Mobilink today announced the winners of the recently concluded phase of Mobilink Sawal Lakhon Ka contest.

Wasif Mustafa, Director VAS, IR, LDI and Market Development, Mobilink presented the cheque of Rs 700,000 to Sami Ullah, winner of the bumper prize with an aggregate score of over 600,000 points.

Commenting on the initiative, Wasif shared that, “Mobilink has always sought to meet its customers’ expectations above and beyond their basic communication needs. Sawal Lakhon Ka contest is a fun way of letting our customers know that their Mobilink connections act as a one stop entertainment center for them. The response so far has been overwhelming and participation was in hundreds of thousands from all over the country. Owing to its popularity, we have launched the second phase of the contest on 29th December with more cash prizes including a bumper prize of One Million Rupees.”

Jazz Sawal Lakhon Ka Contest, available in English & Urdu consists of a series of questions that enable participants to win daily, weekly and monthly prizes of Rs. 3,000, Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 50,000 respectively. The overall aggregate winner after the two month competition will win the coveted grand prize of One Million Rupees.

In line with PTCL’s aim of providing innovative products and services, several new telecommunication products and services such as Voice Messaging Service, IPTV and Kehdo SMS have been launched during 2008. Through these products and services PTCL continues to offer attractive solutions to its landline subscribers. The “Half Rate Sundays” limited time promotion was launched in October 2008 to re-affirm PTCLs’ commitment to provide better value to its customers through quality services at affordable prices. This was stated by Senior Executive Vice President, Dr Sadik Al-Jadir on the successful completion of “Half Rate Sundays” promotion. The “Half Rate Sundays” limited time promotion will end on Dec 31, 2008.

Furthermore, Dr Sadik al-Jadir added that  PTCL’s value based tariffs focus on providing landline subscribers substantial cost benefits. Some current options include the Pakistan Plus Package with 2500 nationwide minutes for only Rs 199 per month, local calls for as low as 67 paisa per minute and International Plus package with 1200 minutes to five popular international destinations. PTCL also offers International Direct Dialing from all fixed line telephones, lowest international call rates to top 16 countries at Rs 2 per minute only. With these options, PTCL provides affordability & value to its landline subscribers.

In addition to our product offerings, PTCL strives to bring Quality and Convenience to its landline subscribers by providing best quality voice, instant connectivity, 24×7 helpline, directory assistance and one Toll free number (0800-80800) for acquiring a new landline, WLL and broadband/IPTV connection.

PTCL, the largest telecommunication service provider in Pakistan is committed to develop and deliver world class telecom products and services, creating value for its customers and striving to meet their expectations.

Warid has again taken the lead in introducing My5, a wonderful permanent feature for its Post-paid subscribers. My5 will enable Warid Post-paid subscribers to make unlimited calls and talk as much as they want on their five Friends and Family numbers.

My5 is available on all of Warid’s new Post-paid packages with 30 seconds pulse. Subscribers with the earlier offered Zahi packages may avail this facility by upgrading their billing packages. Subscribers can select and deselect up to five Warid numbers for free calls simply by mentioning their selected numbers through a text message to 129.

Warid’s Acting Chief Executive Officer – Faisal Ejaz Khan said, “Warid has the largest segment of Post-paid subscribers in Pakistan and we wanted to facilitate their mobile phone communications with their associates and loved ones. By introducing My5, Warid is once again leading on providing unlimited convenience to its subscribers.”

Chief Commercial Officer – Thomas Yeo added, “At Warid we are connecting friends and family members via our best voice quality network. My5 is our gift to our valued Post paid subscribers to be in touch with their associates and loved ones, that too in a very cost-saving

An open â??Dialogueâ?? meeting was organized by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on 6^th November, 2008 in a local hotel to discuss proliferation issues in the country. The meeting was presided over by Dr.Muhammad Yaseen, Chairman PTA and attended by high level representatives from Ministry of Information Technology, Universal Service Fund, ICT R&D, Pakistan Software Export Board, PTA, Broadband Service Providers, Cellular Mobile Operators, Vendor, Consultants and Academia.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Muhammad Yaseen, gave a bird eye view of the telecom sector and highlighted broadband proliferation issues. He said that during past few years, different segments of telecom sector have shown exponential growth, however, broadband proliferation has been comparatively slow. He said that percentage growth of broadband has been good but subscribers base is very less. He highlighted the market potential for broadband in the country and asked the participants to give their suggestions for enhancing the broadband proliferation in the country.

The participants appreciated PTAâ??s initiative of holding this meeting on an issue of prime importance and expressed their views and made various recommendations. The various issues which were discussed in the meeting include. Facilitation by Government and PTA, Infrastructure related problems and difficulties, taxation by the government, Development of contents, Creating enabling environment and Utilization of USF for broadband proliferation etc.

The participants were briefed about the projects undertaken by the USF for broadband. This include laying of Optic Fiber cable throughout the country and a pilot  project started in Faisalabad connecting schools, libraries and dispensaries etc. Some of the participants suggested that the government should give incentive to ICT industry and play its role to create enabling environment taking on board all relevant ministries and departments. The participants also suggested that focus should be given to rural areas where there is a great need of e-education and e-government and e-health etc. It was also pointed out that the â??accessâ? is the real impediment for broadband proliferation, therefore, wireless technology is the best option for its development. In this regard, the availability of more spectrum was also highlighted. It was suggested in the meeting that a study be carried out to assess the impact of present taxation on growth of telecom and ICT sectors. Basing on the results of this study, a case may be taken up accordingly by MOIT with the relevant ministry for eliminating/reducing the taxes.

The participants unanimously decided that a â??Broadband Stakeholders Groupâ? be formed to study various aspects of the broadband and suggest measures to enhance broadband proliferation in the country. This was also decided that PTA should lead this group. It was also highlighted in the meeting that customer awareness campaign be also launched to highlight the benefits of broadband. At the end Dr.Muhammad Yaseen, Chairman PTA thanked all the participants for participating in the meeting and giving their valuable input for the development of broadband.

Warid has brought another amazing offer, ZEM Happy Hour for its subscribers. ZEM Happy Hour lets Warid ZEM prepaid subscriber to make unlimited free calls to as many Warid numbers during any selected one hour daily, according to their requirement and convenience on daily basis.

Subscription to ZEM Happy Hour is as convenient as sending a simple text message mentioning the hour of choice to 2742. Subscribers also have the facility to select their ZEM Happy Hour every day and change the ZEM Happy Hour as many times as they want in a day before the start of the chosen hour.

Warid’s Acting Chief Executive Officer – Faisal Ejaz Khan said, “Warid has always taken lead on launching numerous services in the country. ZEM Happy Hour is a great new tool for Pakistani users to communicate with their loved ones effectively and economically based on their own choice and needs. We will continue to provide the latest and wonderful services for our subscribers.”

Chief Commercial Officer – Thomas Yeo added, “The ZEM Happy Hour is a convenient product for our Warid ZEM prepaid users as they now have the option to select any hour of the day they choose according to their need and talk as much as they want on any Warid number. Warid is always ahead to provide the most innovative services and ZEM Happy hour is one of the many that Warid has planned to delight its loyal subscribers in the near future.”

SEVP Commercial PTCL Mr. Sadik Al-Jadir handed over the car keys to the bumper prize (Suzuki Mehran 800cc) winner Mr. Muntazir Mehdi in a ceremony held here at PTCL Headquarters on Thursday, December 19, 2008

PTCL New Telephone Connection (NTC) Lucky Draw Campaign was launched on April 15th, 2008 for all Wireline customers who had applied for a new telephone connection through PTCL Contact Centers (0800-80800) since the launch of the campaign till 31^st October 2008. Along with bumper prize (Suzuki Mehran 800cc) winner Muntazir Mehdi, there were 40 other lucky winners, who won desktop computers.

Commenting on the occasion SEVP Commercial Mr. Sadik Al-Jadir said.  “We value the importance of our customers, it is our endeavor to ensure that PTCL as the market leader continues to take initiatives to launch new and innovative offers and services for its customers.”

Mr. Sadik further added that these schemes are designed to provide benefits to PTCL’s subscribers at large and show the company’s commitment to its clientele.

A jubilant Muntazir Mehdi when asked said, “I am extremely happy on winning this prize. At first I didn’t believe the good news, but when I realized it is true I thanked Almighty for His kindness and also my parents and family specially my mother, without whose prayers and good wishes there wouldn’t be a prize.” He thanked PTCL management for organizing this lucky draw, enabling him to win such a great prize.

Ufone  has once again stood up to its strong market repute of providing the most cost effective mobile internet solution by launching Ufone EDGE USB with free Postpaid and Prepaid Data SIM and an amazing 6 months free unlimited high speed internet access. Ufone EDGE USB is an ideal high speed wireless data communication device for business and home usage especially suitable for people on the move or at places where traditional internet links are not available. Ufone is the only mobile phone operator in Pakistan to offer the most attractive data bundled price offer. This offer includes a Ufone EDGE USB Modem with a FREE Prepaid or Postpaid Data SIM (Voice Blocked, GPRS/SMS allowed) and 6 months totally FREE Unlimited data Package for Rs. 6,999/- (all inclusive). Also supporting send/receive SMS and Phone Book Contacts Saver, Ufone EDGE USB wireless internet can be accessed anywhere, anytime throughout Pakistan. At the launch of Ufone EDGE USB, Mr. Asher Yaqub Khan, Chief Marketing Officer Ufone said, “At Ufone, we have always tried to come up with the most unique and cost effective value added solutions to address our customers’ requirements. By launching Ufone EDGE USB with Free Data SIM and 6 months free totally unlimited Mobile Internet access, our valued customers can do a lot of downloading and browsing as we have already upgraded high speed EDGE data network in all metropolitan cities of Pakistan that supports four times the existing GPRS speed.

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has signed an agreement with Emaar, Pakistan to provide state-of-the-art Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services for its major  housing/commercial development projects situated in Islamabad and Karachi.

According to this agreement PTCL is the exclusive service provider to deliver ICT services to two major projects of EMAAR Pakistan by connecting every household and office through optical fiber.  PTCL will provide quad-play services including voice, high speed internet, IPTV and remote surveillance along with many other community services like Tele-Presence a higher version of video conferencing, Digital Directories etc. The users will be able even to control their household appliances like lights, Air Conditioners remotely by using IP networks.

Dr. Sadik Al-Jadir, Senior Executive Vice President, Commercial, PTCL, said that we are on the path of fast growth, and have already delivered on our promise in various projects, to which our corporate customers have responded with great enthusiasm. At PTCL, we aim to provide state-of-art corporate services possible to our customers.

“PTCL will ensure the deliverance of all committed services with excellence, well within the specified time and we wish to extend this partnership with EMAAR for its upcoming projects”, he further added.

While commenting on the occasion Dr. Dia Malaeb, CEO, Emaar Pakistan said that EMAAR with its unique approach to develop integrated communities featuring the entire spectrum of lifestyle amenities, committed that the housing units will be handed over with the pre-fixed services, to facilitate our valued customers in our project areas.

Dr. Dia Malaebhas further added that the decision to opt PTCL as key service provider was based on its network’s strength, technical capabilities and vast range of unique products and services.

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) is the largest converged services carrier, providing all telecommunication services from basic voice telephony to high speed data networks, managed telecommunication services, internet,  and wireless solutions for business’ and consumers all over Pakistan.

EMAAR is one of the world’s largest real estate developers, currently working in Pakistan on two big real estate development projects in Islamabad and Karachi. These projects with a total investment of 2.4 billion USD will include  a series of master planned communities that will set new benchmarks in residential, commercial and retail property.

Warid has won ‘Brand of the Year Award’ again in 2008, in the category of ‘The Best Cellular Company in Pakistan’.  Prime Minister – Yousuf Raza Gilani presented the award to Faisal Ejaz Khan – Acting Chief Executive Officer, Warid.

This is the second time in Warid’s three and half years of successful operations in Pakistan that Brand of the Year Award has been granted to the company. In 2007 Warid was the winner of ‘Brand of the Year Award’ in the category of GSM operators and service providers.

Brand of the Year Award is a joint initiative of public and private sectors to identify and promote the brand excellence in Pakistan and the ever largest public private partnership project. Its international recognition and endorsement by the Brands Bureau International Limited London-UK makes it the most authentic and acclaimed Brands Award activity. This activity helps in promoting the Brand Development Culture in Pakistan, and to encourage Pakistani Brands.

The Pakistani brands holding remarkable name and reputation on national and international level are selected for the Brand of the Year Award as per criteria based on three elements; company profile, current year brand market standing and nationwide consumer survey. Nominations are forwarded to the Brands University for Focus Group Study & Survey. The Brands University in collaboration with the Brands Bureau International – London conducts a nationwide consumer survey to determine the current market standing of the Brands and their popularity among the consumers. The organization obtaining the highest marks in a total of all three sectors is entitled for Brand of the Year Award 2008.

Warid Telecom (Pvt) Limited is providing voice and data communications service through its GSM and GPRS/EDGE network with the best voice clarity and connectivity since May 2004. Warid Telecom has achieved market share of 18% in Pakistan’s competitive cellular market in the three and half years of operations in Pakistan. Our subscribers in major cities are also enjoying our latest and unmatched GPRS/EDGE services.

Warid’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Faisal Ejaz Khan said, “We are honored to achieve the Brand of the Year Award for the category, ‘Best Cellular Company of Pakistan’. This award makes Warid recognized as the most demanded and credible cellular phone company of Pakistan. We are thankful for our subscribers for their continuous loyalty and support. This award would never have been possible without the trust they have put in us”

Thomas Yeo – Chief Commercial Officer Warid said, “Brand of the Year Award for the best cellular company in Pakistan means a lot for us. It proves that we are running an operation that is highly demanded and the most credible Brand in the cellular industry of Pakistan. We will continue our efforts to maintain an even higher level of quality for our valued subscribers.”

A meeting was held at Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Headquarters to review the progress of establishing International Clearing House (ICH) and Technical Facility to curb illegal traffic.

The meeting was chaired by Chairman PTA, Dr. Mohammad Yaseen and attended by Member (Finance) PTA Syed Nasrul Karim A. Ghaznavi, concerned PTA officials and LDI operators.

The participants were briefed about the performance of existing Technical Facility to monitor and block the grey traffic. The operators expressed their full satisfaction in the system and its outcome. The progress of expansion of this system was also discussed in the meeting. It was informed to the meeting that the process for expansion has already been started. The Chairman directed the LDI operators to complete this process on priority.

The progress of setting up International Clearing House (ICH) was also discussed in the meeting. It may be recalled that ICH is being setup as a joint project of PTA and LDI operators for Reconciliation of International Telephonic Traffic (RITT). Once this system is installed, it will ensure factual recording of inbound/outbound traffic and accrue long term benefits to Government of Pakistan in the form of remittances worth millions of dollars.  It will also benefit LDI operators. The meeting was informed that necessary work is in hand to complete the formalities regarding setting up of this system. The Chairman directed that this project must be completed on time.

The Chairman PTA further directed LDI operators to strictly follow the PTA instructions regarding grey traffic. He said that legal action will be initiated against such LDI operators who are found involved in illegal practices.