ICH Policy to be Reviewed by December 31st: Chairman PTA

<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/AVvXsEjIQppIZSgKgknmuSST8W47eL-vhPEI00bUeM1EjO2ZUqhNWNkI3m_Axm8tDL-RKUbFpYLPvuNjoyGWPp127hWqApaUCgaGy56mk0LpkDMtBmczXfLvqB2bZBOt0UFRbYvo6OAkBeEoQ3c/s1600/Pakistan-Telecommunication-Authority.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQppIZSgKgknmuSST8W47eL-vhPEI00bUeM1EjO2ZUqhNWNkI3m_Axm8tDL-RKUbFpYLPvuNjoyGWPp127hWqApaUCgaGy56mk0LpkDMtBmczXfLvqB2bZBOt0UFRbYvo6OAkBeEoQ3c/s1600/Pakistan-Telecommunication-Authority.jpg" /></a></div> ICH Policy, under which all international traffic is terminated through PTCL and revenues are shared by 14 LDI operators based on their pre-ICH market share, is to be re-visited by IT Ministry by December 31st, 2013, said Dr. Ismail Shah, Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.<br /> As per a directive from PTA that was based on ICH Policy, the authority had asked all LDI operators to not to terminate international incoming traffic on their networks. Instead, PTCL was authorized to bring Pakistan’s international incoming traffic on behalf of all operators.<br /> Moreover, ASR and APC rates were also revised with the implementation of ICH.<br /> The new international termination rate set by the PTA was $0.088 per minute, an increase of approximately four hundred percent over the competitive market rate of approximately $0.02 per minute that existed prior to the ICH agreement.<br /> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </div> Rates were changed as following:<br /> <table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="width: 500px;"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="166"><br /></td> <td valign="top" width="166"><strong>Before ICH</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="166"><strong>After ICH</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="166"><strong>AAR</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="166">12.5 cents / minute</td> <td valign="top" width="166">17.6 cents / minute</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="166"><strong>ASR</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="166">6.25 cents / minute</td> <td valign="top" width="166">8.8 cents / minute</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="166"><strong>LDI’s Share</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="166">5.0 cents / minute</td> <td valign="top" width="166">5.9 cents / minute</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="166"><strong>APC</strong></td> <td valign="top" width="166">1.25 cents / minute</td> <td valign="top" width="166">2.9 cents / minute</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /> To further understand AAR, ASR and other terms used in above table, read our this coverage.<br /> Dr. Ismail Shah in a TV show on Dunya TV yesterday said that IT Ministry going to thoroughly analyse the ICH policy and ASR rates.<br /> He said that after proper analysis, IT Ministry might revise ASR and APC or may reverse whole ICH as a policy altogether after December 31st, 2013.</div>

ICH Policy to be Reviewed by December 31st: Chairman PTA

ICH Policy, under which all international traffic is terminated through PTCL and revenues are shared by 14 LDI operators based on their ...

Read more »

LDI Operators Had Bribed Former PM, President for ICH Formation: Wahaj-us-Siraj

<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/AVvXsEic8DKP1wcbVDAvwDMzrcNfPlJdnXW90B3REDPVd79g-K2Zreow07jTPe9QtdrDMfV48QjZ_Rkpdf98PoVb3EI_Fna0xjGg95Ze8l3zNzAgHwDG7L2tkUXezrd_fD4GveulcpZBVKX2mZk/s1600/bribe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8DKP1wcbVDAvwDMzrcNfPlJdnXW90B3REDPVd79g-K2Zreow07jTPe9QtdrDMfV48QjZ_Rkpdf98PoVb3EI_Fna0xjGg95Ze8l3zNzAgHwDG7L2tkUXezrd_fD4GveulcpZBVKX2mZk/s1600/bribe.jpg" /></a></div> 14 Long Distance and International operators had bribed former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, former President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and then secretary IT, revealed Mr. Wahaj-us-Siraj, in a TV show on Dunya TV yesterday.<br /> Mr. Wahaj-us-Siraj, CEO at Nayatel/Micronet and Convener of ISPAK, said that a sum of Rs. 800 Million was pooled from LDI operators to bribe then Prime Minister, then President and then Secretary IT Mr. Farooq Awan to get ICH implemented in the country.<br /> It merits mentioning here that CCP had made all its efforts to stop ICH due to its anti-competitive nature but Ministry of IT approved the policy directive for implementation of ICH.<br /> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </div> Mr. Wahaj further claimed that these government officials were regularly receiving bribe money of Rs. 100 to 150 million per month from LDI operators.<br /> Mr. Wahaj maintained that then government wanted to achieve two targets; one was bribe money while another goal was to strengthen grey mafia which had more incentive (read margins) for terminating grey traffic into Pakistan after ICH.<br /> Due to ICH, rates for international incoming calls to Pakistan surged by 300 to 800 percent. Operators, in return, earned 300 percent more revenues from international traffic.<br /> Government had then justified the ICH by claiming that national exchequer will be benefited with more tax money through ICH, however, facts suggest that Pakistan made less money for exchequer after ICH due to decrease in international traffic from 1.9 billion minutes per month (before ICH) to just 400 million minutes per month (today).</div>

LDI Operators Had Bribed Former PM, President for ICH Formation: Wahaj-us-Siraj

14 Long Distance and International operators had bribed former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, former President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari...

Read more »

Telenor to Change the Content of its Controversial Hoarding in Islamabad

<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/AVvXsEjpG455sF4Lc0sM-TuBz9xM4SJ4QuQ49YVArbOVnPduEEB1LYSIW4Gl_TTH1M3hBGqcP7tE_6UPdRJvRxnrvWi_WDcdpwKv9x5INd4CaldbOZ_9EBzjRRpEEnvJri3A7Cn-6bRe4XYVxB4/s1600/Telenor_4G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpG455sF4Lc0sM-TuBz9xM4SJ4QuQ49YVArbOVnPduEEB1LYSIW4Gl_TTH1M3hBGqcP7tE_6UPdRJvRxnrvWi_WDcdpwKv9x5INd4CaldbOZ_9EBzjRRpEEnvJri3A7Cn-6bRe4XYVxB4/s1600/Telenor_4G.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Telenor Group’s hoarding displayed in Blue Area, Islamabad, is about to be altered by Telenor Pakistan, a spokesperson has just confirmed RexHacker.<br /> For those who don’t know, <a href="http://rexhacker.blogspot.com/2013/12/telenor-bluntly-misleads-its-customers.html" target="_blank">Telenor had displayed a hoarding in Islamabad with tagline “We are 4G-LTE”</a> for its group operations across Asia.<br /> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </div> Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, while taking the notice of the hoarding, had asked Telenor Pakistan for the explanation.<br /> A PTA spokesperson explained RexHacker that PEPSI can’t advertise a service/product in this country which is offered in India or in any other market if it is not available in Pakistan.<br /> “Similarly Telenor Pakistan or its group can’t advertise 4G while it is not offering the service in Pakistan”, the official said.<br /> Telenor, in response, is removing the line “We are 4G-LTE” from the hoarding to comply with regulator’s directions.</div>

Telenor to Change the Content of its Controversial Hoarding in Islamabad

Telenor Group’s hoarding displayed in Blue Area, Islamabad, is about to be altered by Telenor Pakistan, a spokesperson has just confirme...

Read more »

Smarty Ring: Probably the Best Wearable Gadget so Far

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> From Google Glasses to Smart Watches, wearable computing devices are clearly a latest trend and it appears everyone has a wearable concept for the days to come.<br /> Cashing in on this new trend, a small startup has triumphantly raised funds to mass produce the Smarty Ring, a wearable ring that allows you to control your digital life right from your finger.<br /> But what exactly is the Smarty Ring and what does it do?<br /> Smarty Ring is a wearable ring, which is the first of its kind, and has been devised to allow its users to check alerts from their smartphone and manage calls right from their finger using Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity; it ensures that you don’t miss any significant text or any Facebook update. Concisely, it is a device which would apparently beat all other wearable gadgets out there.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Sz-rE2C3v0eEqXSZ8kYi6wHGJO1r3kGLRUxav8JvGyK01YpGjIlojSNNL7jLAVHqw_Ocqa2rassLTnWDOPf59Udbcl8gyOJwK9DimJ15w2x0Y3Rs5BaHtCOujkhvIjRzq-j8rZwuCWU/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Sz-rE2C3v0eEqXSZ8kYi6wHGJO1r3kGLRUxav8JvGyK01YpGjIlojSNNL7jLAVHqw_Ocqa2rassLTnWDOPf59Udbcl8gyOJwK9DimJ15w2x0Y3Rs5BaHtCOujkhvIjRzq-j8rZwuCWU/s1600/1.jpg" /></a></div> It has some pretty notable features like, users can manage the settings for their Smarty Ring from a mobile app, and can even use the device as a watch, timer or phone finder for instance, if a user walks more than 30 meters from his phone, the ring will beep to warn them that they’ve left something behind. It also allows the customizable remote control and monitoring of your phone, whether it is in your pocket or on a desk nearby.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6kDxr95iUEPsw1XUWClTPo844wgz7KzVcLRvwMpPb6bvTWxk3OZnbmP7eLs5WdVcnHsX2lVj3SVdF9B2SEzA00XZ0wLTi8JtbxvXLbUh8JGL2pXvenwzcJ1mf6pxFitjmACk1eGnP4I/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6kDxr95iUEPsw1XUWClTPo844wgz7KzVcLRvwMpPb6bvTWxk3OZnbmP7eLs5WdVcnHsX2lVj3SVdF9B2SEzA00XZ0wLTi8JtbxvXLbUh8JGL2pXvenwzcJ1mf6pxFitjmACk1eGnP4I/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div> Similar to a smart watch, except with a very small display, the surface is not only chic – but impermeable and vacuum-packed; the stainless-steel ring has a 24-hour battery life, and it comes with its own wireless charging base, which can be used to charge the wearable along with a compatible smartphone. It works with both Android and iOS devices, provided they have Bluetooth 4.0 compatibilities.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosPabb9R2gP6jX_UYNdMRvwraHaCXNTJRN6z4BSAEKyOiUtqbqHAxOQOpi8bFwdLbR6n6I9QRQ0ZbA1bU4RSeLHjqJDDIH0ujwwdsQ-WOObE945df7rVOSLVLZNtwwd2cMxnEFVB2XRU/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosPabb9R2gP6jX_UYNdMRvwraHaCXNTJRN6z4BSAEKyOiUtqbqHAxOQOpi8bFwdLbR6n6I9QRQ0ZbA1bU4RSeLHjqJDDIH0ujwwdsQ-WOObE945df7rVOSLVLZNtwwd2cMxnEFVB2XRU/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div> Some other compelling features includes,<br /> <ul> <li>Call notifications</li> <li>SMS and email notifications</li> <li>Social media updates</li> <li>Accept or reject incoming calls</li> <li>Make outgoing calls to preset numbers</li> <li>Trigger camera</li> <li>Control music</li> <li>Change profile</li> </ul> The first set of Smarty Ring is promised to be delivered by April 2014; you can Pre-Order it – for $175 — from its very own Indiegogo campaign page <a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/smarty-ring" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>

Smarty Ring: Probably the Best Wearable Gadget so Far

From Google Glasses to Smart Watches, wearable computing devices are clearly a latest trend and it appears everyone has a wearable concept...

Read more »

PTCL to Offer Data Hosting Services for EDG’s E-Office Project

<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/AVvXsEgtk8RpVujtUEtUru1tsrBsqQh-6ChDeShpX9hTt0AaDlw_or9pAYg0_vVxSBZMJq4DrjtA5sOQDPPvLiQ8LtXFqSqq32NmvOZXFzVQaiUwZe9i2MSlfOj72asrqIZW-vsBgO8zkYPTUy0/s1600/ptcl+data+hosting+service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk8RpVujtUEtUru1tsrBsqQh-6ChDeShpX9hTt0AaDlw_or9pAYg0_vVxSBZMJq4DrjtA5sOQDPPvLiQ8LtXFqSqq32NmvOZXFzVQaiUwZe9i2MSlfOj72asrqIZW-vsBgO8zkYPTUy0/s1600/ptcl+data+hosting+service.jpg" /></a></div> PTCL and Electronic Government Directorate (EGD) yesterday signed an agreement according to which PTCL will offer data hosting facilities for the implementation of E-office project, said a statement issued by Ministry of IT and Telecom.<br /> Ms. Anusha Rehman, Ministry for IT and Telecom, earlier chaired a meeting where modalities of the agreement were finalized.<br /> Ms. Rehman termed the agreement an historic moment as the E-office replication project finally entered into the implementation phase.<br /> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </div> The Minister noted with deep regret that E-government project remained unimplemented since 2007, only because EGD/PCB could not establish a data hosting centre despite its allocation in PSDP. But now the team at Ministry of IT will ensure that this project is implemented within stipulated time period.<br /> The Minister reiterated that the security of the E-office system is the most important element so that no one would be able purge the record. As the security, transparency and efficiency are the key features of the project, the Minister also directed the EGD/PCB to make all necessary arrangements for the training of the officials of all Ministries so that we could get maximum benefits.<br /> In the implementation phase the work will be monitored expeditiously against KPI’s/targets and no further delay would be tolerated Minister added.<br /> It merits mentioning here that PTCL was awarded the project without publicly tendering the requirements.<br /> Ministry of IT believes that its an interim solution provided by PTCL, during which NTC will get its own data centre to finally provision hosting facilities for the E-Office project.</div>

PTCL to Offer Data Hosting Services for EDG’s E-Office Project

PTCL and Electronic Government Directorate (EGD) yesterday signed an agreement according to which PTCL will offer data hosting facilitie...

Read more »

Nokia Lumia 1020 Now Available in Pakistan

<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/AVvXsEiH2jR7x1R7l-rGRXXQ_Yw324jZYNbFc-cPtiWyEpJw6l6FzOjCTEcJa6_jaXRClPq-7HL9K4V2uO367LPYERuVcI4xV0ojIeRCm3yoYu3O_PeHZ76G290nrg1-SQtkspsuWNRjUWHYlwE/s1600/Lumia-1020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2jR7x1R7l-rGRXXQ_Yw324jZYNbFc-cPtiWyEpJw6l6FzOjCTEcJa6_jaXRClPq-7HL9K4V2uO367LPYERuVcI4xV0ojIeRCm3yoYu3O_PeHZ76G290nrg1-SQtkspsuWNRjUWHYlwE/s1600/Lumia-1020.jpg" /></a></div> Nokia has announced the availability of the Nokia Lumia 1020 all over Pakistan.<br /> The Lumia 1020 is claimed by Nokia as one of the sharpest possible image producers, as compared by any digital camera — thanks to Nokia’s PureView technology, including a second generation 41 megapixel sensor, ZEISS optics with six lenses and optical image stabilization; allowing people to capture, edit and share photos and videos of professional quality.<br /> The phone is available at all Nokia Care Centres and partner franchises across Pakistan.<br /> The Nokia Lumia 1020 reinvents zoom, enabling people to shoot first and then zoom later to discover and rediscover stories that contain more detail than the eye can see. An interface that visually demonstrates how settings will affect the final photo or video, Nokia Lumia 1020 simplifies features usually reserved for professional cameras and teaches people how to take better photos.<br /> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </div> “The Nokia Lumia 1020 marks a giant leap forward in smartphone photography. With its 41 megapixel sensor and extensive range of photography apps, the Nokia Lumia 1020 boosts creativity and makes it easier to shoot, edit and share pictures of unrivaled clarity,” said Arif Shafique, country general manager, Nokia Pakistan.<br /> Delivering crystal clear pictures even in low light conditions, the Nokia Lumia 1020 also captures blur-free videos with stereo sound even at the loudest concerts thanks to Nokia Rich Recording, which handles sound pressure levels six times louder than conventional smartphone microphones.<br /> With over 165,000 apps, the personal nature of Windows Phone makes it the perfect platform for the Nokia Lumia 1020, showcasing live images on the Start screen with the Photos tile, quick sharing to social networks, and easy access to files across a number of devices with SkyDrive. With the dedicated camera button, Windows Phone is designed with imaging in mind.<br /> The Nokia Lumia 1020 will be available in yellow, white and black along with its custom made accessories to enhance the user experience.<br /> Here are phone sepcs for reference:<br /> <ul> <li>Operating system: Windows Phone 8</li> <li>Memory: <ul> <li>2GB RAM,</li> <li>32GB internal user memory;</li> <li>7GB SkyDrive cloud storage</li> </ul> </li> <li>Display: 4.5’’ AMOLED WXGA (1280×768), 2.5D sculpted glass Gorilla 3 Glass, Super sensitive touch for nail and glove usage</li> <li>Processor: 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon</li> <li>Camera: <ul> <li>PureView 41MP sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS),</li> <li>Backside-illuminated image sensor,</li> <li>6-lens optics,</li> <li>High resolution zoom 3x,</li> <li>Autofocus, Xenon Flash, LED for video,</li> <li>Includes Nokia Pro Camera mode and Nokia Smart Camera Mode.</li> <li>Secondary camera: HD 1.2 MP wide angle</li> </ul> </li> <li>Size: 130.4×71.4×10.4 mm, Weight: 158 g</li> <li>Connectivity: USB2.0, BT 3.0, NFC with SIM based security, WLAN a/b/g/n, A-GPS and Glonass, 3.5 mm audio connector</li> <li>Battery: 2000 mAh battery, Wireless Charging supported via accessory cover</li> <li>Audio: IHF speaker, 2 microphones, Nokia Rich Recording, HD voice quality*, 3.5mm audio connector (*depends on network support)</li> <li>Operating times <ul> <li>Maximum talk time (3G): 13.3 h</li> <li>Standby time: 16 Days</li> <li>Video Playback time: 6.8 hours</li> <li>Music Playback time: 63 hours</li> </ul> </li> <li>Price of Lumia 1020 in Pakistan: PKR 82,500</li> </ul> </div>

Nokia Lumia 1020 Now Available in Pakistan

Nokia has announced the availability of the Nokia Lumia 1020 all over Pakistan. The Lumia 1020 is claimed by Nokia as one of the sharpe...

Read more »