CCP Finally Wakes Up to Rescue Mobile Users Against Service Charges by Operators

<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/AVvXsEiIIf1N24KHOyD9ye3Ncv3c1Zh5JWZTDFtj3scidj0fFtzO8_P3RRmfnBoO4GpUsGb4nKhRBqdfD_wxRBOeLCI79iCL3TrhQsYAQUrxaOznZivgfAI-F47Pfe_sHTVnMWX0f4e2xi0iXkU/s1600/Pakistan_Mobile_Phone_Users.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIf1N24KHOyD9ye3Ncv3c1Zh5JWZTDFtj3scidj0fFtzO8_P3RRmfnBoO4GpUsGb4nKhRBqdfD_wxRBOeLCI79iCL3TrhQsYAQUrxaOznZivgfAI-F47Pfe_sHTVnMWX0f4e2xi0iXkU/s1600/Pakistan_Mobile_Phone_Users.jpg" /></a></div> Competition Commission of Pakistan has finally issued show-cause notices to all five cellular operators against additional service charges they had imposed back in 2011.<br /> It maybe recalled that all five operators had imposed service charges on all reloads in July 2011, and ranged from 1.0 to 1.5 percent on recharge of balance for prepaid connections under various titles such as operational charge, maintenance fee, administrative fee etc.<br /> Later on, the percentage of these additional charges was revised and increased by the operators in 2012, and again in 2013 ranging from 3% to 5%.<br /> CCP found that these additional charges do not relate to any service offered to the consumers.<br /> CCP, in this regards, asked telecom operators for the information. Based on the replies from operators, CCP presented all its findings and replies from operators in a fact finding report.<br /> This enquiry report by CCP can be downloaded by <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/download/06bg08tx02aruj2/enquiry_report_on_section_10.pdf" target="_blank">clicking this link</a>.<br /> CCP maintained that all these additional charges may constitute hidden costs of acquiring cellular telecommunication telephony and data services, giving the impression that the prices of such services are lower than they actually are in reality, thereby constituting a deceptive marketing practice in violation of Section 10 of the Competition Act, 2010.<br /> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </div> Hence all five operators were ultimately issued a show-cause notice yesterday to explain their position on additional charges.<br /> Analysts believe that CCP should have considered the cartelization of telecom operators as they collectively imposed almost equal service charges – against no service – during 2011. These charges were again revised and increased in 2012 and 2013 in a set pattern, hinting that all operators have joined hands in imposing extra charges under different names.<br /> Analysts said that CCP will have to set its direction right to get the telecom customers some relief.<br /> Industry experts said that CCP has simply forgotten that all telecom companies are deducting 5 percent service charges on all reloads since 2008. These 5 percent service charges were first imposed by Telenor<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> in September 2008, while </span>other operators simply followed<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> and imposed similar charges later on.</span><br /> CCP probably forgot that cellular companies are charging 8-10 percent – and not 3 to 5 percent – of additional charges without offering any services.<br /> Just to add, following is the breakdown of charges/taxes a telecom customer pay on telecom services:<br /> <ul> <li>WHT: 15 percent</li> <li>GST: 19.5 percent</li> <li>Additional Charges (imposed in 2008): 5 percent</li> <li>Additional fee (imposed in 2011, 2012,2012): 3-5 percent</li> </ul> Total charges: 15+19.5+5+3-5 = 42.5-44.5 percent.<br /> That is, almost half of the airtime is consumed for paying additional charges and taxes.<br /> Moreover, CCP should also study the similar and equivalent charges that were imposed on helpline calls. Its a long way to go CCP!</div>

CCP Finally Wakes Up to Rescue Mobile Users Against Service Charges by Operators

Competition Commission of Pakistan has finally issued show-cause notices to all five cellular operators against additional service charge...

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Ufone Becomes First Local Brand to Cross 2 Million Fans on Facebook

<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/AVvXsEjfb5xtSY2P7bJRqcxdEDzmgt3Tdf2ve6-cb9eU4Oaj6a45g5lfyPIXsAaYXqGJEdEqsTtVy2viTESTcGEnMhszQBLzHoEutrczT_a1KlVP2Tub9vqt9xnR7iyjomF9D3_JScEZKc3ULLU/s1600/Ufone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb5xtSY2P7bJRqcxdEDzmgt3Tdf2ve6-cb9eU4Oaj6a45g5lfyPIXsAaYXqGJEdEqsTtVy2viTESTcGEnMhszQBLzHoEutrczT_a1KlVP2Tub9vqt9xnR7iyjomF9D3_JScEZKc3ULLU/s1600/Ufone.jpg" /></a></div> Ufone has become the first Pakistani brand to cross 2 million fans on Facebook. It is a milestone for the company and the agency as Ufone becomes the first local brand to acquire 2 million fans on Facebook.<br /> The digital presence of Ufone is powered by Strategic Alliancez (SA) – an interactive digital media agency based out of Lahore.<br /> The journey began in July 2012 with 507,000 fans and a stagnant position in the market. Effective digital strategies and out-of-box communication designs from SA enabled Ufone to build and sustain the tradition of leading the digital media front.<br /> Amongst some of the most important achievements in 2013 on social media was Ufone’s 14^th August campaign, ‘Not founded on Facebook’. In 5 days, Ufone acquired 18,881 fans with 11 posts, attaining 208,000+ interactions, against a staggering cumulative interaction of 13,000+ from four competitors on the same occasion.<br /> Earlier in 2013, Ufone also launched Uth Pack – Ufone’s lifestyle brand for Pakistani Youth. Within 60 days of its launch, Uth Pack became the fastest growing telecom brand for youth on Facebook. The launch campaign delivered 18 million+ impressions, 164,000+ fans and 28,000+ talkabouts. Its rich media advertising campaign across direct publishers fetched an interaction rate of 41% (industry average being 8.4%).<br /> Not to forget, Mobilink crossed 2 Million mark for its fans on Facebook as well – after Ufone – all thanks to on-going Pakistan Idol Show.</div>

Ufone Becomes First Local Brand to Cross 2 Million Fans on Facebook

Ufone has become the first Pakistani brand to cross 2 million fans on Facebook. It is a milestone for the company and the agency as Ufon...

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Ufone Spreads Smiles on Christmas

<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/AVvXsEj3_I-QGvUTxGxe3FIbiQgj671ri9CSFKTrnJ1DL1dmabK7NLU2SUpKaqPg7wBhxx3HfWB2nyT6uXpwJ8C7lnAhS74Hrmtgh-MxWX9owi_qVclJKS2ZETsKjGlnG4VzfMejjS-A_2kVf8A/s1600/Christmas-Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_I-QGvUTxGxe3FIbiQgj671ri9CSFKTrnJ1DL1dmabK7NLU2SUpKaqPg7wBhxx3HfWB2nyT6uXpwJ8C7lnAhS74Hrmtgh-MxWX9owi_qVclJKS2ZETsKjGlnG4VzfMejjS-A_2kVf8A/s1600/Christmas-Gift.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: blue;">From 3rd Left to Right: Waseem Siddiqi, Dr. CJ Dubash, Father Rana Babr, Aamir Pasha, Head of PR and CSR, Ufone and Professor Siddiq Masih along with FC College Community Service Team</span></div> Ufone has initiated to give Christmas gifts to the underprivileged of a local church in Kasur. Amongst the many CSR activities Ufone does all round the year, these also include celebrating important cultural occasions like Eid and Christmas with the underprivileged.<br /> <div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: left;"> The Christmas gifts were given to the Christian community of a local Catholic church based in Kasur and in Lahore. These gifts include grocery boxes to provide for the basic necessities at the time of this joyous occasion.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipWje6q_b_PjFJvqkALF8fnP_NuYPk-RhwemvVFFWZ_M3CjLjxxwk4yLxZtFMB8cswsq3GAg3qWukbg9SQsd-6P19fGLeu1QjnGHN0qCfiswO3jNFd4NoAIAngYOhk4rUpz4PTY147lE/s1600/Christmas-Gift-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipWje6q_b_PjFJvqkALF8fnP_NuYPk-RhwemvVFFWZ_M3CjLjxxwk4yLxZtFMB8cswsq3GAg3qWukbg9SQsd-6P19fGLeu1QjnGHN0qCfiswO3jNFd4NoAIAngYOhk4rUpz4PTY147lE/s640/Christmas-Gift-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Ufone volunteers distributed 200 boxes before the Christmas to those families who visit the church to help them start their holidays in a festive mood. These boxes include the basic amenities such as wheat, rice, oil, pulses, sugar, dry fruits and other similar items.<br /> Amir Pasha, Head of PR & CSR at Ufone, said: “Corporate Social Responsibility is vigorously practised at Ufone. Through these initiatives, we aim to spread smiles to those under privileged sections of the society. Christmas is a very important festival for the Christian community and since our inception, we have believed in spreading joy and happiness on such occasions.”<br /> Father Jesper, at this esteemed occasion said, “Sharing our good fortune with friends is priceless, and so each year we try to collect non-perishable food items to give to the needy at Christmas time to play our small role in helping those who are deprived.<br /> <div class="wp-caption-text" style="text-align: left;"> This Christmas, Ufone’s extraordinary support in the form of these gifts has created a massive impact and has helped us culminate hunger at a larger scale. We have a lot many families in our community who find times hard especially during the Christmas season and so we are enormously thankful to Ufone for making a difference and for spreading smiles on the faces of these people.”</div> </div>

Ufone Spreads Smiles on Christmas

From 3rd Left to Right: Waseem Siddiqi, Dr. CJ Dubash, Father Rana Babr, Aamir Pasha, Head of PR and CSR, Ufone and Professor Siddiq M...

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Mobilink Offers Operator Billing for Gameloft Game Store

<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/AVvXsEiMsYcKwaRWZmZRk9vI72d1z1xOnxbJQlWX_ZgGo-EhzuvpSRV3Cm7I_4cUuRfbIw7IZnvekZJbBTQfaa9Ai65DypeSRk-d0KePBaGVE_W3CJ14l22ImMKokcHL11jqRgi1w7DLTMfdEq4/s1600/gsmarena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsYcKwaRWZmZRk9vI72d1z1xOnxbJQlWX_ZgGo-EhzuvpSRV3Cm7I_4cUuRfbIw7IZnvekZJbBTQfaa9Ai65DypeSRk-d0KePBaGVE_W3CJ14l22ImMKokcHL11jqRgi1w7DLTMfdEq4/s1600/gsmarena.jpg" /></a></div> Mobilink in collaboration with Gameloft now offers its customers direct purchases from the Gameloft Game Store utilizing Mobilink’s operator billing system.<br /> The partnership will enable Mobilink customers to purchase and download a wide variety of games from the Gameloft Game Store using the credit from their prepaid connections over Mobilink Mobile Internet.<br /> This is first of its kind partnership between Gameloft and any cellular operator.<br /> Moied Javeed, Director Marketing, Mobilink highlighted, “Mobilink continues to offer innovative services and products through its partnerships with international brands while focusing on the local needs. This latest facility offers a reliable, instant and easy-to-use method to our prepaid customers to purchase for their favorite games from the Gameloft Game Store.”<br /> Sebastien Thevenet, General Manager for Gameloft SEA-Pacific said, “For the first time ever, we are delighted to bring Gameloft’s best titles and most popular licenses to Mobilink subscribers for hours of entertainment.”<br /> Previously, customers could download games by making payments through their credit cards only which was a relatively cumbersome mode of transactions involving several steps to download the game. The provision of operator billing enables a safer platform of payments direct from the user’s handset for Mobilink customers across Pakistan.<br /> Gameloft’s mobile based online Game Store has some of the most popular mobile games which customers can preview & download for their phones, such as Asphalt series, Modern Combat and Kingdom & Lords.</div>

Mobilink Offers Operator Billing for Gameloft Game Store

Mobilink in collaboration with Gameloft now offers its customers direct purchases from the Gameloft Game Store utilizing Mobilink’s ope...

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Mobile Phone Service Likely to Remain Suspended Tomorrow

<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/AVvXsEgpx6oKOC56dbVAqEBapUVYxC3asQ-vnhiTceU0MOUUquPOEl5ZRQZOMO3t5NaYuPVtnkaunpLLlOHxAXR7lUtlmIo2fXIs4un7PvMyNerVZlxWZ7ZGBXvh6LOq5g3loWlpKfxU-JXzUgw/s1600/Mobile-Phone-Service.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx6oKOC56dbVAqEBapUVYxC3asQ-vnhiTceU0MOUUquPOEl5ZRQZOMO3t5NaYuPVtnkaunpLLlOHxAXR7lUtlmIo2fXIs4un7PvMyNerVZlxWZ7ZGBXvh6LOq5g3loWlpKfxU-JXzUgw/s1600/Mobile-Phone-Service.jpg" /></a></div> Mobile phone service is most likely to remain suspended in various cities across Pakistan, we have confirmed with sources.<br /> Cellular service suspension is expected across major cities of Pakistan on account of security situation during Chehlum processions of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A).<br /> Sources in cellular companies confirmed RexHacker that they have received an email from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority instructing them to remain prepared for the service closure.<br /> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </div> Name of cities and timings for service suspension will be communicated to cellular companies later.<br /> It is likely that service will remain suspended from 6 AM to  6 PM in majority of cities, while the duration of service suspension may get extended till 10 PM for more conflicted areas.<br /> It maybe recalled that cellular service remained offline in dozens of cities last month during Ashura, for which they lost around Rs. 1.8 billion.<br /> During the same service closure customers had incurred an estimated airtime loss of Rs. 100 million under the head of line-rent, SMS, voice and internet bundles that they had purchased in advance but couldn’t utilize the services due to network closure.</div>

Mobile Phone Service Likely to Remain Suspended Tomorrow

Mobile phone service is most likely to remain suspended in various cities across Pakistan, we have confirmed with sources. Cellular serv...

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Burq Broadband to Offer WiFi Broadband Services Across 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/AVvXsEiuXtKD_z7ZkresMgK3U6bNtHeUNWnN4Batwo6c-yVTvv8D1DgicIAV4uLiiD3RTcLVGkQpZFD3HCpIFLzcJyS6mlUk29QRbCGypTS7GY2WJmG96m2fDait6cm2Qj7KJzU30JMrPvePM6g/s1600/BurQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXtKD_z7ZkresMgK3U6bNtHeUNWnN4Batwo6c-yVTvv8D1DgicIAV4uLiiD3RTcLVGkQpZFD3HCpIFLzcJyS6mlUk29QRbCGypTS7GY2WJmG96m2fDait6cm2Qj7KJzU30JMrPvePM6g/s1600/BurQ.jpg" /></a></div> ICONDOR Telecom Group from Argentina launched its flagship broadband brand ‘BURQ Broadband’ in Islamabad.<br /> Aimed at offering high-speed broadband services over WiFi, Burq Broadband is planning to start its operations very shortly.<br /> Having footprints in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay since the early eighties as a pioneer in wireless telecommunications, ICONDOR Telecom is all set to spread the expanse of its network across the sub-continent and Middle East with Pakistan being the hub of its core business activities starting with Broadband Internet Services.<br /> Burq Broadband is reportedly going to offer high-speed broadband over WiFi. Down the line, the company has plans to partner with cellular companies to offer their subscribers the broadband services through WiFi but they will be charged based on their mobile-internet subscriptions.<br /> Data channels over WiFi are always proffered when compared with GSM or 3G networks. Similar kind of partnerships are successfully running across various markets.<br /> <div class="adsxpls" id="adsxpls1" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </div> At the launch ceremony, Ambassador of Argentina, H.E. Mr. Rodolfo J. Martin Saravia during his address as the chief guest said: ‘We are very hopeful that the success of BURQ Broadband will encourage more investment groups from Argentina to invest in various trade sectors in Pakistan and will open new vistas of progress and development for the country’, said the<br /> On this occasion, the Chairman of the Board of Directors ICONDOR Telecom, Mr. Oubay Atassi told the media that BURQ Broadband has been launched with an objective to improve the social strata and allow people to experience seamless service of high speed internet.<br /> Mr. Shahid Mir, CEO ICONDOR Telecom Pakistan said in his opening speech that BURQ Broadband will be rolled out throughout the country.<br /> Mr. Shahid Mir the CEO of Burq Broadband has vast experience in the field of IT and has been associated with PSEB during the eras of Benazir Bhutto and MIan Nawaz Sharif as Prime Ministers during The 90s respectively.<br /> Mr. Sohel Baqai will be the CTO of the company. Mr. Baqai brings with him a rich experience of more than 23 years honed around Multinationals of The Caliber and Magnitudes of ALCATEL Lucent and Mobilink.<br /> Syed Alireza has been given the charge of Marketing and Sales as General Manager and Head. Mr. Ali has worked for Ufone as Regional Manager and his last assignment at Telco was  heading The Scratch Card Distribution set of China Mobile Pakistan (ZONG) under the former Head of Sales at ZONG and the current Head of Sales Ufone Mr. Usman Ishaq.</div>

Burq Broadband to Offer WiFi Broadband Services Across Pakistan

ICONDOR Telecom Group from Argentina launched its flagship broadband brand ‘BURQ Broadband’ in Islamabad. Aimed at offering high-speed ...

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