Pakistan Plans to Unify Free Online Courses from Top Global Universities

<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/AVvXsEhww3dIGmyewN-gjiL0QD46RJYdvppKWD2sUlg2C-NH1LDFHuHGfX3wbydex5Lc1S3v9TBP7dGNKLTfLOwvx0NCffU_ToT76TPYgJa5hZXi62pI_QR3QMrybksh7J9JozNRaNjFfj6AOxw/s1600/Free-online-courses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhww3dIGmyewN-gjiL0QD46RJYdvppKWD2sUlg2C-NH1LDFHuHGfX3wbydex5Lc1S3v9TBP7dGNKLTfLOwvx0NCffU_ToT76TPYgJa5hZXi62pI_QR3QMrybksh7J9JozNRaNjFfj6AOxw/s1600/Free-online-courses.jpg" /></a></div> Pakistan is all set to offer top-quality online education to Pakistani students through an integrated online platform that will unify all sorts of online courses from top of the line universities around the world, claimed Dr. Prof Atta-ur-Rahman, the former chairman of the Higher Education Commission.<br /> All these courses on the platform – which is yet to be named — are supposed to be free and will come with a search capability, i.e. students will be able to search their desired courses.<br /> Platform, which is almost developed and will be launched by Hussain Ebrahim Jamal (HEJ) Institute of Chemistry with-in next two months, will offer best available free online courses like MIT open courseware, Coursera, Udacity, Khan Academy, Virtual University of Pakistan and courses from countless other universities from around the world.<br /> Pakistan has over 30 million internet users with a notable growth rate. Emergence of 3G services will further boost this number many folds.<br /> With such high internet penetration, online courses – that would be free as well – are set to play a pivotal role for the education system of the country. This can be especially wonderful when there’s a lack of trained faculty in Pakistan, which is a major hurdle in educating the masses.<br /> According to Dr. Rehman, Pakistan will be the only country to have brought together the great wealth of educational material from around the world on one single platform.</div>

Pakistan Plans to Unify Free Online Courses from Top Global Universities

Pakistan is all set to offer top-quality online education to Pakistani students through an integrated online platform that will unify a...

Read more »

PTA Issues RFP for Hiring of Consultants for 3G Auction

<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/AVvXsEjwdPtD-zCHVxY3JCgN_MtpdsFhA3B0MV6fq5cCdMo1tyF_DBFiHFvbWVoJT_5BQaMezOHXx18nLZ-Rt15PXcHKQsSOhoN7SV1wWzx6hh9JaoVlXPaUnD7vhXrrAHZt-DXm1F3cJ1TIAH4/s1600/3G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdPtD-zCHVxY3JCgN_MtpdsFhA3B0MV6fq5cCdMo1tyF_DBFiHFvbWVoJT_5BQaMezOHXx18nLZ-Rt15PXcHKQsSOhoN7SV1wWzx6hh9JaoVlXPaUnD7vhXrrAHZt-DXm1F3cJ1TIAH4/s1600/3G.jpg" /></a></div> After getting the Policy Directive for Auction of 3G/4G licenses from Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has today issued an RFP (Request for Proposal) for hiring of consultancy services for the auction of the next-gen telecom licenses.<br /> The consultant(s) hired for the purpose will be responsible to procure the auction in a transparent, professional and profitable manner.<br /> Consultants, when hired, will prepare the IM (information memorandum) for the auction of 3G/Advanced technology licenses in Pakistan.<br /> The IM is supposed to be the document that details the methodology of auction, base price, allocation of spectrum for auction and other similar information for interested buyers. IM will also define the criteria, requirements and other prerequisites for taking part in the auction.<br /> PTA said that RFPs can be submitted before November 12th, 2013 and if everything goes as planned then authority will be able to hire a consultant by the end of November.<br /> It merits mentioning here that PTA, last year, had selected two consultants for the same purpose, however, their selection went controversial when Member Technical of PTA (back then) termed the hiring illegal. Later on things went bad and can easily be called a disaster.<br /> It won’t be out of place to mention here that hiring of a consultant for procurement of telecom licenses is a mandatory requirement as per PPRA rules.<br /> For your reference, here is today’s RFP for the hiring of consultancy services:<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYaHei3IOa7kb-elvHFe4NEwQSG9z7QPbuh10TR2XBFrP0QWmC3PwIeZLYX1FLjkmpuVxTQf19ebsckLsmComtmyw_BIs2m6-zg1DXR1cqag5YIVwog2glilU6c88K3Mqn3I5jJJck8E/s1600/consultant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYaHei3IOa7kb-elvHFe4NEwQSG9z7QPbuh10TR2XBFrP0QWmC3PwIeZLYX1FLjkmpuVxTQf19ebsckLsmComtmyw_BIs2m6-zg1DXR1cqag5YIVwog2glilU6c88K3Mqn3I5jJJck8E/s1600/consultant.jpg" /></a></div> </div>

PTA Issues RFP for Hiring of Consultants for 3G Auction

After getting the Policy Directive for Auction of 3G/4G licenses from Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, Pakistan Telecomm...

Read more »

PTA Directed to Complete 3G Auction by February 2014

<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/AVvXsEi3srBd4aZMrBRg1NmFm-VNQ92q9Cej3_w0-qU16eRw6yrE6XACXY4VwqhltbEcphaEiyFvqPSYkj4UaO883CEJntDqjGay1RWUVitzqrtEL8QFCRn3Yv21NmKl5uSBKbYtdpsu66oBxrg/s1600/3G-License-Auction-in-Pakistan_thumb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3srBd4aZMrBRg1NmFm-VNQ92q9Cej3_w0-qU16eRw6yrE6XACXY4VwqhltbEcphaEiyFvqPSYkj4UaO883CEJntDqjGay1RWUVitzqrtEL8QFCRn3Yv21NmKl5uSBKbYtdpsu66oBxrg/s640/3G-License-Auction-in-Pakistan_thumb1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Ministry of IT has issued policy directive regarding “Spectrum Auction for Next Generation Mobile Services in Pakistan” to PTA on 7^th October 2013, said a statement issued by Ministry.<br /> Policy Directive was approved by Prime Minister himself.<br /> The policy directive pertains to auction of spectrum for next generation mobile services in Pakistan (including 3G and advanced generations).<br /> PTA is entrusted to carry out the auction in the most transparent manner in the shortest possible time. In this regard, PTA will hire the services of a consultant.<br /> According to the directive, the allocation of the spectrum will be technology neutral and auction will be open for new entrants as well. Also, auction winners will encourage and facilitate local manufacturing, transfer of technology and research and innovation in telecom sector of Pakistan.<br /> PTA has informed that auction will be complete by end February 2014.<br /> As per policy directive, government has made it mandatory for existing cellular operators to share infrastructure on a cost-sharing basis with new entrants as well as among themselves. The PTA will prepare guidelines in this regard. It maybe recalled that a similar framework is already in place but is seldom practiced.<br /> According to the policy directives, the consultant – to be hired by PTA in next couple of months — will identify the number and size of the block to be auctioned considering the market situation. The Frequency Allocation Board has identified 30 megahertz (MHz) paired spectrum in 1.9GHz/2.1GHz band for auction.<br /> The new licence will be technology neutral and useable for technologies standardised for third-generation (3G) and advanced generation mobile services. The licence will be offered for a period of 15 years.</div>

PTA Directed to Complete 3G Auction by February 2014

Ministry of IT has issued policy directive regarding “Spectrum Auction for Next Generation Mobile Services in Pakistan” to PTA on 7 th ...

Read more »

Nokia to End Support for Symbian and Meego from Jan 1st, 2014

<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/AVvXsEh91nlUK9USZ28nE1bz-eGK20u14PclWNnCpmHAW3KaPNeqXl68231u6GndKCmJzzfuLTg_DKtjYPWIhwnGXdY-Yo-GYtVqt63d_-s9uP392L6PYidd-XN3yNb0CtDTD2qIesYYkD1pZWM/s1600/Symian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91nlUK9USZ28nE1bz-eGK20u14PclWNnCpmHAW3KaPNeqXl68231u6GndKCmJzzfuLTg_DKtjYPWIhwnGXdY-Yo-GYtVqt63d_-s9uP392L6PYidd-XN3yNb0CtDTD2qIesYYkD1pZWM/s1600/Symian.jpg" /></a></div> Nokia has just discovered a new way to tarnish your new year celebrations. The Finns have announced that from the very start of 2014, it will be ending the support for its Symbian – once the king of mobile OSes – and Meego Operating Systems.<br /> What that means is that while you will be able to download apps from those operating systems’ app stores, those apps won’t be getting updates any longer. No apps will be posted to the store after that either.<br /> “If you have Symbian and MeeGo content in the Nokia Store, it will continue to be available for download to customers, and you will continue to receive download and revenue reports as well as payouts for downloaded content”, the company said in an email to developers. “However, starting January 1, 2014, you will no longer be able to publish any new content or update existing content for Symbian and MeeGo.”<br /> While this news isn’t a surprise, recent events in the Nokia’s history including the move to Windows Phone and the eventual selling of the phone division to Microsoft meant that this move was probably hastened.<br /> Nokia had already announced earlier this year that it would never make a Symbian phone again.</div>

Nokia to End Support for Symbian and Meego from Jan 1st, 2014

Nokia has just discovered a new way to tarnish your new year celebrations. The Finns have announced that from the very start of 2014, i...

Read more »

Team Etisalat Completes Cycle Tour for Diabetes ICT Research and Development

<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/AVvXsEisVe5cNIWm_zjbv7lfckYYIh7xeMVU1oC2y8wo03yBQxm0AXHcXBUj7aEZnBeyJEdnKZdfLqJak3Tn9gPKEoq4wTPu-wfhWjhw1QKG4p8WXLc7Gegq8LDYrIQVQwAhfOkKrKE-_RE-K4g/s1600/Team-Etisalat-Completes-Epic-Cycle-Tour-for-Diabetes-ICT-Research-Development.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVe5cNIWm_zjbv7lfckYYIh7xeMVU1oC2y8wo03yBQxm0AXHcXBUj7aEZnBeyJEdnKZdfLqJak3Tn9gPKEoq4wTPu-wfhWjhw1QKG4p8WXLc7Gegq8LDYrIQVQwAhfOkKrKE-_RE-K4g/s1600/Team-Etisalat-Completes-Epic-Cycle-Tour-for-Diabetes-ICT-Research-Development.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;">PTCL’s cyclist Muhammad Rizwan along with Team Etisalat at the Cross-Euro Cycle tour held to create awareness against Diabetes.</span></div> Etisalat Group yesterday celebrated the successful completion of an arduous cycling tour through five European countries to conduct research and test prototype technology to manage diabetes.<br /> Cyclists from Pakistan Telecommunications Company Limited (PTCL) were also part of the Etisalat’s international cycling team. Each of the participants of Team Etisalat, hailing from its operations in UAE, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Tanzania were given a hero’s welcome and congratulated by the company’s senior management at a special ceremony in Abu Dhabi.<br /> “These Etisalat employees tested their physical and mental capabilities to the limit in order to help progress the development of mHealth technologies to help people with diabetes,” said Ahmed Abdulkarim Julfar, the CEO of Etisalat Group and a Board Member of the GSMA. “Technology has a role to play in managing these diseases and other health conditions and by working with other ICT players we are showing the commitment of our industry to helping our customers and improving their lifestyles.”<br /> The GSMA Grand Health Tour concluded in Barcelona, Spain, after crossing through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and France. The riders took turns to represent Team Etisalat over four 3-day, stages cycling approximately 200km per day. The total journey was 2,100km including 22,000 metres of climbs and several difficult locations that have been used for the Tour de France.<br /> Ali Alsheri from Mobily, part of Etisalat’s operations in Saudi Arabia, led the team out from Brussels, along with UAE colleague Shahzad Ahmed.  In the Second Stage, Jason Woodrow who is based on Etisalat’s Abu Dhabi headquarters, and 56-year old Chief Technology Officer, Moncef Mettiji  from Zantel in Tanzania, covered over 600km each.<br /> In the Third stage, Ahmed Rizwan (PTCL, part of Etisalat’s operations in Pakistan), Ahmed Ragaie, from (Etisalat Misr, Egypt), and Sara Coppo (Etisalat Group, UAE), navigated tricky descents through the French Alps from Voreppe, close to Switzerland towards Castres which neighbours Spain.<br /> <div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: left;"> In November 2012, the GSMA launched its mDiabetes Program, which encourages collaboration among people affected by diabetes, the policy makers and regulators, healthcare providers, healthcare payers and the mobile operator community. The project aims to develop and implement mHealth initiatives designed to manage the disease.</div> </div>

Team Etisalat Completes Cycle Tour for Diabetes ICT Research and Development

PTCL’s cyclist Muhammad Rizwan along with Team Etisalat at the Cross-Euro Cycle tour held to create awareness against Diabetes. Etisala...

Read more »

Breaking: Zong Decides Not to Bid for Warid Telecom

<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/AVvXsEjDghFWr4tl98gtyVMQfeMuWAp-F5cZvpO2vok4gfttlNPqb80T2WnuBMYfaJj-OzqWHTbP8K1wHmbWVDFgjqlP0RXGBzqi7dZL7I3cYHb-jXakSCkqJc_380V2iCxO_Xnu-_FUxj1B_Qk/s1600/Zong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDghFWr4tl98gtyVMQfeMuWAp-F5cZvpO2vok4gfttlNPqb80T2WnuBMYfaJj-OzqWHTbP8K1wHmbWVDFgjqlP0RXGBzqi7dZL7I3cYHb-jXakSCkqJc_380V2iCxO_Xnu-_FUxj1B_Qk/s1600/Zong.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> In a rather surprizing move, CMpak or Zong decided not to bid for Warid Telecom, we have confirmed with sources.<br /> As per highly reliable sources, Etisalat and VimpelCom are the only two groups contesting to take hold of 100 percent shares of Warid Telecom.<br /> CMPak, one of the favourites, opted out of the bidding on the last day, confirmed us a source who wanted to remain unnamed.<br /> Mr. Sikandar Naqi, Chief Public Relation Officer, Zong, confirmed RexHacker that CMPak decided not to opt for the bidding for Warid in Pakistan after conducting business evaluation of the proposition.<br /> It merits mentioning here that <a href="http://rexhacker.blogspot.com/2013/09/zong-still-rallying-for-warid-hires.html" target="_blank">Zong had aggressively expressed its interest in Warid</a>, a deal which could get the company at least 11 million subscribers to take it to number two position in the market in terms of subscribers.<br /> Experts are pretty much surprized with the development. They are unable to comprehend the fact that Zong has missed such an opportunity, especially when its parent group (China Mobile) has over USD 70 billion dollars cash in hand.<br /> When asked about his thoughts on the development, Mr. Sohaib Sheikh, a telecom expert, said that It is too early to speculate right now on this. Zong has done phenomenal work in Pakistan and has been committed to the rollout of their network footprint and increasing their subscriber base. He further added that if its true then there decision must have been backed by some rationale and thought process behind it and it shows company’s confidence and strong focus on 3G to capitalize its growing market share amongst the potential segments.<br /> There are clear speculations that Zong has saved the money for investment in 3G operations, while others are of the opinion that Warid’s high asking price was the bone of contention.<br /> Zong didn’t clarify the reasons for pulling out of Warid bidding but said that company has decided to invest aggressively in Pakistan in the near future to transform CMPak within the technology industry and to achieve growth through investing in 3G and beyond.<br /> It is expected that the outcome of the bidding — for the sale of Warid — will surface after Eid, somewhere around the last week of October, 2013.</div>

Breaking: Zong Decides Not to Bid for Warid Telecom

In a rather surprizing move, CMpak or Zong decided not to bid for Warid Telecom, we have confirmed with sources. As per highly reliable ...

Read more »