All Mobiles Handsets.

Ufone Solid Offer is Expiring Today, But There is a Way to Extend it

2010-02-05T19:55:00.002-08:00

Ufone Solid Offer is Expiring Today, But There is a Way to Extend it

By Chand

Ufone’s Solid offer, one of the most successful offers of Ufone, is expiring today (Feb 5th, 2010), at 11:59 Midnight.

After this, you won’t be able to subscribe to this package.So you have last chance today to subscribe to this package.

If you are already subscribed, even then this offer will expire tonight at 11:59

How to Extend Ufone Solid Offer package

If you are already availing Ufone Solid Offer, then there is a way to extend this package for another month, i.e. till march 5^th, 2010.

Simply write message Y and send it to 4155

Charges for extending this package: Rs. 23.90 including taxes.

We don’t know yet, if Rs. 23.90 will become monthly subscription charges or not. No words yet on what will happen after March 5th. But one thing is for sure that Ufone has created the demand for this package, and now they will this demand the way they want.

Zong Introduces Dialtunes Mobile Application

2010-02-05T19:55:00.001-08:00

Zong Introduces Dialtunes Mobile Application

Zong takes DialTunes service to next level by introducing a GPRS enabled mobile based DialTunes application through which customers will be able to use all the functionality of Zong DialTunes service.

What’s New?

This application is a very handy medium through which subscribers can use all the features available on Zong DialTunes service. The main advantage of this application is that the customer will have a library of the most popular 4000+ songs just a few clicks away. Neither does the customer need to dial in to the DialTunes IVR nor does he/she have to wait for SMS bulk promotions to select content and go through a cumbersome process to access all the service features.

List of features:

Set your DialTune
Gift DialTunes to your friends
Set DialTunes for special friends
View and update your DialTunes library
Delete DialTunes from your library
Access to latest content of more than 4000 songs, jokes, dialogues, hamds, naats etc
Content will be refreshed every month

How to get this app?

The customer will send _{to SMS SC 250}
In reply the customer will receive a WAP Push for the URL: zongrbt.econceptions.mobi/rbt
By clicking on this link the subscriber will able to download the DialTunes application

Note:

Subscription Charges 10 Rupees + tax will be applied/ month.
Standard GPRS charges will apply on downloading and using the application.

Jazz Brings ‘Audio Cinema’

2010-02-05T19:54:00.000-08:00

Jazz Brings ‘Audio Cinema’

Movies have been an integral part of entertainment for decades, and love for movies has never diminished for the people of Pakistan.

Mobilink Jazz brings for its subscribers such blockbusters, with original dialogues & songs to their very own mobile phone! All movies will be available in 60-90 minute duration through an IVR streaming.

Subscription process:

Jazz users can subscribe to this service by dialing IVR short code 606.
After subscribing to service, users will get the successful subscription notification via SMS.
After successful subscription of service, users can dial 606 and enjoy the service.

Un-subscription process:

To unsubscribe this service user dials the IVR and select unsubscribe option from the menu. A notification SMS will also be sent to user after un-subscribing the service.

Service Charges

Monthly Subscription Charges @ Rs. 20 + Tax
IVR Browsing @ Rs. 0.20+ Tax per min

List of Movies Available currently and in pipeline:

Karz
Available

Khalnayak
Available

Dev D
Available

Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal
Available

Fashion
Available

KAMINEY
Available

Life in a Metro
Available

Oye Lucky Lucky Oye
Available

Wake Up Sid
Available

Whats Your Rashee
Available

Khosla Ka Ghosla
Available

Chori Chori Chup Ke Chup Ke
Coming Soon

Hattrick
Coming Soon

Welcome to Sajjanpur
Coming Soon

Mein Aur Mrs Khanna
Coming Soon

HUM
Coming Soon

Chance Pe Dance
Coming Soon

Tezaab
Coming Soon

Note:

Charges will applied as 20 paisa per minute + tax.
Monthly rental will be 20 Rupee + tax.
This is a limited time offer.

Telenor Gives away Prizes to Retail Partners

2010-02-05T19:53:00.000-08:00

Telenor Gives away Prizes to Retail Partners

Telenor Pakistan, under its ‘Easyload Millionaire Prize Scheme 3’, gave away prizes worth PKR 12 million to retail partners from different regions of Pakistan.

Retail Partners who exceeded their sales for May 2009 in the month of July by 5 percent were eligible to enter the lucky draw. A 10 percent increase allowed them a double entry in the draw.

The scheme for Telenor Pakistan Retail Partners is a continuation to the Easyload Millionaire Prize Scheme 1 from the preceding year. The prize denominations include 600 prizes of PKR 10,000 easy load each and six prizes of PKR 1,000,000.The participation criteria for the lucky draw were to boost the sale of Easyload retail merchants by a certain percentage so as to become eligible for the prize scheme.

Telenor Pakistan’s Director Sales & Distribution Malik Faisal Qayyum, while appreciating retail partners said, “Our, retail partners being a vital resource in our distribution network have contributed tremendously to Telenor Pakistan and its customers. It is their trust and conviction in Telenor Pakistan that has enabled easy access to our customers, even in remote areas. At this occasion, Telenor Pakistan would like to thank all retail partners for their enthusiastic participation in the Millionaire Prize Scheme that was organized to pay a tribute to their unrelenting dedication and commitment. It gives us immense pleasure to extend our heartiest congratulations to the winners.”

The winning retail partners have been announced in a prize distribution ceremony in their own region in the past few weeks. In the Easyload Millionaire Prize Scheme 1, Telenor Pakistan gave away 600 mobile handsets and awarded PKR 1 million each to 6 retailers in different regions of the country. This prize money amount was increased to PKR 14.5 million for Easyload Millionaire Prize Scheme 2 and recently, a total of PKR 12 million was given away to winners during the third chapter of the Scheme.

Telenor Pakistan was the first telecommunications operator to launch the ‘Easyload’ for credit recharge which brought a revolution in the market. Telenor Pakistan is currently engaged with 250 plus franchisees and more than 175,000 retailers across the country which remains the largest source of sales and distribution for Telenor Pakistan.

PTA Issues Show Cause Notice to PTCL On Poor Services

2010-02-05T19:52:00.001-08:00

PTA Issues Show Cause Notice to PTCL On Poor Services

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued Show Cause Notice to initiate proceedings against PTCL on showing poor quality of service, based on the results of the joint Quality of Service (QoS) Survey conducted recently by PTA.

PTA has given 30 days time to PTCL to submit the reply. Based on the outcome PTA, under the Telecom Act, reserves the right to proceed legally.

The QoS surveys is a regular activity of PTA and the objective is to ensure that the interests of the consumers of telecommunication services are duly safeguarded and that the licensees are providing the telecom services as per the service quality standards of the license.

PTA, from time to time, has been repeatedly informing PTCL about its poor QoS and PTCL was directed to improve the quality as per license conditions, however, no improvement made therein despite ample time provided to PTCL. As a result, show cause notice has been served to initiate the proceedings against the licensee as per rules.

According to the details, survey was conducted across Pakistan including major and small cities and rural areas from August to October 2009 along with the PTCL representatives on a mutually agreed survey methodology. It may be mentioned that this is the first instance of PTCL being show caused on account of poor quality of service which clearly shows the PTA’s resolve for not compromising on sub-standard services to the telecom consumers.

Chairman PTA, Dr. Mohammed Yaseen said that ensuring quality services to consumers has always been priority to PTA. This is evident from the continuous surveys conducted by PTA for both mobile and fixed line sectors. The recent establishment of Consumer Protection Directorate, providing fast and easy complaint registration mechanism is another major step in protecting and safeguarding consumer interests.

PTA Issues Show Cause Notice to PTCL On Poor Services

2010-02-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

PTA Issues Show Cause Notice to PTCL On Poor Services

PTA has given 30 days time to PTCL to submit the reply. Based on the outcome PTA, under the Telecom Act, reserves the right to proceed legally.

Intel Nastional Scienice Olympiads Ended

2010-02-05T19:51:00.001-08:00

Intel Nastional Scienice Olympiads Ended

Seen in the picture is Ghulam Farid Kathia honorable Minister for State, Federal Ministry of Education and Ahsar .H. Zaidi Country Manager Intel Pakistan Corporation with the grand prize winners. These winners will represent Pakistan in the Intel Science & Engineering Fair in San jose, California, USA this year.

Following the Intel Provincial Science Fairs held recently across Sindh, ICT, Punjab and Baluchistan where young scientists presented innovative research-based projects in the categories of biology, chemistry, computer sciences, mathematics and physics, Intel Pakistan Corporation marked the end of its nation-wide science competitions with the Intel National Science Fair held today.

Widely attended by youth from all across Pakistan, the National Science Fair, which is affiliated with the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), one of the world’s largest pre-college science competitions, showcased nearly 117 science projects submitted by young scientists from all across the nation who qualified for a place in the National Science Fair after rigorous competition at district and provincial levels.

Mr. Ghulam Farid Kathia, Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan, graced the occasion as the chief guest.

Projects displayed at the National Science Fair were assessed by a panel of renowned judges for further selection in the upcoming Intel ISEF 2010 to be held in Reno, Nevada, USA. Intel ISEF, the world’s largest pre-college science competition, enables more than 1,500 young scientists from all across the globe to gather on a single platform to exchange ideas and knowledge, showcase cutting-edge science and compete for over US$ 4 million* in awards and scholarships.

The National Science Fair, organized every year by Intel Pakistan Corporation in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan, is part of Intel’s efforts to contribute to science education reform in Pakistan. Winners of the National Science Fair 2010 will represent the nation in the upcoming Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) 2010 in San Jose, USA.

Intel Nastional Scienice Olympiads Ended

2010-02-05T19:51:00.000-08:00

Intel Nastional Scienice Olympiads Ended

Mr. Ghulam Farid Kathia, Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Education, Government of Pakistan, graced the occasion as the chief guest.

Areeb Becomes Country Champ of Red Bull FreeStyle Football

2010-02-05T19:48:00.000-08:00

Areeb Becomes Country Champ of Red Bull FreeStyle Football

As reported earlier on ProPakistani, Djuice Sponsored Red Bull Freestyle Football finals held in Karachi. In an amazing show, filled with fun and glamour, freestylers amused the audience with tremendous play of football.

Areeb outclassed 16 top footballers of the country, while Taimoor remained runner-up.

Areeb will be flying to South Africa to take on winners of 54 other countries.

Check out Areeb’s contest with Taimoor in final round, below is the pictorial coverage…!

overage and Quality is Pivotal in Network Selection: Survey

2010-02-05T19:47:00.000-08:00

overage and Quality is Pivotal in Network Selection: Survey

Network Selection survey was conducted by ProPakistani from January 1^st, 2010 to January 31^st, 2010. Purpose of this survey was to identify the network selection preferences of mobile phone users of all cellular companies.

Key question asked was to “Tell the main reason for remaining with their current mobile operator”

We received 4164 responses from people of different ages, academic backgrounds and cities.

Survey result

Following results are purely based on the data collected through survey.

The survey included 95% male and 5% female participants.

The major age group that responded to the survey is

18-24 years i.e. 52% of the total participants.
Next to this was from the age group of 25-34 years – 36% of the total sample.
Below 18 years and above 35 years both comprise 6% of the total responses.

City wise composition of the participants of the survey was as follow:

Karachi 26%
Islamabad 17%
Lahore 20%
Faisalabad 6%
Peshawar 4%
Other cities 27%

Academics of Participants

Which Mobile Connection Do you Use? (In case of 2 or More SIMs, participants were asked to select their primary mobile connection)

Do you have 2 or more SIMs?

Ufone 56% of participants using Ufone said they do have other Sims too
Warid 61% of participants using Warid said they do have other Sims too
Telenor 64% of participants using Telenor said they do have other Sims too
Mobilink 62% of participants using Mobilink said they do have other Sims too
Zong 63% of participants using Zong said they do have other Sims too

As the major motive of the survey was to determine the preferences of mobile phone users in network selection, survey included following reasons

Low On-Net Rates?
Low Off-Net Rates?
Hourly Packages (Night)
Hourly Packages (Day)
SMS Packages?
GPRS/EDGE Rates
GPRS/EDGE Speed
Better Coverage and Network Quality?
Better Customer Support?

And responses were as following…!

37% of the users choose their mobile operator because of network quality and better coverage quality
23% choose their mobile operator because of sms packages
13% choose their mobile operator for low On-Net rates
10% users believe that the reason they choose their mobile operator because of Low off-net rates
6% choose their mobile operator because of better customer support
11% choose their mobile operator because of hourly packages (day & night), GPRS/Edge speed & rates.

Why customers of different mobile operators remain with their mobile operator

Following graphs are true picture of strengths and weaknesses of mobile phone operators. These graphs can be used by cellular operators to better plan their investments. Also the potential customer, before subscribing the service, can find out the pros and cons of a mobile phone company by going through following 5 graphs.

Age-wise distribution of the reasons for selecting mobile operator

Good news for mobile operators is that not all subscribers for network quality and coverage. Their primary needs include catchy SMS and call plans.Meaning that no-extra investment on network, all you need is to offer in-expensive call and SMS package.

But hold on, that’s not the whole picture, as a very interesting shift occurs as the age increases.

I am sure segment guys would be pretty keen on following few diagrams.

Conclusion

Mobilink customers are pretty satisfied with its coverage and quality. To target more customers it should focus on SMS packages.
The customers of Zong preferred it for good GPRS and voice call plans; they better focus on coverage quality to capture high ARPUed and mature market, as clearly mature people are more concerned about quality.
All mobile operators need to work on customer retention and developing customer loyalty as 64% of the participants said they have more than one sim.
All mobile operators need to focus on GPRS rates.

2009 Concluded with 97.6 Million Mobile Users in Pakistan

2010-02-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

2009 Concluded with 97.6 Million Mobile Users in Pakistan

As per PTA’s recent most stats, Pakistani cellular Market concluded 2009 with 97,579,940 subscribers in hand, while teledensity hit 59.60 mark.

Market demonstrated healthy 0.93 percent growth in December 2009, which happens to be the highest in previous 5 months.

During the same period WLL operators showed negative growth of 1 percent.

Rest of stats are given below in graphical form

PTCL Declares Net Rise in Profits

2010-02-05T19:44:00.000-08:00

PTCL Declares Net Rise in Profits

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) today announced its financial results for the half year ended on 31st December, 2009.

The Company announced a Net Profit of Rs. 5.354 billion or 1.05 rupees a share compared to Rs. 5.314 billion or Rs. 1.04 per share recorded in the same period last year.

On a consolidated basis, for half year ended December 31, 2009, the Group earned Rs. 6.7 billion Profit after Taxation with 13% growth compared to same period last year.

During last year, PTCL has continued its strategy of developing new sources of income, on the Commercial side. The Company remained focused, inter-alia, on enhancing Broadband penetration and accordingly PTCL achieved 85% market share by acquiring about 336,000 customers spread over 200 cities in Pakistan.

During the period under review, ‘Evo’ – the wireless Broadband based on 3G technology with nationwide roaming for the first time in Pakistan, expanded to all the major cities in the country too.

President PTCL Walid Irshaid commenting on the results said “We strive hard to ensure the high standards of quality that our valued customers expect from us. Now customers can experience the Internet at its fastest with high-speed access from Broadband Pakistan, simultaneously, enjoy Voice service over the same telephone line without any extra cabling connections! Broadband Pakistan offers DSL service with unmatched reliability, affordability and connectivity

He further added this reflects our commitment to add value to the lives of our customers and provide them access to the most sophisticated and advanced services with Automation of processes, operational costs optimization, commissioning of Next Generation Networks, development of nationwide backbone infrastructure, and propagation of broadband services among few of the envisioned objectives for the near future.”

Atif Aslam Signed as Warid’s Brand Ambassador

2010-02-05T19:43:00.000-08:00

Atif Aslam Signed as Warid’s Brand Ambassador

In an interesting move, Warid today signed Atif Aslam, Pakistan’s leading pop star, as their brand ambassador.

After Ali Zafar’s successful partnership with Telenor Talkshwk and then with Mobilink, Warid is likely to use Atif Aslam in brilliant manner. However, Warid will have to put extra effort in the making and execution of adverts.

Signing ceremony was held today in Lahore. Seen in above pic, from left to right are: Shahzad Rauf , Chief Strategy & Operations Officer Warid Telecom, Mr. Parvez A. Shahid, Board Member Warid Telecom, Mr Atif Aslam, Warid Brand Ambassador, Tariq Gulzar , Chief Financial Officer Warid Telecom and Suhail Jan, General Manager Commercial Warid Telecom.

Just recently, Warid renewed its contract with Reema Khan.

With amount of fame he has, Atif’s this move will be closely watched by music industry of Pakistan.

Atif Aslam is followed by millions of Fans, mostly the youth, hence a perfect suit for Warid’s prepaid brand Glow.

Official: Warid to be Taken Over, Soon

2010-02-05T19:41:00.000-08:00

Official: Warid to be Taken Over, Soon

Dhabi Group has confirmed its intent of offloading majority stakes with management control of Warid’s operations in Pakistan. Group didn’t mention the size and value of this expected deal. However, for the first time in three months, group authenticated Warid’s sellout rumors, which it kept denying till now.

This statement came directly from Dhabi Group’s top management, as quoted by The National, a UAE based newspaper.

There has been a slight shift in the known scenario – as along with Telenor, PTCL has stepped in as another interested buyer of Warid Telecom.

“PTCL has shown keen interest in Warid Telecom,” told Bashir Tahir, CEO of Abu Dhabi Group to The National, “We are talking to every operator and we know they are also talking to each other”. He added.

We know that Walid Irshad had confirmed merger talks, but that was back in June 2009.

It merits mentioning here that Dhabi Group has recently sold majority stakes in group’s African Telecom operations to Essar, followed by another sellout of 70 percent stakes with management control of its Bangladeshi arm to Bharti Airtel.

A top official of a cellular company, who is close to situation, while commenting on the deal said that Warid is trying to best place itself to get highest bid. He said that Warid is negotiating, rather re-negotiating with all players, and purpose is clear, to boost its face value.

Ali Tahir, group chief commercial officer of Warid Telecom said in an interview that Economic and political situation in Pakistan over the past two years had made it difficult to grow Warid Telecom. This statement leads to a conclusion that Warid may hurriedly wrap up its operations in Pakistan.

“If you are a passive investor and want to manage a telecom company, it is very difficult to do,” Mr Tahir said. Any deal is likely to include a “put clause” that will give the Abu Dhabi Group the option of selling the rest of its stake at a set price within three years, he said.

Anticipating the situation, Infrastructure vendors are already planning network merger solutions for Telenor and Warid. An official of network vendor told ProPakistani that merger/acquisition will result network merger too. He commented that we have case studies of such mergers before, where two large scale operators merged into one. He advised that network merger of both the companies will free up resources with cost effective and optimized network performance.

The investment bank Goldman Sachs is advising the Abu Dhabi Group, as it did at the time of Warid-Singtel deal.

Other advisers involved in the negotiations are JP Morgan Chase for SingTel and Citibank for Telenor, Mr. Tahir said.

iPad coming to Pakistan, Soon

2010-02-05T19:37:00.000-08:00

iPad coming to Pakistan, Soon

Okay, here is the news for Apple lovers that iPad is going to hit the surface in Pakistan, pretty soon. As spotted by Sense Applied, MediaCenterPk.com has announced that iPad will reach their stores.

All you need to do is to drop a request at this email id iPad-info@mediacenterpk.com – and you will be notified as soon as they have iPad arrived.

No words yet on prices.

on other hands, no sign of iPad on iRaffles as of now at least.

Note: MediaCenterPK says above email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it to be notified as soon as the product is available for sale and it’s pricing as well.

Official: PTCL Student Packages Over 1 MB, ending March 1st

2010-02-05T19:35:00.000-08:00

Official: PTCL Student Packages Over 1 MB, ending March 1st

As we covered earlier about the end of Student Discount Packages over 1 MB, it has been officially confirmed now that company is discontinuing all student packages above 1 MB.

A company statement has said that all packages of greater than 1 Mbps i.e., 2 Mbps and 4 Mbps broadband services will not have the student package discount applicable which is effective from 1st March 2010 onwards.

Earlier PTCL representatives informed all student discount holders via phone calls that company will stop offering student discounts from February 1^st.

With a prior notice of one month, PTCL has no legal obligation of withdrawing this service. However, many high end broadband users (who were availing this discount) may shift to other ISPs.

Ufone Introduces Islamic Handset for Rs. 1650

2010-02-05T19:34:00.002-08:00

Ufone Introduces Islamic Handset for Rs. 1650

Ufone once again came up with a new product, now with the Ufone Islamic Handset. Earlier some private companies were offering this kind of handset but their prices were very high.

This Islamic handset comes with some built-in Islamic features, such as Azaan alarm, Islamic wallpapers and ringtones, direction of Qiblah etc. A wonderful phone that comes equipped with hands-free mode, WAP/MMS enabled and a color display, all for just Rs.1650.

Handset is Available at Ufone Service Centers

Specifications of Phone:

Islamic Ring tones
Prayer Alarm, timings of 5 time prayers & alarm facility for each.
Feature of direction for prayer & Sunrise information.
With features like Fm Radio, Loud Speaker, Stereo Head Set & Added accesories
Islamic IVR Service 1314 & one touch access to Islamic Portal
16 chord poly phonic ring tones
Color display
Predictive input
Hands free mode
LCD Size 1.5”
WAP/MMS capable
Weight Approx 70 Grams (including battery)
Stand by time 350 hours (Network dependent)
Talk time 210 Mins (Network dependent)
Speed dial feature

Jazz 24 Ghanta Offer Launched

2010-02-05T19:34:00.001-08:00

Jazz 24 Ghanta Offer Launched

Mobilink has launched its 24 Ghanta Offer which allows customers to talk for 100 minutes (Mobilink to Mobilink) in a day for only Rs 29 plus tax.

This counts 3,000 minutes a month against Rs. 900 (average), which is pretty good. So if your on-net usage is high, this package is for sure a good suit for you.

However, a common mobile phone user is not going to get any benefit out of this package, reason: daily rental is too high to afford.

How to Subscribe?

To avail the daily 24 Ghanta Offer subscriber will have to move to a new tariff plan by sending an SMS to 676 (One time subscription charges of Rs 30 apply)

After subscription the following rates will apply:

Voice Calls (On-net and off-net): Rs. 0.75 plus tax 30 Sec
SMS (On-net and off-net): Rs. 1.0 plus taxper SMS

Once you are on this new package, you can avail 100 minutes offer, any day, through the following processes:

For 24 Ghanta Offer: Enter *101*1*05# on mobile screen and press send

Un-subscription Process from 24 Ghanta Offer

To unsubscribe from this offer please write UNSUB and send SMS to 676(no charges for un-subscription).

Terms and Conditions

The minutes of the 24 Ghanta Offer will be valid for one day and for Mobilink calls only.
Customers from any Jazz package can subscribe to this offer by sending SMS to 676
Jazz Ghanta Offer, Hybrid Bundles, Jazz LNO Offer, ClubRed discount will not be available to subscribers of Jazz 24 Ghanta offer
This is a limited time offer
Terms and conditions apply
19.5% FED on usage and 10% withholding tax at recharge applies

Ban Night Packages, Right Now: Punjab Assembly

2010-02-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

Ban Night Packages, Right Now: Punjab Assembly

One of the Government’s body has finally realized the damages posed by night calling packages. Reportedly, Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution to put immediate ban on late night calling packages, at least in Punjab.

Assembly floor witnessed strong arguments on the bill which emphasized the harmfulness of these night packages.

Reality of night packages is not hidden now. We all know well how badly these offerings are hampering the minds and futures of Pakistani youth, who spend their nights on phone, thanks to very low hourly calls offerings by cellular companies.

If we look at global trends, off peak tariffs are always more incentivizing for customers. With low traffic during off peak hours, telecom companies give discounts on calls made during nights and so on.

However, in Pakistan, the idea of off-peak hour discount was executed in extremely dangerous manner. These companies offered extremely low priced, on-net hourly calls, which ended up with sleepless nights of the (young) callers.

But if you eye other regions, they offer such discounts on all type activities, be it a on-net, off-net, international or any other type of data or voice call.

So the intent of night packages by Pakistani cellular companies is somewhat clear now.

Khurram Hussain, a physiatrist by profession commenting on these night callers said that this habit is responsible for various mental and physical diseases. “Restless nights are naturally not healthy for human body, and these kids end up with serious mental and physical disorder, if they keep making nigh calls for long time”, he added.

Government, and the Telecom regulatory authority should have noticed this long ago, but it’s never too late. They must not compromise with the declining potential of youth against some revenues and taxes collected through these night packages.

Even the investors (cellular companies) should think about harms of the unmetered freedom they are giving to youth, for a long term business benefit

How do You Save Cost by Using Multiple SIMs?

2010-02-05T02:53:00.000-08:00

How do You Save Cost by Using Multiple SIMs?

s you may know we are conducting a survey these days (which is still not concluded). While going through the responses, I observed that there are significant number of subscribers who are using more than one SIM.

By the way, let’s not limit the use of second SIM for students only, we know that businessmen, household women, teachers, say everyone can use it for many reasons.

I had this discussion with few friends, where we concluded that having multiple SIMs can reduce your monthly bills by a notable margin.

Possible Reasons for Having Multiple SIMs

To make inexpensive on-net calls, for example using Telenor for calling Telenor numbers, Mobilink for calling Mobilink numbers and so on
To avail inexpensive SMS packages or GPRS/EDGE packages, this is another common reason, for instance if you have plenty of Ufone numbers in your friend and family circle, there are good chances that you won’t use any other operator to make calls, however, you may find GPRS package attractive from Zong.
There is this one official number, which people don’t want to keep busy for long; hence they get another number to make long duration calls.
It has been observed that some people keep multiple SIMs of same network, for instance, one SIM has night package, while other is good for making calls during the day.

There can be various other combinations where mobile phone users find it suitable and viable to have multiple SIMs.

We want you to tell us your story by explaining that what benefits are there to have multiple SIMs.

Consumer Alert: Beware of Automatic Activation of VAS Services

2010-02-05T02:52:00.002-08:00

Consumer Alert: Beware of Automatic Activation of VAS Services

Lately, it has been observed, and reported by multiple ProPakistani readers, that telecom companies are activating value added services without the consent and demand of customers.

Caller Ring Back Tone (CRBT) is at top of the list, while other services, such as email to SMS services, daily alerts are other such services that are activated on customers’ numbers, which they never requested, rather few of them don’t even know of the service type and it’s pricing.

This is a clear violation of customers’ rights as these services are not free at all – or even if they are free, auto activation can easily be termed as a SPAM.

Even worst, when you notice that these services are activated on your number, and you try to get them blocked (through call center), you are not given back the money for the time you have (unwillingly) used the service.

Such practices are badly hampering customers’ loyalty and the brand image, though, such deeds may do little good in next year’s balance sheet however, in the long run it’s a clear deficit for sure.

Tip for Customers: If you doubt that your balance gets deducted without any activity, call help line and ask for all the paid (VAS) services activated against your number. Keep those that you have subscribed, and block the unwanted services.

How to Complain? PTA is the authority that looks after such things, so there is no other door available. Follow this link to know how to register your complaint.

Even you can file a lawsuit, against the company – and win hefty amount.

If you are one of the victim, you can share your story in below comments..!

Wateen’s IPO Happens, will Offer 110 Million Shares

2010-02-05T02:52:00.001-08:00

Wateen’s IPO Happens, will Offer 110 Million Shares

Wateen Telecom Limited has planned to offer 110 million ordinary shares to the general public at a price of Rs 10 per share with a greenshoe option of 90 million shares, reported business recorder today.
In this regard, Wateen has applied for listing at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE). Arif Habib Limited has been mandated to act as Financial Advisor and Arranger for the proposed Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Rs 2,000 million of the ordinary shares of Wateen Telecom Limited, further said the paper.
First announced in October 2009, Wateen will use the funds to meet company’s financial obligation. WiMAX provider has faced tough cash in hand situations, recently. Company has tried various options including aggressive service offerings and sell out.
Quoting the sources, Business recorder has claimed that Arif Habib, being advisor and arranger of the proposed IPO, has formally contacted with the underwriters.
It has written a letter to some 50 institutions inviting them to participate in the underwriting consortium being arranged for the IPO. The Arif Habib has sent detailed Information Memorandum on the Company and the Transaction to the underwriters seeking their firm commitment to participate in the underwriting consortium.
Via Business Recorder

Win Airtime, SMS and GPRS buckets for Bringing FnF to Warid

2010-02-05T02:51:00.002-08:00

Win Airtime, SMS and GPRS buckets for Bringing FnF to Warid

Warid brings referral rewards for Porting your Friends & family numbers to Warid Network. All you have to do is visit Members Area of Warid’s official website or call 03213213211.

What rewards can you get?

By referring your friends and family for porting-in to Warid. For every referral that is successfully ported-in, the referee will get any of the following rewards.

Free minutes worth Rs. 100 (7 days expiry)
500 MBs of data download (7 days expiry)
10,000 On-net SMS (7 days expiry)
*Once the referred number is successfully ported on to Warid’s network, a SMS will be sent to the referee confirming their eligibility of using their chosen reward.

Clearly, expiry time for rewards is very little. Particularly, in case of text messages.

Note:

A customer has to choose only one of the free units (minutes, SMSs or data) against each referral.
All postpaid users who refer a number will get a Credit Note of Rs. 100 each time.
Upon successful port-in, you will receive the conformation on your rewards through SMS.
The amount of free units is a direct multiple of number of successful referrals for port-in subscribers.
Free minutes can be used to call any network.
GPRS rate and pulse is Rs 0.2/MB, but the charging will be on per 64KB usage.
If you get another port in before the expiry of your previous reward, free minutes will be added up and expiry will be extended.
The above doesn’t apply on SMS/DATA rewards.
You can also refer a number for port in through portal or through our call center but you will need to call at 0321-321-321-1 or visit Members area on the Warid website to claim your reward against the lead referred.
Once a reward is availed you cannot change it on the same referral reward.
Standard Taxes Applicable

PTCL Brings Super Basant Offer

2010-02-05T02:51:00.001-08:00

PTCL Brings Super Basant Offer

Basant is festival, which reminds us Kites, Food and Lahore, but this February PTCL is going to offer a different kind of Basant named Super basant, where you won’t have to Fly kites but fly yourself high with discounts on local and nationwide calls.

What’s the discount?

50% Off on On-Net Calls Local and nationwide in Off Peak Time and Sundays Whole day.

Note:

Promotion period: 1st February 2010 to 28th February 2010
Off Peak Time 8:00 pm to 8:00 am (Weekdays)
Local Calls: Rs. 1 for 3 mins. (PTCL to PTCL and PTCL to Vfone)
NWD Calls: Rs. 1 for 3 mins. (PTCL to PTCL and PTCL to Vfone)
Applicable for all PSTN subscribers excluding Payphones and PCOs.
Standard Taxes Apply

Oracle Completes Acquisition of Sun

2010-02-05T02:50:00.002-08:00

Oracle Completes Acquisition of Sun

racle Corporation announced today that it had completed its acquisition of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Combination of the local entities worldwide will proceed in accordance with local laws.
Oracle will host an all-day live event, which also will be webcasted, for customers, partners, press and analysts today at 9:00 AM Pacific time, at its headquarters in Redwood Shores, California.

More Details are available here