Exclusive: Telcos Agree to Deploy Biometric Solution for SIM Verification

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWcKPH9gm7gam5xoZt0YiFcf03gdHe8VZTR7n92zStN9Moz3eRMqTnWPpq6oqWQEYyXmF7GGQNf_015iNXnUU_SCmC-89NXC0SmuJ5NXNizeX_Vewj8F6zY0XH5DeRwMvFlVACgLDGTc/s1600/new-mobile-sim1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWcKPH9gm7gam5xoZt0YiFcf03gdHe8VZTR7n92zStN9Moz3eRMqTnWPpq6oqWQEYyXmF7GGQNf_015iNXnUU_SCmC-89NXC0SmuJ5NXNizeX_Vewj8F6zY0XH5DeRwMvFlVACgLDGTc/s1600/new-mobile-sim1.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="contentupper"> </div> <div class="leftblogcontent"> </div> In the best interest of nation, all five cellular operators have principally agreed to deploy the biometric verification solution for authenticating users’ data before selling them the SIMs, we have confirmed with sources.<br /> Being socially responsible corporate citizens and organizations all mobile operators CEO’s agreed on the decision unanimously, told us a source who is directly aware of the development.<br /> Source said that keeping in view the national security requirements, cellular operators have agreed upon the installation of biometric verification solution, as in the past all Mobile Operators have always complied with all the directives from PTA and Government of Pakistan.<br /> This time again, mobile phone companies are willing to do whatever it takes to get the unregistered SIMs off the market.<br /> However, their concern is that system should be fool-proof and they must not be asked again for another system for verification of SIMs after few months.<br /> Cellular operators are of the view that the installation of a complete biometric equipment at every point of sale will cost between Rs. 35 to 40 thousand per outlet. Considering that all operators have over 250,000 sales’ outlets through out the country, they will deploy biometric verification solution for at least 70-75,000 outlets.<br /> This whole equation is going to cost cellular companies around Rs. 3 billion, still they are ready to invest this money into the system to enhance the national security environment.<br /> However, operators say, this must be an end to the unregistered SIMs and someone from the government must guarantee that mobile phone operators will not be indicted again for unregistered SIMs . Not unlike before when government, PTA, Interior Ministry took countless measures that cost operators billions of rupees without any concrete solution.<br /> For readers’ reference, here are the steps taken by the government and regulator during last few years for curbing illegal and unregistered SIMs:<br /> <ul> <li>2007: <ul> <li>Change from active to inactive SIMs;</li> <li>Verification process starts in 2007-08</li> <li>Offline verification of all SIMs data thru NADRA</li> </ul> </li> <li>2009 <ul> <li>789 based activations</li> <li>668 ph-I</li> </ul> </li> <li>2010 <ul> <li>668 ph-II</li> </ul> </li> <li>2011 <ul> <li>668 ph-III</li> </ul> </li> <li>Mar 2012 <ul> <li>Pre-sales process added for 789 CCs</li> <li>668 ph-IV re-verification process</li> </ul> </li> </ul> Despite all these steps and blockade of millions of SIMs, the issue of unregistered and illegal SIMs remain there unresolved. Telcos think that concerned authorities should take their time in deciding the methodology and procedures of the biometric system so that the process is made cent percent fool proof.<br /> In the last 3-4 years, the mobile operators – for the implementation of above mentioned measures — spent almost Rs. 2 Billion for SIM verification processes and charges that NADRA deducts from cellular companies.<br /> It maybe recalled that NADRA currently charges Rs. 13 for each SIM verification from cellular companies, while charges for SIM verification after biometric system is likely to double at Rs. 28 per verification.<br /> Keeping in view the market dynamics, mobile operators urged NADRA to reduce its charges that it deducts for SIM verification for the cause of National Security which is of dire need in the current situation.<br /> Mobile operators further urged that all the stakeholders should contribute for the deployment of biometric system, as this step has been taken for the purpose of national security and so they should be allowed a subsidy on the import of the equipment.<br /> Our sources at Ministry of Information Technology said that government is aligned to assist mobile operators in all possible ways. He said that proposal for subsidizing the deployment of biometric solution is being worked-out and funding might be channelized through available sources to the ministry.<br /> Analysts suggest that deployment of fool-proof biometric system has now become essential. They said that government will have to monitor the system regularly to make sure that it is not exploited by the fraudsters.<br /> As per market sources, the deployment of biometric system may take around an year.</div>

Exclusive: Telcos Agree to Deploy Biometric Solution for SIM Verification

In the best interest of nation, all five cellular operators have principally agreed to deploy the biometric verification solution f...

Read more »

SC Rejects Govt's Request, Orders to Appoint PTA Chairman in Just 10 Days

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6NJsXNH8Q6zSN1Y0IOv8uawr86El1dRD0ZNeaK2eMDtG2BwKlCXKn7-fwLrQhLpe28wxtiAzl7AV31Ys0pd4v66GEP6h3751bAKwwCkxU9vVHj10ZTMpmLvkLZTKnAvf_tC_4o-iqt0/s1600/supreme-court-pakistan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6NJsXNH8Q6zSN1Y0IOv8uawr86El1dRD0ZNeaK2eMDtG2BwKlCXKn7-fwLrQhLpe28wxtiAzl7AV31Ys0pd4v66GEP6h3751bAKwwCkxU9vVHj10ZTMpmLvkLZTKnAvf_tC_4o-iqt0/s1600/supreme-court-pakistan.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="contentupper"> </div> <div class="leftblogcontent"> </div> Supreme Court of Pakistan has rejected government’s request for more time for appointment of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Chairman and Members and ordered the federal government to make appointments on priority basis with-in next 10 days.<br /> Three-member bench headed by Justice Tasaddaq Hussain Gilani resumed hearing of case regarding auction of 3G licenses in which the government had requested further time for appointment of Chairman PTA and its members.<br /> The Supreme Court rejected the petition with the direction that appointment of Chairman and members of PTA should be made with-in 10 days.<br /> The Justice remarked that it is regrettable to say tremendously valuable institution of PTA has been made ineffective and paralysed by the negligence of high officials and management.<br /> The court already has awarded vast time to the government and now the time is over as national exchequer is facing heavy loss due to non appointment of its Chairman, the Justice concluded.<br /> It merits mentioning here that Supreme court of Pakistan – during last hearing– had ordered the federal government to appoint Chairman and members of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority before September 16th, 2013 and to make necessary arrangements for the auction of 3G licences with-in next 60 days.<br /> Government, which had clearly missed the deadline, wanted at least one month for the appointment of Chairman PTA.<br /> Auction of 3G licenses will only be possible after the appointment of Chairman PTA and members.</div>

SC Rejects Govt's Request, Orders to Appoint PTA Chairman in Just 10 Days

Supreme Court of Pakistan has rejected government’s request for more time for appointment of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority C...

Read more »

True Wireless Charger, that Works Like the WiFi Hotspot, Surfaces

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhND2f9gpx_SQHHb1mlv2FJwM-yTiUHjTpHTMhNTzUL08-SmWvo-3oQRZQI87OwdCKqJdxjYOvlPD_EfO00SYT7uDEeiu9gHCBo0nbrALbHOy2b4jf7ecHltBzvvcP8IPb-nJ-qdYFea3c/s1600/ossia-cota-technology.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhND2f9gpx_SQHHb1mlv2FJwM-yTiUHjTpHTMhNTzUL08-SmWvo-3oQRZQI87OwdCKqJdxjYOvlPD_EfO00SYT7uDEeiu9gHCBo0nbrALbHOy2b4jf7ecHltBzvvcP8IPb-nJ-qdYFea3c/s1600/ossia-cota-technology.jpg" /></a></div> It all began when Nokia first announced its Lumia Windows Phones with the ability to be charged wirelessly. The Nokia had used Inductive charging technology where the transmitter coil on the charger generates a magnetic field used by the device for charging, but wistfully, your Phone must be placed stationary on the charging pad to be charged sleekly, one of the inadequate part is that, you could charge only one phone on a single wireless charging pad at a time.<br /> Soon after Nokia, Google in collaboration with LG, had devised a wireless charger for their Nexus 4 that supported Qi wireless charging. But again, you’ve to retain your phone over the Wireless charger to charge evenly.<br /> It is clear by now, that most of these so-called wireless charging solutions still require your phone to come in contact with a base station in one way or the other, which, in case of “Cota” is not true.<br /> Cota – by <a href="http://www.ossiainc.com/" target="_blank">Ossianic</a> — is a technology that intends to power your mobile phone absolute wirelessly, with no physical contact to any device or a base station, what so ever. Hatem Zeine, the CEO of Ossia, illustrated the technology to the audience at <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2013/09/09/cota-by-ossia-wireless-power/" target="_blank">TechCrunch Disrupt</a>, when he managed to favourably charged his iPhone when plugged with a Cota prototype.<br /> It may appear to be the sorcery at first, but Zeine didn’t take so long to unravel the mystery behind this conspicuous phenomenon. This is the overview of how it works.<br /> The Cota prototype sends a magnetic charge over the frequency spectrum of 2.4GHz. It merits mentioning that this is indeed the same frequency spectrum that is used by WiFi and the Bluetooth. The utmost preferment in this wireless charging technology is that, you will not have to concern about the human safety, since only one watt of power is transmitted, that is one third of what the cell phones transmits already.<br /> The CEO, Hatem Zeine also stake out a claim that one station can power multiple devices at once, and it works just like a WiFi hotspot, you will have the authority to only allow certain devices to charge-up or simply keeps it unrestricted so that power is available to all Cota-enabled handsets within the certain range, which is about 30 feet.<br /> Cota by now is evidently in the decisive stages from FCC approval, and the company is in correspondence with manufacturers to incorporate the technology in consumer devices by 2015. Despite Ossia plans to have its own hardware, It is open to accrediting the technology to other organizations as well. Zeine explained that, the technology can be bundled in USB dongles or built directly into the handsets.</div>

True Wireless Charger, that Works Like the WiFi Hotspot, Surfaces

It all began when Nokia first announced its Lumia Windows Phones with the ability to be charged wirelessly. The Nokia had used Inductive...

Read more »

Why most SmartWatches are Useless?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7jNUY1V-MD0kt6t2AsHP9hkl36jRRr7pcANlSdcKK2qrxxZrDHVtPcdikGHdUYHNBjulaX1eIZQ1Y80eAEWdAXA0V18b4uYZJTgRi_MMb7Egv0UoRgw-4VtFXngltQmZcB4agxCbWkQ/s1600/Smartwatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7jNUY1V-MD0kt6t2AsHP9hkl36jRRr7pcANlSdcKK2qrxxZrDHVtPcdikGHdUYHNBjulaX1eIZQ1Y80eAEWdAXA0V18b4uYZJTgRi_MMb7Egv0UoRgw-4VtFXngltQmZcB4agxCbWkQ/s1600/Smartwatches.jpg" /></a></div> The public opinion of SmartWatches (and wearable gadgetry in general) has been akin to the opinion they have of those gadgets used by actors in sci-fi films: They want them but can’t really think of blending them in their daily lives. Well, most of them don’t anyway.<br /> That view has finally started to change in recent times with the arising of virtually unknown companies like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pebble_%28watch%29" target="_blank">Pebble</a> who have appeared and conquered the entire ground in no time. Seeing the success, some big names like Samsung entered the arena too and made botched attempts.<br /> Why have these bigger names have failed so far when relatively newer ones like Pebble have achieved (read: earned) immeasurable success?<br /> For the answer to that, you’ll probably have to look at their past. One of Samsung’s first SmartWatches, the S9110 came way back in 2009 and got lost as soon as it arrived. Regardless of anything, it’s the SmartWatch which deserves a spot on James Bond’s wrist the most, and as it turns out, nowhere else.<br /> You see, SmartWatches like these are useless in real life. This particular watch (S9110 that is) came with things like phone-call functionality which you don’t really need on your wrist, that’s what a cell phone is for. The battery life is usually pretty much dreadful too. The newly announced Galaxy Gear falls victim to the same travesty.<br /> Packing a 1.9 inch display, it comes with its own camera on the upper part of the strap (which means you can’t replace it), takes calls (there…) and comes with a “pride-breaking” battery life of 25 hours. That’s miserable, although it may not even be a failure at all, given Samsung’s incredible reach.<br /> These companies should at least learn some lesson from manufacturers like Pebble. Funded through Kickstarter, it comes with an E Ink display, a far cry from the Gear’s Super AMOLED but offers terrific sunlight legibility (keeps costs down too), runs apps but only the light ones, plus, its band can be changed. Its battery life is around a week (can last even more on occasions) but arguably its biggest achievement is that it looks like a normal wristwatch.<br /> “They are overspec’d machines … no one thought about how it fits into your life,” said Pebble CEO Eric Migicovsky in a recent interview on other SmartWatches. “It [Pebble] doesn’t force you to change your life around the device, it just kind of meshes,” he said.<br /> “Pebble brings micro-interactions to your wrist … it’s more about having Pebble suit the activities you are doing at a given time.”<br /> This is exactly what the approach of other companies trying out their hand at wearable tech should be. Until then, Pebble will remain the Apple of its field.</div>

Why most SmartWatches are Useless?

The public opinion of SmartWatches (and wearable gadgetry in general) has been akin to the opinion they have of those gadgets used by ac...

Read more »

Azmalo.pk Rebrands as Kaymu.pk

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWE2ruGllBLA0s-zdaBWw-hhKhI5yjp5yn6uMPxgYM6LH1V0k36kF3wqwH3vu_wr_YgSe4K38SjXL51U4CCD8-D58AJQgyov8oUyOGTZ716BsEUJUG7680kaQHC8rRHI9fgzKa5m6fCR4/s1600/kaymu-logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWE2ruGllBLA0s-zdaBWw-hhKhI5yjp5yn6uMPxgYM6LH1V0k36kF3wqwH3vu_wr_YgSe4K38SjXL51U4CCD8-D58AJQgyov8oUyOGTZ716BsEUJUG7680kaQHC8rRHI9fgzKa5m6fCR4/s1600/kaymu-logo1.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="contentupper"> </div> <div class="leftblogcontent"> </div> Azmalo.pk, an online shopping platform is now a part of Kaymu.com, the international shopping website present in South Asia and Africa, said a statement received today.<br /> Azmalo claims to have acquired over 150000 listings, numerous sellers and exceptional customer service, all of which have helped them serve customers with great competence.<br /> Azmalo introduced the marketplace model in Pakistan, where buyers and sellers are brought together, with individuals having the ability to put their goods on sale and marketed to a Azmalo audience. Working with a no-inventory model, Azmalo.pk aims at providing smooth and easy transactions for both the buyer and seller and ensuring that all transactions taking place are safe and easy.<br /> Since its inception, Azmalo has added new features within the website as well as services such as Azmalo Guarantee, Azmalo Safe Pay and Azmalo Promise for its customers.<br /> This recent move to become part of the Kaymu.com network seems to a strategic decision taken to expand within the Pakistani market through greater resources, professional expertise and better infrastructure.<br /> Kaymu.com has been largely successful in Africa, especially Nigeria and so they aim to benefit from their experience to taking the former Azmalo, Kaymu.pk to the next level. By going international, Kaymu.pk will be providing its customers with better features, such as the shopping cart, wish list, delivery tracking, discount coupons, quicker response times as well as greater efficiencies within the system!<br /> Being a part of the Kaymu network, the service will allow this online shopping store in Pakistan to operate better, have smarter systems and better efficiencies with the experience and expertise of the international Kaymu team.</div>

Azmalo.pk Rebrands as Kaymu.pk

Azmalo.pk, an online shopping platform is now a part of Kaymu.com, the international shopping website present in South Asia and Afr...

Read more »

Official Website of NADRA E-Sahulat Gets Hacked, User Data Compromised

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> Official website of E-Sahulat – financial services platform offering online payment solution for individuals and business – from NADRA was hacked and defaced by Xploiter today.<br /> Instead of defacing the main page, hacker injected a page on server at following locations:<br /> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.esahulat.org/x.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.esahulat.org/x.html</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.esahulat.com.pk/x.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.esahulat.com.pk/x.html</a></li> </ul> Mirrors:<br /> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.zone-h.com/mirror/id/20786269" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.zone-h.com/mirror/id/20786269</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.zone-h.com/mirror/id/20786270" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.zone-h.com/mirror/id/20786270</a></li> </ul> A screenshot uploaded by Hacker on his Facebook page hints that he had access to critical financial database on the server.<br /> Here is the screenshot that has critical financial information of E-Sahulat users:<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Dlzt7xmcjprvcNzY5Oc8M8giAwBgoZougUtBwtKtcC-iHykzUnOPn6lpx8SSr8K8C17jROdoVvcRv88_9RYwrW-pxl4TIzuHqr-4TlMAgaYCjo23oasoKI0doGMULqpVpOY2_gZkxH0/s1600/NADRA-E-Sahulat-Hacked1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Dlzt7xmcjprvcNzY5Oc8M8giAwBgoZougUtBwtKtcC-iHykzUnOPn6lpx8SSr8K8C17jROdoVvcRv88_9RYwrW-pxl4TIzuHqr-4TlMAgaYCjo23oasoKI0doGMULqpVpOY2_gZkxH0/s1600/NADRA-E-Sahulat-Hacked1.jpg" /></a></div> We are still unclear about the intents behind the defacement as there was no clear message left by hackers on the defaced page, however, it is likely that hackers are hacking and defacing websites to gain attention.<br /> Trend has only worsen with recent hackings of Banks and Financial Institutions. Previously, Soneri Bank, Habib Bank Limited, Allied Bank Limited, Muslim Commercial Bank, Burj Bank and Tameer Bank had been hacked by local hackers.<br /> Here is the screenshot of defaced page of E-Sahulat website:<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mUTj2H0_2CoWyYaj_6k7cKJZv8WpZFM0K3jBQ-apTPNte9MnNqH776lwD2YoFbFWUhpuzXSHflm0E2-kiHmRw6SZv7Vnf_8b4rjwdOWeTRv0z-Q-M0RcKbqkjqNKV5pxfbDX6fVF3w0/s1600/Nadra-E-Sahulat-hacked2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mUTj2H0_2CoWyYaj_6k7cKJZv8WpZFM0K3jBQ-apTPNte9MnNqH776lwD2YoFbFWUhpuzXSHflm0E2-kiHmRw6SZv7Vnf_8b4rjwdOWeTRv0z-Q-M0RcKbqkjqNKV5pxfbDX6fVF3w0/s640/Nadra-E-Sahulat-hacked2.png" width="622" /></a></div> </div>

Official Website of NADRA E-Sahulat Gets Hacked, User Data Compromised

Official website of E-Sahulat – financial services platform offering online payment solution for individuals and business – from NADRA was...

Read more »