café hosted these screening on behalf of Glow. In Karachi, match screenings were executed on Sea view and Arena Mall. In Islamabad, Civil Junction and Café Joint witnessed a vibrant crowd.
Live interviews were conducted on spot where Glow’s target audience appreciated this effort of Warid for soccer lovers. Over 3000 people were directly touched via this activity and soccer related giveaways were distributed among attendees.

Mobilink to Continue its Drive Against Polio

Mobilink will be concluding its awareness drive on July 16 to support the National Polio Campaign and the Polio Control Cell.
As an integral member and advocate in the fight against polio, Mobilink has conducted 3 rounds of awareness in the past reaching out to millions of Pakistanis. Earlier this year Mobilink also set up a short code, 7654, to facilitate the Polio Control Cell in meeting their goals.
The Polio Control Cell, a special initiative by the Polio Eradication Fraternity, aims to reach out to those children who have missed their vaccination in the National Polio Campaign. Activated immediately after the recently conducted national round , the Cell will also conclude on July 16.
Mobilink customers can SMS Polio to the short code, 7654 which prompts the Cell to send polio teams to vaccinate the missed children. More than 13,000 parents have already contacted the Polio Control Cell through this short code.
Omar Manzur, Director Corporate Social Responsibility and PR, Mobilink said; “We have pledged our support to eradicating polio from the country and are pleased to see that the anti-polio fraternity is growing. We would like other companies to also come forward and support this initiative and help achieve the goal of a polio free Pakistan.”
Besides being the final frontier in the quest for a polio free world, this anti-polio drive also emphasizes the critical role of child-health in the development of a healthy society.

Lucky Ghanta Offer: Djuice

Djuice is offering its customer to avail one lucky hour to make hourly calls to FnF numbers. This lucky hour will be assigned by Telenor – meaning that customer will not have any control on hour selection.
How to Avail Lucky Ghanta Offer:
Send an SMS to 6666.
The ‘lucky hour range’ will be communicated to the customer. For Eg: if the lucky hour is at 1700 hours, the customers will be told that the lucky hour is between 1600-1900 Hrs.
Charges:

• SMS to 6666 is charged at 20 paisas per message.
• Each call will be charged from Rs. 0 to Rs. 3 per hour
• Lucky Ghanta Offer charges will vary from day to day

Terms:

• Offer is valid on all djuice price plans
• No activation is required for this offer – all you need is to send an SMS to participate
• The charge will change everyday. Call charges will vary from Rs.3/hour to absolutely free calls (5 paisa setup charge will be charged on free calls)
• On djuice main price plan and djuice jaagtay raho the charging will be implemented in a free after x manner i.e. when the Lucky ghanta charges are Rs.3/hour, on djuice main and djuice jaagtay raho, all calls in the lucky ghanta will be free after 3 minutes
• On djuice din raat, complete call charges will be deducted upfront
• The lucky hour will change every day
• offer is also applicable on 6th FnF

This offer is not applicable for subscribers who are subscribed to the djuice boltay jao offer on djuice din raat. Lucky Ghanta Tariffs will be applicable once the subscription validity of boltay jao offer ends.
For more details contact helpline

PTCL is Doubling DSL Speed in Phases

We had heard rumors of PTCL doubling broadband speeds for its DSL subscribers in March 2010. We were then told that PTCL may celebrate March 23rd, 2010 by doubling DSL speeds – however, plan got delayed due to capacity limitations then.
Lately, we have received reports from multiple ProPakistani readers that they are experiencing double speeds on their PTCL DSL connections.

We couldn’t arrange official viewpoint on this, however, confirmations from certain PTCL users are already available.
Based on sources’ information, we can predict that this doubling of speed will be carried out in phases, while doubling process is said to be completed till August 14th, 2010.
Currently, all users are experiencing double speeds in following patterns:

• 1 MB upgraded to 2 MB
• 2 MB upgraded to 4 MB
• 4 MB – we are yet to receive any confirmation for 4 MB to 8 MB up-gradation

Update: At least one PTCL broadband subscriber has communicated us that his speed was doubled but it got back to its original speed of 1 MB with-in 2/3 days.
As there is no official confirmation with us as of now, so we can’t confidently say that this upgrade is temporary or it gonna persist for all subscribers.

Pay EVO Bills at Any MCB Branch

If you remember, PTCL had reduced number of One Stop Shops – resulting limited number of outlets for paying EVO bills, particularly those with post-paid plans and not having PTCL land line numbers installed at their premises.
At last, PTCL has taken care of this by partnering with Muslim Commercial Bank. Now you can pay your EVO bill at any MCB branch.
If you get a hard copy of bill – that’s great, otherwise get a print out of email that you receive monthly in your email and get your bill paid.
You can locate your nearest MCB branch by having a look at this list

Samsung Introduces New Digital Cameras

Samsung has extended its ES-Series of digital cameras with the introduction of the ES70 and ES65.
These two stylish, easy-to-use compact digital cameras offer consumers an impressive range of advanced features all at an affordable price.
General Manager Samsung Electronics Pakistan Mr. Steve Han said, “Samsung’s ES-Series of digital cameras deliver significant value to the consumer, and that’s especially true with the new ES70 and ES65. In addition to their attractive designs, these cameras give casual photographers the ability to do more with features that are typically not found in entry-level digital cameras, including wide-angle lenses, longer zooms and automatic functionalities such as Samsung’s Smart Auto scene recognition technology.”
Both new ES-Series cameras feature a high-quality 27mm wide-angle Samsung lens with 5x optical zoom, delivering significant flexibility when compared to a traditional 3x optical zoom, 35mm lens. They posses Samsung’s advanced Digital Image Stabilization technology, which helps reduce blur and makes it easy for novice photographers to capture impressive images. The 12.2 mega-pixel ES70 offers users a 2.7-inch 230K LCD, while the 10.2 mega-pixels ES65 offers a 2.5-inch 230K LCD. Both the ES70 and ES65 even come equipped with standard definition video recording (640×480) at 30 frames per second, enabling consumers to capture important moments.
The new ES-Series cameras offer Samsung’s advanced scene recognition technology known as Smart Auto which ensures that users never have to worry about their photos being washed out, too dark or out of focus. They also offer Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System which includes face detection, Smile Shot and Blink Detection technologies, which allow you to capture them looking their best.
Another advanced feature is the Red-eye Fix mode which automatically fixes the typical red-eye associated with the use of the flash, before the photo is produced. The Perfect Portrait System also includes Samsung’s Beauty Shot, a unique technology which allows consumers to remove all the imperfections on a subject’s face such as wrinkles, blemishes, and moles. Simply select one of three editing options to even out skin tone and complexion.

Ufone Kismat Ki Dastak Gives Away Second Car

Ufone has announced second 1300cc car winner for its “Kismat Ki Dastak” campaign. Picture shows Mr and Mrs. Faryal Fayyaz along with their son receiving car keys from Mr. Faisal Khaliq (left most), Chief Information Officer, Ufone.
Ufone is giving you a chance to win a fully furnished house, 1300 cc brand new car, mobile handsets and thousands of free minutes. For that, you will have to download a ringtone or take a paid quiz. Details are available here

Exclusive: PTCL is Testing 9.3 MB Wireless Broadband

According to our sources at PTCL who wished anonymity have confirmed that PTCL is Testing 9.3 MB Wireless Broadband for possible commercial launch later this year.
However, initial device testing procedures experienced some problems as the device gets heat up early.
Provided by ZTE, these EV-DO Revision B (Rev.B) technology devices are compatible with already laid EVO network. On technical side, ZTE’s EV-DO Rev.B requires upgrading EV-DO Rev.A’s software only, with no additional hardware equipment required. Both ZTE’s EV-DO Rev.A and Rev.B adopt identical baseband chipset.
Sources in the corporation told that PTCL is reportedly testing EV-DO Rev B wireless broadband devices that support upto 9.3 Mb/s download rate and 5.4 Mb/s upload rate.
A well placed source further elaborated that this upcoming device, when tested, gave 600-800 KB download speed, however, it is hoped that the heat problem will soon be fixed.
Officially we couldn’t confirm from PTCL, whether it will ever be launched, but the technology is going to change the way people use internet in Pakistan and PTCL is well positioned to take the first leap in this regard, particularly with its expanding EV-DO coverage.
Unlike PTCL’s other broadband services, EVO has earned healthy reputation in terms of reliability – however, coverage still remains a constraint for subscribers.

Telenor to Focus on Health, Safety & Environmen

Telenor Pakistan hosted the 3rd Industrial HSE Network Meeting in Islamabad on July 8. A number of national and multinational organizations participated (representatives pictured above).
The objective was to find solutions to common HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) issues, share best practices and work to develop a structured HSE system to meet local and international market challenges.
Following the meeting, the participants agreed to develop a portal for sharing knowledge and good practices, and establish an environment bank for taking collaborative environmental initiatives. Telenor Pakistan will track and follow up on these activities until 2011.

Jazz fueled up FIFA World Cup Frenzy

Mobilink Jazz brought FIFA World Cup live to big screens in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi offering all Jazz customers a chance to get a free ticket of the match on every recharge of Rs. 200.
Hundreds of football fans enjoyed watching their favorite teams on the big screens playing the game to enter into the FIFA World Cup final. The football fever reached its peak on the night of the final match between Spain and Netherlands.
Mobilink Jazz had arranged different fun activity stalls including face painting, trivia quiz and lucky draw for all Jazz customers. Football fans danced to the beats of Waka Waka and Waving Flag and celebrated the FIFA World Cup 2010 will full zest. Here’s a compilation of photos of football fans having a great time at Cinepax Rawalpindi.

Ufone Handset Offer for Rs. 1,299

Ufone has offered another handset deal to its customers, second with-in one month. This time a low end, color display phone that has FM radio as well is offered for Rs.1,299 only.
Handset comes with 1.3 inch LCD color display and Torch, stereo hands-free earphones in your box!
Ufone’s mobile handset with Color Display & Fm Radio is available at Ufone Customer services centers, franchises and Ushops. Ufone says that its stock for this particular phone is limited.
Specs:

• 1.3″ CSTN LCD color display
• FM Radio
• Hands-Free
• Torch
• Dimension(Lx Wx H): 105mm x 45mm x 13 mm
• Batery Capacity: 550 mAh Li-ion
• Weight: 50 gram(including Battery)

Note:
Only Ufone SIM is operational in this handset

Ufone Moves the Uth with Futsal Extravaganza

Youth in Lahore as well as Islamabad enjoyed an extravaganza of passion for Futsal, blast of music and fun as the craze for Ufone’s Uth package and soccer continue to rule the minds of all.
The Lahore final of Futsal was played between LUMS and Deathrow. After some very intense and anxious moments Deathrow snatched a sensational win over LUMS with four goals to three. The winning team was awarded with a cash prize of Rupees Fifty thousand and the runner up received a prize of Rupees twenty five thousand. Whereas the final in Islamabad was played between PJ’s and Red Devils in which PJ’s snatched a sensational win over arch rivals Red Devils with two goals to nil.
Before the grand finale, both at Islamabad and Lahore , events were made more participative as some active spectators from the crowd were also called down into the ground for 10 very short 3 each penalty shoot matches in which the maximum scorer of each match was given a souvenir in the shape of Ufone Uth shirt.
The finals in Lahore and Islamabad , were followed by a live concert of popular music band “Call The band” The Crowd sang and danced all the way with almost all the numbers. The band performed various numbers however the ever green ‘Sab Bhula kay’ received an electrifying response from the crowd.
One LED TV screen was also displayed at the venues which projected the concert as well and in the break time it displayed Ufone Uth ads and FIFA’s official song of the world cup 2010 which took crowd on to their toes and they were dancing all the way.
After the concert two lucky young spectator each from Lahore and Islamabad got PS3 through lucky draw conducted on the spot.
In the end the spectators both in Lahore and Islamabad stayed on as the world cup first semi final between Netherlands and Uruguay was presented live for Lahore football lovers whereas the second thriller between Spain and Germany played last night was presented live on the big LED screen for Islooites as an icing on the cake for a very lively and fun filled night.