Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Ufone Icon – QWERTY Handset Offered for Uth Subscribers

Ufone Icon 300x195 Ufone Icon   QWERTY Handset Offered for Uth SubscribersUfone is offering this QWERTY handset to its Uth subscribers with price tag of Rs.6,500 – that will be delivered to doorstep with-in 48 hours of your online order.
Manufactured by Huawei, Ufone Icon (the name of the handset) is said to have innovative features like built-in Social Networking and Instant Messaging molded in to a sleek and classy design.
The ICON features:
  • Email Client
  • Answering Machine
  • Social Networking
  • FM Radio
  • Full QWERTY keyboard
  • Ultra Slim
  • Exceptionally Light
  • Multimedia Player
  • Browser
  • Ebook Reader
  • Image Editor
Specifications:
  • Phone dimensions (L × W × H): 112.5 mm × 60.5 mm × 11.5 mm
  • Features a 2.4-inch and 262k-color TFT LCD.
  • Supports 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 1900 MHz
  • Supports 4× digital zoom and continuous shooting.
  • Weight: about 105 g (including the battery)
  • Supports an A2DP Bluetooth headset and Bluetooth data transmission.
  • Supports a microSD card of up to 16 GB capacity.
  • Supports EDGE for downlink transmission and GPRS Class 12.
  • Supports the playing of audio and video files in multiple formats, such as MP3 and MP4.
  • Supports multiple network applications, such as the Opera Mini browser, Google Maps, Instant messaging clients, and email clients
  • Supports a Java Virtual Machine for installing various Java applications.
Terms and Conditions:
  • The Handset will be network locked for Ufone only.
  • Only Uth subscribers can avail this offer.
  • The Handset can only be ordered from Ufone Uth Portal.
  • Handset is warranted for 6 months from the date of purchase.
  • User will pay Cash to courier at the time of delivery.
  • Free 30 MB data bucket will be activated for 30 days

Zong Introduces Z100 Handset Offer

Zong will be introducing has introduced another handset offer, called Z100 with a price tag of Rs. 1,599 that will include:
  • Z100 Handset
  • Zong Connection
  • 1000 Minutes (On-net)
  • 1000 SMS
It is said that Zong will be announcing this handset pretty soon, maybe today or tomorrow at most. Earlier Zong and Ufone both have run successful handset campaigns, in fact Ufone just launched Ufone Icon today. Apparently, the handset trend is going upward which is believed as a good way of earning loyal customers.
Further features of Z100 will be as following:
  • FM Radio
  • Torch
  • Poly Phonic Ring Tones
  • Loud speaker
  • Phone Book Memory (300)
  • SMS Memory (100)
  • 6th Months Warranty
Note: Validity of using free minutes and SMS is 15 days
Handsets price is Rs. 1,599/- and will be available at ZONG franchises and retail outlets.

Zong Adds 10 More Cities for LBC [Unlimited Calls]

As we had anticipated yesterday and as reported by Telecomandit today, Zong has added more cities to its list of LBC or Location Based Charging offer.
Now with addition of 10 cities in this phase, there are total of 25 cities being offered with LBC charges, something that other operators should start worrying about.
10 cities included in the list in current phase are: Chichawatni, Chistian, Chunian, Sargodha, Khushab, Muridke, Muzaffargarh, Pakpattan, Vehari and Hyderabad.
So Zong customers residing in above mentioned cities will get unlimited on-net calls for Rs. 7 plus tax per day.
How to subscribe:
All new and MNP subscribers get free subscription for one month, meaning that they will get this free calling facility for no additional charge for first month.
However, old customers can subscribe to this offer by sending an SMS to 522 as following:
LBC CityCommand
Chichawatni“chw” to 522
Chistian“chs” to 522
Chunian“chn” to 522
Sargodha“srg” to 522
Khushab“ksb” to 522
Muridke“mrd” to 522
Muzaffargarh“mzg” to 522
Pakpattan“pkp” to 522
Vehari“vhr” to 522
Hyderabad“hyd” to 522
Charges:
  • For New and MNP Customers: Free of charge for first month, and then Rs. 7 per day
  • Existing customers: Rs.7 per day
For more information contact helpline

Broadband Users in Pakistan Tops 0.81 Million

Broadband users in Pakistan have reached 816,807 mark, as of April 2010, as per recently published stats by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
PTA stats said that Internet Service Providers of Pakistan added a total of 44,370 broadband subscribers in April 2010 compared to addition of 55,932 broadband subscribers in March 2010.
These statistics suggests that DSL still has 55 percent market share of total broadband market in Pakistan (in terms of subscribers), while WiMAX stands second with 30 percent subscribers’ market share.
EVO witnessed highest growth rate in last two quarters and has added its market share in terms of subscribers by 3 percent, while WiMAX subscribers’ market share grew by 2 percent.
On other hands, DSL users decreased by 3 percent and HFC saw a decline of 2 percent in market share in last 7 months.

Pakistan Registers 98 Million Mobile Phone Users

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has announced that Pakistan has a total of 98 million mobile phone users as of May 2010.
In its latest stats for mobile subscribers, PTA said that mobile companies added a total of 697,073 cellular users in May 2010 with 0.72 percent growth rate, as compared to 0.55 percent growth rate in April 2010.
All cellular companies showed positive growth except Zong, which witnessed negative growth for second consecutive month.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Zong to Land in Hyderabad after Lahore Unlimited

hyderabad Zong to Land in Hyderabad after Lahore UnlimitedWe are told by sources with-in the company that Zong will offer (Location Based Charging that will include) unlimited on-net calls for all customers based in Hyderabad, the same package that has already been announced in various cities including Lahore, Chitral and others.
As per sources, package is going to get live tomorrow evening, though we are not cent percent aware of package details but there are good chances that offer will be the same as it was for “Lahore Unlimited” or other “Location Based Charging” packages.
Zong’s location based charging is already giving tough time to competition, who have larger number of subscribers and may not afford such juicy offerings.
Karachiites are expecting something similar as well, but Zong insiders said they can’t confirm if Karachi is in the list too or not – but Hyderabad is confirm as of now.

Warid Offers 1 Month Free for New Blackberry Customers

Warid Blackberry 300x187 Warid Offers 1 Month Free for New Blackberry CustomersWarid has started Blackberry Sales & Services through the franchise channel from today, i.e. June 21st, 2010. In addition Warid will be giving 1 month FREE BlackBerry (BIS) service to its new Blackberry customers.
Promotion & Mechanics
All new Blackberry service activations (BIS) will be free for one month:-
  • Campaign starts from 21st June 2010.
  • Campaign Ends on 21st July 2010.
  • Only new BIS activation during the above mentioned dates will be given 1 month free BIS service i.e.(Rs 1000/- waived off, exclusive of all applicable taxes).
  • To avail this promotion please visit your nearest Business Centre or Franchise.
  • After FREE 1 month BlackBerry Promotion Blackberry services / sales through Warid franchise channel will continue.
Charges
After one month, usual Blackberry (BIS) services charges will be applicable, which are Rs. 1,000 per month plus tax.
Note: The BIS service has to be installed with new / compliant packages.

Warid Starts Charging Balance Inquiries

Warid has ultimately started charging balance inquiries made through *100# at 10 paisas plus tax (12 plus including tax). However, call summery will keep showing the remaining balances free of charge.
Warid was the only operator that wasn’t charging balance inquiries till now.
Recently Warid took back SMS delivery reports – while free balance inquiries and SMS delivery reports were unique identifiers of Warid, which are now taken back for un-told reasons.
P.S. Some users on 0321 code are also reporting that their balance inquires are not being charged, maybe due to flaw in system configuration as customer support has confirmed us that *100# is bing charged at 12 paisas per instruction.

Get your Game on with Mobilink Jazz Foosball League (JFL)

Mobilink Football 300x169 Get your Game on with Mobilink Jazz Foosball League (JFL)Mobilink Jazz brings for all fast-paced, action loving foosball players the ultimate online foosball experience like no other. Mobilink Jazz challenges you and your team to beat the Jazz foosball team and win exclusive Mobilink goody bags by playing your team to the top of Jazz Foosball League (JFL).
If you think you are a foosball-pro and online gaming is your battleground then hurry up and give your best shot to beat the Jazz foosball team in the JFL.
Log on to www.mobilinkgsm.com/jfl create your team by inviting your friends and get your game on!
How to Play:
Step 1: Register yourself
Click on the Login tab at the top right hand corner of the page and then click on the “Register now” button. Fill in the required details.
Step 2: Create your team
In order to play it is mandatory for you to create your team. Send out invitations to three friends, by providing their email addresses.
Step 3: Manage your team
Once you’ve created your team you become the team manager. You have the option to :
  • Hire players who are already registered, but are not a part of any team, only if you have an empty player slot.
  • Invite someone who is not registered to join your team, only if you have an empty player slot.
  • Kick-out players you think are inactive or not doing good.

Samsung Opens Mobile Service Center in Lahore

Samsung Service Center Samsung Opens Mobile Service Center in Lahore
Samsung has opened a service center in Lahore to facilitate its customers with sales and after sales services. Service center is equipped with latest state of the art lab, to make sure that customers’ queries are entertained in timely and efficient manner.
Mr. Steve Han, General Manager Samsung Electronics, Mr. Zeshan Qureshi, Head of Mobile Phones Pakistan and Afghanistan and Mr. Usman Tariq, Manager Service Samsung Electronics Inaugurated the Samsung Mobile Service Center.

Official: Easypaisa will Offer Savings/Insurance product

As we have reported before, it is now official that Telenor will offer saving/insurance accounts through Easypaisa, company’s mobile banking brand.
Telenor in a statement today has said that it has received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Mobile Money for the Unbanked (MMU) Fund. With the help of the grant, Telenor Pakistan will introduce a savings/ insurance product under the umbrella of its easypaisa services.
MMU grants are awarded to support commercially viable and sustainable mobile-operator-led projects that accelerate the deployment of mobile banking services to the unbanked. This year only seven mobile operators have been selected from around the world for the grants based on their financial services.
Gavin Krugel, Director GSMA speaking about the MMU Fund said: “Between now and the end of 2011 millions of consumers are expected to directly benefit from mobile money services launched with the support of the Fund – that is 170 million customers at the base of the economic pyramid and who previously lacked access to financial services, from 19 operators in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.”
Commenting on the grant, Roar Bjaerum, Vice President Financial Services, Telenor Pakistan said: “We are delighted to have received the MMU grant. Easypaisa has very quickly gained popularity among all segments of society. Through it we have moved over PKR2 billion through more than a million transactions. Considering that only 12% of the population in the country has access to banking services, the MMU grant is going to help us develop a savings and insurance product that is tailored to the needs of the financially excluded.”
easypaisa is a diverse suite of financial services launched by Telenor Pakistan and Tameer Microfinance Bank with the aim to provide mobile banking services to the unbanked people of Pakistan.
The MMU Fund is administered by the GSMA Foundation Inc and supported by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It works with mobile operators, banks, microfinance institutions, government and development organizations to encourage the expansion of reliable and affordable mobile financial services to base-of-the-pyramid unbanked customers.

Additional 5 GB for Rs. 99 for All Packages: wi-tribe

wi-tribe is now offering 5 GB of bandwidth for Rs. 99 per month in addition to already allowed bandwidth for all packages. You can Call 111-187-423 or visit any wi-tribe outlet to avail this offer.
Tariff Details:
Available packages for wi-tribe are as following: (you can pay Rs. 99 and get limit of 5 GB data transfer in addition)

wi tribe packages Additional 5 GB for Rs. 99 for All Packages: wi tribe
Win Prizes:
Along with getting this additional data limits, you can win ipods by sharing this information with three persons, simply enter their email and click submit to get registered for the lucky draw.
You can participate here or by filling the information at ProPakistani’s top banner.
Terms and Conditions:
  • People who share this information with at least 3 people will get a chance to win an iPod or a goody bag through lucky draw.
  • Winners of wi-tribe share & win campaign will be entered into a lucky draw for random selection.
  • There will be 3 winners announced through lucky draw. The first and second winner will get an ipod and & third winner will get goody bag.
  • The prize offer is valid for the contestants from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi only.
For more on terms and conditions visit this page

Wateen Binds Login IDs with MAC Addresses

In an effort to completely eliminate the chances of multiple use of Login IDs, Wateen has decided to bind login IDs with MAC address of its CPEs (or WiMAX devices) – meaning that one login ID will be applicable for one CPE only.
Earlier, Wateen had made multiple efforts for restricting multiple usage of its account, i.e. one account used by more than one customers, however, this step will leave no chance for multiple customers to use one ID.
By the way, Media Control Access or MAC address is supposed to be unique identifier for network cards/devices across the globe.
However, strategy adopted to implement this policy is causing trouble to the customers. Wateen is asking its customers to provide MAC address of their CPEs, so they can update their records and assign one particular ID for the CPE.

Nokia is in Trouble

nokia office 300x225 Nokia is in TroubleNokia is apparently unable to combat the challenge given by touch-screen smart-phones manufacturers and they were humble enough to admit it on the record.
Nokia’s performance has plunged over the years and in sales specifically. Still they are standing at 40 percent market share, but all those are low-end, in-expensive cell phones with little margins.
Recently Nokia cut its forecast for profit for this quarter reasoning intensifying competition in the high-end segment, a shift in its product mix toward devices with lower margins, and the depreciation of the euro.
It’s not that Cell phone maker is quietly witnessing the empire to fall, Nokia actually reorganized its business twice in recent months, replaced a top handset executive and creating a business unit to focus solely on smartphones.
But maybe that’s not working out as Wall Street Journal said: Nokia Dials More Wrong Numbers!
The company plans to launch a new lineup of smartphones later this year, but industry watchers had expected the devices to come in the first half, underscoring concern that Nokia isn’t getting new phones to market quickly enough. Nokia Ovi Store has also fallen far short of Apple’s App Store in terms of the number of downloads and applications it offers.
There are similar concerns about Nokia’s user interface – another key battleground in the smartphone segment as users seek slicker ways to navigate around the growing array of mobile applications. A new version of Symbian, Nokia’s dominant platform, had been set for launch in the second quarter, but Symbian3 now won’t arrive until the third quarter.
Via TelecomPK

Ufone, Telenor Get Stay Orders Over PTA’s Actions

2550969713 f7f1df1ed4 300x300 Ufone, Telenor Get Stay Orders Over PTAs ActionsLahore High Court (LHC) has recently awarded stay orders to Ufone and Telenor for interim period against the show-cause notices issued by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on poor Quality of Services (QoS), reported TelecomRecorder.
We know that PTA is hunting for operators by imposing penalties like they did with Ufone, but cellular companies are apparently fighting back. Ufone, by the way, has the shelter of another stay-order from court over Rs. 150 million fine case.
When we spoke to telecom companies, they confirmed the development.
Following is the complete report from TelecomRecorder, a new telecom blog in the town for local telecom news – run by industry experts, as per information we have got as of now.
The court’s verdict has also restrained the telecom authority to impose penalties to all five mobile phone operators in accordance with its regulatory procedures applied on them fail to comply service standards.
PTA’s legal department has authority to slap maximum fine of Rs350 million on the infringement of its rules and regulations to a single cellular phone operators through the determination enforcement order (DEO).
The regulator declared cellular telephony services substandard on technical grounds and issued show-cause notices in January 2010 to all five operators—Mobilink, Telenor, Warid, Ufone and Zong.
Its findings are based on the technical surveys it conducted last year on the Quality of Service (QoS) of cellular phone sector separately in all its regions including physical assessment of services quality by state-of-art machineries.
The LHC Rawalpindi Bench is conducting a study on technical aspects provided by PTA and cellular phone operators. It will resume its proceeding further and issue a new date of hearing as soon as it completes the evaluation of the arguments.
Technical Issues:
The myriad illegal jammers installed in banks, mosques and various other places were reported to cause frequent call-drop incidences on the networks of the different cellular phone operators in particularly areas.
Besides the cross-border interference, that is, the coincidence of Pakistanis and Indians cellular phone operators frequencies have said to be declared substandard service as per PTA’s criteria. The coincidences of operators’ frequencies with Armed forces communication system have been reportedly found by the authority in its technical survey of quality of services, which is also considered a loophole of the networks.
Cellular Phone Operators stance:
In the background interviews with the officials of different cellular phone companies, the operators’ technical department had questioned the procedures and the standards criteria of authority.
Officials of the cellular phone operators were of the view that they failed to identify the raised issues of service quality recently because operators maintained their services as per international standards.
They said the operators the call-drop is evident in high intensity areas under jammers and communication system of Armed forces, which will not be controlled by operators per se.
PTA stance:
The telecom watchdog has said that its findings are accurate on technical aspects, which have also been acknowledged by cellular phone operators in the response of raised issues. It says that it has removed all jammers installed in different areas promptly so there should be good quality of services maintained by operators on their part.

Ufone introduces FUTSAL in Pakistan

futsal Ufone introduces FUTSAL in PakistanUfone is celebrating Football World Cup 2010 with gusto and gaiety as the company kick started Uth FUTSAL (A shorter or “T20 version” of Football) in its traditionally vigorous way in the country.
Uth FUTSAL has been launched with exciting promotions in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. The idea is unique since it caters well for time constraints and paucity of play grounds
FUTSAL is a variant of football that is played on a smaller playing surface. This name is derived from Portuguese and Spanish words which can be translated as “hall football.”
FUTSAL is played on a surface delimited by lines and between two teams of five players, one of whom is the goalkeeper and is played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a regulation football.
Organized according to international standards of this game, Ufone will host a back-to-back chain of matches in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi in the first half of July this year. Out of the two day activity at each of the three stations, day one will conclude with underground bands performing live.
On day two, the final of that city will be played followed by a concert of the very renowned ‘Call the Band’ for which the passes are available in all three cities with the Uth squad, comprising of the very talented Uth brand ambassadors. The Uth ambassadors shall inform the youth about the recently launched ‘Uth Package’ which is professionally crafted to cater for the needs of the youth of Pakistan.
The first match of this series will be held in Lahore on July 5th followed by final on 6th. On the same pattern, a two day activity will be hosted in Islamabad on the 6th & 7th similarly in Karachi on the 10th & 11th.
Mr. Akbar Khan Chief Marketing Officer Ufone said, “The youth is the future of the country and Ufone’s Uth package has been designed to ensure we cater to each of the youths likes. Being a part of the Uth family is sure to bring many surprises for the youth of Pakistan”. “FUTSAL is only the beginning of many of the surprises planned for our valued customers. As always Ufone is striving to bring a smile to all segments of the society”, he added.

Mobilink Rewards indigo World Cup Campaign winners

At the Mobilink indigo World Cup Campaign Prize Distribution Ceremony held in Karachi, four lucky BlackBerry Storm handset winners standing with Regional Director Sales Mobilink, Abdul Muqeet Farid and Regional Director Customer Care Operations Mobilink.
At the Mobilink indigo World Cup Campaign Prize Distribution Ceremony held in Karachi, four lucky BlackBerry Storm handset winners standing with Regional Director Sales Mobilink, Abdul Muqeet Farid and Regional Director Customer Care Operations Mobilink.
Mobilink has announced the second set of winners of Mobilink indigo World Cup 2010 promotion.
Mobilink will be giving BlackBerry Storm handsets to 25 lucky Mobilink indigo users. Earlier, three lucky winners were given the grand prize – an all-expense paid trip to South Africa to watch the world cup during the first phase of this campaign.
At the prize distribution ceremony for Karachi winners, four lucky Mobilink indigo users were awarded BlackBerry Storm handsets. The Mobilink indigo World Cup Campaign was launched in April and promised all indigo users a chance to win a round trip to South Africa including 5-night hotel stay, ground transportation and match tickets for three lucky indigo users as well as 25 latest BlackBerry® handsets, 500 SMS bundles and 500 Mobilink gift hampers.
The 25 lucky BlackBerry Handsets winners belong from various cities including Lahore, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Nawabshah, Hyderabad, Khanewal and Rahim Yar Khan.
Keeping in view the on-going World Cup 2010, Mobilink indigo has also introduced a special indigo World Cup offer for its customers by giving 50% discount on calls between 6pm to 3am during World Cup .

Google Extends the Street View Worldwide With User Photos

Google Street View is a feature available on Google Mapping products where users can switch to a view consisting of manually taken 360° angled street/road photos with 9 cameras at 2.5 m elevation on a moving vehicle.
These photos are then processed to make a panoramic view to provide a feeling of being at that place. Due to privacy matters, faces and vehicles registration plates are blurred during the process.
Launched in May 2007, Street View for Google Maps brought huge excitement to users around the world. Initiated from Google’s home country US, covering various cities & territories one by one, it is now covering nearly half of the world with its 26th update on 8th June.
For rest of the world with no Street View coverage, the only option was to wait. But with latest enhancement in photos layer for Maps which is mainly sourced from Panoramio as well as from Flikr has provided a great work-around to Street View. At these sites, photos are uploaded by their owners and then geo-tagged according to their focused shoot.
Google Street View1 Google Extends the Street View Worldwide With User Photos
Photo layer has also been linked with Street View’s famous Pegman. Dragging the Pegman on the map or clicking on any photo in enabled layer of photos will turn maps into user photo viewer along with optional drag arrows around the picture where available depending upon number of pictures available for that particular place.
More the number of pictures available at a place, more ecstatic experiences are guaranteed. The photos have been arranged in a state of the art manner that actually provides a great Street View look. Dragging around and jumping from one picture to another is just as it appears in Street View.
Google Street View 01 Google Extends the Street View Worldwide With User Photos
Google Street View 02 Google Extends the Street View Worldwide With User Photos
To experience this, have a look at following video.
There are no privacy terms over these photos, hence no blurring of faces or registration plates. As all these photos are made available by users at Panoramio or Flikr, they have complete control to take care of their privacy before they or anyone else put them to public.
A private marked picture only appears as icon but in an enlarged public view, it appears as dark screen with a not available message. The bottom left side provides the source of picture while top left side provides the list more available pictures for the particular place along with owner’s detail.
Since map data is publicly made available for Pakistan by Google through their user contributions at Google Map Maker project, Pakistani people have been seen more engaged with use of maps in their routine life. The related features intend to get a boost as well in practice as soon as they are enhanced & available e.g. Google maps driving directions for Pakistan and so this new feature could be another interesting point of making the best usage of publicly available maps, such as creating your own street view for tourism support for your local area or even for small businesses.
The panoramic views of Street View enabled not only thousands of people around the world to enjoy remote visits to places where they can not physically go but it has helped a lot in growth of economy and businesses in many ways and so this work-around feature should be taken in utter significance to make a best use and growth of businesses.

Mobile Edition of PTA’s Website Launched

PTA has launched the mobile edition of its website, available in Wireless Application Protocol or WAP, mobile edition will allow cell phone phone users to access the optimized version of PTA website through their mobile handsets.
Mobile users can now access PTA’s website here: http://wap.pta.gov.pk (will open in WAP browsers)
WAP version of website contains all the information available in regular edition but in optimized form, based on simple-text and smaller images, to help mobile users load the information quicker with little consumption of bandwidth.
It may be noted that PTA had launched Urdu version of its website recently to facilitate a large segment of the population having less familiarity with English contents.
The mobile edition (m-edition) would enable telecom consumers to access the available information regarding PTA activities, decisions, policies and even lodge complaints through their mobile handsets.
With reference to this development, Chairman PTA, Dr. Muhammed Yaseen said that PTA, in its endeavors for the development of ICTs in Pakistan, has taken number of initiatives to launch and promote new innovative solutions for the betterment of telecom industry and society.

Motorola Will Expand wi-tribe’s Network

Motorola today announced the completion of the first phase of deployment of its end-to-end WiMAX network for wi-tribe, a wireless broadband Internet provider in Pakistan.
Motorola said that the agreement for phase two includes further expansion of the existing footprint.
During the first phase of the WiMAX network deployment, Motorola supplied infrastructure and a comprehensive services package that offers cost-effective, compelling wireless broadband services to wi-tribe customers in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The recent signing for the second phase of deployment will enhance the customer coverage footprint in the existing cities and further expand the WiMAX network to newer cities.
“We are constantly upgrading our offerings to provide our customers with the latest advances in high-speed communication services,” said Mustafa Peracha, CEO, wi-tribe Pakistan Limited. “By teaming with Motorola, we are delivering affordable wireless Internet and allowing for an expanded network of seamless connectivity across Pakistan.”
During the second phase of the deployment, Motorola will introduce its next-generation WiMAX access point, the WAP 650, a four transmit antenna and four receive antenna product providing enhanced coverage and capacity.
Ali Amer, vice president and general manager, Motorola Networks, Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Motorola has positioned itself as a leader in Pakistan for end-to-end network solutions following the successful completion of the first phase of deployment of wi-tribe’s WiMAX network in Pakistan. As we embark on the next phase of delivery, we look forward to providing affordable and portable Internet connectivity with enhanced coverage for wi-tribe customers.”

Samsung unleashes Wave and Champ Mobile Handsets

Samsung Wave Samsung unleashes Wave and Champ Mobile Handsets


Samsung Champ Samsung unleashes Wave and Champ Mobile Handsets

Samsung has unveiled its new range of mobile phones Samsung WAVE and CHAMP for its Pakistan customers at a local hotel today. The launch was attended by senior media scribes who witnessed wide array of the new mobile phone features.
Zeeshan Qureshi, Head of Mobile Phones Division, Samsung Pakistan & Afghanistan at this occasion expressing his views stated, “Samsung’s Wave and Samsung’s Champ mobile phones are our commitment to deliver rich, connected and innovative smart phone experience to everyone. By launching these two phones we want to strengthen our leadership with the overall touch-screen handset category.”
Steve Han, General Manager, Samsung Pakistan stated, “These phones are designed for individuals who seek innovative and productive ways of using their mobile phones. The Samsung’s latest phones offer an unrivalled level of performance, customization and choice in how they connect with their world.”
Samsung Wave
Based on Bada Samsung Wave offers AMOLED 3.3” display that makes the screen truly come alive, a social Hub to bring closer to contacts and connections and TouchWiz for an intuitive customizable user interface. Multi-codec support for DivXXvid, MP4 and WMV and supports for virtual 5.1 surround delivery transforms the device into a personal entertainment system. Above all HD video decoding and recording capabilities make the Samsung Wave an outstanding device for capturing and sharing equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Samsung wave is priced in Pakistan at Rs. 56,000
Samsung Champ
The Samsung Champ enables an immerse experience with a built-in radio, 3D sound effects and a dual speaker. With its long battery life consumers won’t have to sacrifice portability and can enjoy hours of multimedia use. Users can download java applications and enjoy embedded java apps. Champ offers Bluetooth; 2.4” touch display, 8 GB memory and ultra compact design.

Easypaisa Now Offers Mobile Top Up

Telenor users can now pay their Postpaid Bills (Persona) and also can recharge their prepaid balance (Djuice & Talkshawk) through their easypaisa mobile account.
This service is available to all Telenor easypaisa mobile account holders.
That’s not all! With convenience also comes greater value. Win free minutes on every recharge of Rs.75 (for prepaid) and on every monthly bill paid of Rs.700 (postpaid).
Special Offer
  • Talkshawk and Djuice Customers Win 25 free on net minutes on every Mobile Top Up of PKR 75 from your mobile account to your own number.
  • Persona Customers (Easy, Simple and Karobaar packages only) Win 50 free on net minutes and 50 free SMS on Mobile Top Up of PKR 700 or above every month.
How to Recharge:
Prepaid Users:
prepaid users Easypaisa Now Offers Mobile Top Up
Postpaid Users:
postpaid users Easypaisa Now Offers Mobile Top Up
Pricing:
No fee will be charged on Airtime top up Transaction through Mobile Account.
Transaction Limits:
  • For Talkshawk and Djuice customers: Min Transaction: Rs 10 – Max Transaction: Rs. 5000
  • For Persona customers: Min Transaction: Rs 10 – Max Transaction: Rs. 5000
Features
  • This service is available for all Talkshawk, Djuice and Persona customers.
  • No extra charges.
  • Mobile Account user will be able to purchase prepaid airtime for themselves and others who have Telenor prepaid connections.
  • Mobile Account User will be able to pay their own postpaid bill or on behalf of other customers possessing Telenor postpaid connection.
  • Cash in amount will be reimbursed to customers on Mobile Top Up transactions.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Laptop Cooling Pads and Their Benifits

Laptop Cooler Pad AA CP4000  300x293 Laptop Cooling Pads and Their BenifitsLaptops, a status symbol not long ago, have assumed the status of a house hold name now as people have become increasingly dependent on this tool due to its easy portability.
Today, laptop users are interested in high resolution laptops, which provide maximum entertainment features including but not limited to high speed processors, dedicated high speed graphic cards and wide screen displays.
These enhancements have their worrying aspects as well. High room temperatures and sometimes due to lack of high heat dissipation laptops figure out with problems like restarting on heating or shutting down or any other malfunctioning.
Problem gets worse if you are using laptop as your primary computing device. In such situations, cooling pad is an accessory for laptops that helps reduce their operating temperature.
Normally used when the laptop’s fan device is unable to sufficiently cool the laptop, a cooling pad may house active or passive cooling methods and rests beneath the laptop.
Active coolers move air or liquid to direct heat away from the laptop quickly, while passive methods may rely on thermally conductive materials or increasing passive airflow.
These cooling pads are a must for any laptop keeping in view the fact that they are not expensive and they save expensive motherboards and any other part of lap tops from being malfunctioned. So, one may safely draw the conclusion that this small device helps saving precious motherboards or processors.
The users in this way are saved from the hassle of their laptops going out of order and losing important data during the process.
Two types of laptops cooling pads are available in the market so far and these are:
  • Cooling Pads with Fans
  • Cooling pads without Fans
Cooling pads that use fans consist of fans ranging from 1 to 3 or 4 fans on a single pad meant to be used for a single laptop. Cooling pads with fans are made up of plastic, aluminum or heat dissipation materials like heat sink of aluminum alloys. Cooling pads with fans are usually plug-in to laptop usb port by having usb cable, in which one end may be of usb port and other is power cord, like laptop charger.
While cooling pads without fans does not require any connectivity thorough usb or something else, they absorb the heat within them.
Selection of cooling pads must be made wisely and based on important factors like size of laptop and its usage must. As it is said in proverbial English the size does MATTER, the larger the size the larger the cooling pad and vice versa.
Please remember some cooling pads offer the speed choice as a button is placed in them to determine/vary the speed but this feature is not available I all cooling fans. Fans speeds are also adjustable in some cooling pads by using fan buttons.
Some cooling pads also represent different LEDs like POWER ON, FAN Speed functions. Though many cooler pads support the use of a power adapter, they typically run on power drawn through one of the laptop’s USB ports. Many cooler pads therefore compensate with a built-in USB hub. Other advanced features include card readers for various forms of media such as key drives, memory cards, and 2.5″ Laptop hard disk drives.
What to consider before buying?
  • Compatibility of cooling pad with the size of your lap top
  • Decision to buy a typical type of cooling pad i.e. Fan cooling pads or heat absorbing cooling pads.
  • Speed adjustment button. This feature may not be available in all pads, so watch out for the one.
  • LED indicators.
  • Ergonomic Shaped.
  • USB cable.
  • FAN speed like 1500 RPM.
  • Appropriate and not exceedingly high noise level like 25 DBA.
Availability in Pakistan:
Laptop cooling pad is available online in Pakistan ranging from PKR 999/- to PKR 6,000 on Symbios.pk and homeshopping.pk. Price variation could be a possibility during market survey in order to buy the device. (Prices are subject to change)
Disclaimer: Websites mentioned here are referred to for academic purpose only with no commercial interest involved. They are mentioned in good faith and the author is not responsible for any purchase /sale /exchange/loss/ decision made. Exercise your independent judgment in this regard.

Microsoft Office 2010 Goes on Sale, Worldwide!

Microsoft Office 2010 Microsoft Office 2010 Goes on Sale, Worldwide!Microsoft has announced the worldwide availability of Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft Visio 2010 and Microsoft Project 2010.
Office 2010 is available in 10 languages and will expand to 94 languages. Product comes in following variants
  • Office 2010 Home and Student : $149
  • Office 2010 Home and Business: $249
  • Office 2010 Business Professional: $449
You can try Office 2010 before purchasing for 60 days, here is the link
The suite, which was announced last year had 9 million downloads in its beta program.
We tried contacting Microsoft Pakistan to find out places for buying Office 2010 but we didn’t get the concerned person on the phone. We will update this post if we get a call back as promised.
Microsoft Pakistan held a launch event for Office 2010 in Lahore last month.
You may also want to try Microsoft Resellers in Pakistan, details are available here
Update: Here is the list of retailers in Pakistan where you can get genuine copy of Microsoft Office 2010:
Name Company Contact number
Ifran ul haq DataTech Services 92-51-2876847
Abdul wahab JN Technologies 92 51 5584710
Abrar Ahmed Paper Comm. 0300-8558565
Tahir AR Pak Mac Links 92 51 2829874
Tahir Zafar Computer Data Solutions 92 91 5842846  – 5843506
Haseeb Ahmed HB Computers 92 51 111586586
Amir Shahzad SSI Technologies 92 51 2874336
saleem farooq pchouse 92-51-2872396
Abdul Aleem Compsi 111-007-007 /35836744
Fahim E. Sheikh TechnoBiz +92 (42) 37521216, +92 (42) 37520768
Salman Shaikh Zebra Store 021-32720671/ 0333-2609101
Dheeraj Jogis Computer Super Store 4542282/4381671
Rehan + Absaar Computer Center 4931282
Junaid Khatri Kharti’s Computers 5860275, cell 0321-2436062
Adnan / Ghazi AlAnum Computers 4969604/4970970, Cell: 0300-9264144
Faraz / Asif Durwesh Digital Launch 021-35375000, 021-35376000
Shahzad + Irfan Citizen Computers 5862893
Sumair/ Saleem Galaxy Computers 092-21-2433734
Arshi Ladha Arshi Computers 0300-9292638
Rehan Iqbal + Salman Iqbal Computer Zone 0321-2420445
Faisal Naseem Ahmed Meson Computers 92 21 6678288



 Yaseen Reliance Traders 92 21 2215244











Email Seriel Wise
irfan_dts@hotmail.com
jns-786@hotmail.com
paper@dsl.net.pk
tahir@pakmac.com
cds@cds.com.pk
hbcomp@isb.paknet.com.pk
ssitech@isb.paknet.com.pk
pchouseisb@hotmail.com
aa@compsi.com
fahim@technobiz.com.pk
sandsonoo@hotmail.com
jogis_css@hotmail.com
compcent@cyber.net.pk
khatrijunaid@live.com
ghazi@alanum.com
digitallounge@hotmail.com
irfan@citizentechnologies.com
sales@galaxy.com.pk
arshi@arshi.com.pk
info@computerzone.com.pk
meson@cubexs.net.pk
reliance@super.net.pk

Win Free Minutes, SMS with Ufone SIM Lagao Offer

ufone sim lagao 300x215 Win Free Minutes, SMS with Ufone SIM Lagao OfferIf you haven’t used your Ufone SIM since March 15th, 2010 then this is the time to get it back – and in return you can get:
  • Upto 1,000 Free Minutes – equivalent of recharge till July 14th, for instance if you recharge Rs. 50 you will get 50 free minutes
  • 10,000 Free SMS – divided in three months
  • and a chance to win 1,000,000 free minutes through lucky draw
How to Participate?
Just put your Ufone SIM back and get free minutes and SMS, simply by sending ‘FREE’ in an SMS to 234.
Terms and Conditions:
  • This offer is valid from 15th June, 2010 to 14th July, 2010
  • Till 14th July, 2010 on every recharge of Rs. 50, 50 free minutes will be given.
  • Free minutes will be given within 48 hours
  • The first 3000 free SMS will be given on the recharge of at least Rs.50 balance, on the next day.
  • For the second month, 3000 free SMS will be given on the usage of at least Rs.150 balance within 30 days from the first recharge.
  • For the third month, 4000 free SMS will be given on the usage of additional Rs.150 balance in the second month.
  • Maximum 1000 free minutes and 10,000 free SMS will be given.
  • Free minutes will be valid for 7 days and SMS for 30 days.
  • The usage of at least Rs. 150 within 30 days from the first recharge will allow entry into the lucky draw for 1,000,000 minutes.
  • Free minutes will be valid for On-net calls only.
  • The lucky draw for 1,000,000 free minutes will be held on 14th August, 2010.
  • 1,000,000 free minutes will be given according to 30,000 minutes per month for the period of 34 months
  • The given 30,000 minutes will be valid up to one month
  • The free minutes are for Ufone to Ufone and SMS is for any network.
  • Terms and Conditions apply.
  • 19.5% FED on usage and 10% withholding tax at recharge or bill applies

Microsoft Pakistan Lacunhes Computer Literacy Programme

To bridge the digital divide in Pakistan, Microsoft has started computer literacy programmes to equip the people with technology skills, said Marketing Lead, Microsoft, Shoaib Khalil. Briefing media, he said, Microsoft had initiated a larger programme to train the locals in Gilgit-Baltistan. “Some 700 students have been imparted the computer literacy so far,” he added.
He said Microsoft would further widen the computer literacy scale in the northern areas of Pakistan this year. He said Microsoft was also working in Punjab, Sindh and other provinces of the country for improving the computer literacy rate.
Microsoft is also providing training to the local private sector and working close with academia under the same objective. Shoaib also informed the media men about the upcoming products of Microsoft, which soon would appear on the global markets. Technology Consultant, Microsoft Pakistan, Jibran Jamshed highlighted the growing significance of technology in the businesses and other sectors in the modern day environment.
He said Microsoft had a range of products in all categories to meet the soaring demands of all sectors. He also highlighted the significant features of Windows 7 with the help of a video presentation, saying the operating system was easier to use. Microsoft- mouse mischief, he said, was another prime feature of Windows 7, which helped school kids learn and express their opinions. Later, Shoaib told the reporters about the Microsoft’s initiative to also help the orphan children of the society learn computer education. A presentation video about the Microsoft’s initiative was also shown.

PTA Explains How Increased ASR Helped the Industry

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has denied the reported loss of Rs. 30 billion per year, as claimed by a report appeared in The Dawn yesterday.
PTA in an official statement said that increased approved settlement rates or ASR has resulted positively for funds collected for Universal Service Fund (USF). PTA in its statement said that increased ASR helped broadband enrichment in the country along with many other projects that are running on the shoulders of ASR.
PTA has said that its decision of increasing ASR is appeal-able in the court, thus anyone having any reservations can challenge authority’s decision.
PTA further maintained that international incoming traffic was not impacted due to hike in ASR, however, PTA didn’t mention the stats of illegal traffic during the years.
Following is the complete press release issued by the authority.
The increases in Approved Settlement Rates (ASR) are made on the basis that the level of ASR directly affects the contributions towards USF for proliferation of telecom services and the same was increased to help the Government to expand the USF projects in remote areas.
Number of projects has lately been completed by USF Fund in Sindh and Balochistan. Five Optical Fibre projects costing Rs. 4.5 Billion and Twelve Broadband projects costing Rs. 6.35 Billion have already been awarded.
Owing to this, the broadband proliferation has increased manifold in Pakistan showing a growth of 150%, thus putting Pakistan amongst the top ten countries in the world in terms of growth. The broadband subscribers have reached approximately 0.8 Million. Therefore as reported in certain section of the media, government has not suffered a loss of Rs 30 billion on account of collection of Access Promotion Contribution (APC).
On account of APC for USF, PTA was collecting:
  • Rs.12 million/month in January, 2005
  • Rs.85 million in October, 2007
  • Rs.86 million in May, 2008
  • Rs.1083 million/month in Feb 2009
  • Rs.1564 million/month in Feb, July, 2009
In fact, as data shows, changes in the APC and ASR over the period of time have helped in increase of revenues to the USF Fund.
Historically, when ASR was at its minimum level from October 2007-April 2008, the average monthly minutes were 499 Million per month. In May 2008, when the ASR was increased to 10 cents/minute, there was no negative impact on the traffic pattern due to the installation of equipment to curb grey traffic.
From May 2008 onwards, average incoming traffic remained at 500 plus Million minutes per month, resulting in an increase in APC for USF contribution of US$ 14 Million per month (May 2008-Jan 2009) which further increased to US$ 22 Million per month from February 2009 to June 2009 when PTA increased the ASR to 12.5 cents/minute.
Since the reported traffic never reached to the level of one billion minutes per month even when ASR was at its minimum level, the assumption that the legal traffic fell below 400 Million minutes per month, thereby resulting in a loss of Rs 30 Billion, as being projected in the media, is not based on facts.
Another reason for increase in ASR is that the earlier reductions in ASR were not passed on to the end users by foreign operators who continued to charge high tariffs from users calling Pakistan from abroad and the same was conveyed to PTA through complaints from Pakistani expatriates.
The Telecom Act 1996 and APC Regulations empower PTA to revise ASR/APC which PTA carries out after the due consultation with telecom operators through a fair and transparent method. And the decision of PTA is appealable in the courts as well.
PTA conducted 28 successful raids, on grey traffickers, since March 2009, which included small and big gateway operators. Number of persons including foreigners were also apprehended. In the campaign against illegal telephony 20,092 mobile SIMs were blocked. Furthermore, licenses of Local Loop operators and LDI operators were suspended, while LDI operators were also fined on this account. Thousands of operators/equipments involved into grey traffic are being blocked every month. PTA has saved Rs.1.5 billion (US$ 18 Million per month) so far by taking action against the illegal operators and after installation of latest equipment in April 2008 at PTA.
It is pertinent to mention here that PTA has established a dedicated Vigilance Cell of experts whose expertise are well recognized in monitoring such illegal telecom traffic with the help of state-of-the-art equipment to curb the grey traffic. International regulators have shown their interest to acquire similar system to curb grey traffic in their respective jurisdictions.

PTA Announces Gold Medal for IT&T Students

ad goldmedal 150610 184x300 PTA Announces Gold Medal for IT&T Students
Click on Image to Enlarge
To encourage IT and Telecom students of Pakistan, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has announced awards for those Students who have presented, prepared and submitted unique research project in Telecom and IT of extra ordinary level will be awarded with medals and cash prize.
Students of HEC recognized universities, who have completed their final research project in this summer, can submit their research project through their respective universities (Recommendation letter from Dean/HOD is mandatory) to compete for Gold Medal and cash prize of 50,000.
One award is specifically reserved for Baluchistan.
Projects can be submitted upto July 1, 2010 along with Students academia record and achievements to PTA at following address:
Director (Ecnomic Affairs)
PTA Headquarters, F 5/1,
Islamabad,
For inquiries: Tel: 051-9225315 or arif@pta.gov.pk

Switch to Ufone Uth and Win Prizes

Ufone Uth Switch to Ufone Uth and Win PrizesUfone is offering its subscribers to opt for Uth package before 30th June, 2010, and enter a lucky draw to win
  • Return Ticket to anywhere in the World
  • iPads
  • handsets and T-shirts!
Don’t miss out!
How to Convert?
SMS 22 to 444 to convert your package to Uth, for more details of Uth Package click here
Terms & Conditions:
  • All customers who will convert on Uth Package till 30th June will be eligible for this lucky draw.
  • The customer should be on the Uth Package at the time of execution of the lucky draw.
  • The winning subscribers will be informed and they can collect their prize from the nearest service center within 2 weeks.
  • This promotion is not open to employees, service providers, agencies, and third party staff of Ufone or any person directly or indirectly involved in running of this lucky draw promotion.
  • The customers with valid ownership of the connection will be eligible for this promotion.
  • Ufone reserves the right to draw reserve winners to substitute any winner subsequently found to be disqualified.
  • Ufone reserves the right to publish the winners’ names and pictures for marketing campaign for campaigns and press release
  • Customer representative will inform the subscriber about the ticket prize, and will ask him/her the required destination. Visa, related documentation and legal requirements will be the responsibility of the subscriber

PTCL Resumes its Cricket-Info Service

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has resumed its ‘Cricket Info Service’ for their valued customers who are die-hard fans of Cricket. This initiative has been taken in view of Asia Cup 2010’s and the resulting cricket mania so that the cricket fans get un-interrupted updates.
This service will provide live cricket commentary on their landline telephone, especially during load shedding hours..
Customers can access this service and start hearing live commentary of Asia Cup by dialing 1216 from their telephone sets. The service has been activated from June 15, 2010. Any additional information about the service can be obtained from the helpline, 1236.
SEVP Commercial Naveed Saeed has said that this service has especially been designed keeping in mind our people’s interest in cricket. PTCL always aims to keep them updated with ball to ball uninterrupted live commentary. He further added through this service more value is offered along with creating excitement among the existing and potential customers.
Asif Inam EVP Consumer Services said the launch of this service will reinforce top of the mind presence of PTCL and its positive image as a customer centric organization, that facilitates us customers by bringing to them Live Cricket commentary on their telephone.

Win SMS, Mins, Cars, Bikes and Cash – Zong On Hay

Zong has announced rewards for those who will remain on its network with number switched on – yes, just keeping your number switched on, may get you free SMS, minutes and a chance to win prizes including Suzuki Mehran, Bikes and cash.
This is first of its kind reward program for prepaid cellular users. Zong says that this program is designed to gain the most out of a consumer based reward programs which sidelines the usual practice of all operators of offering Sim lagao/Jagao campaigns.
Free SMS:
Customers will get free SMS based on the number of days they keep their phone on !
For example if a customer keeps his phone on for 5 days; on day 6th day subscriber will receive a SMS that he/she has won 10 free SMS and should call on 710 to redeem them. These free SMS are valid for 2 days. If the subscriber keeps their phone on for 5 more days until day 10; on day 11, they will receive a further 15 free SMS (redemption process will remain same). The grid below shows the free SMS received by 1 subscriber depending on how many days their phone is kept on.
Zong Free SMS Win SMS, Mins, Cars, Bikes and Cash   Zong On Hay
Example : If you keep your phone on for 31 days, they will have received a TOTAL of 150 free SMS from ZONG – 10 free SMS after 5 day, 15 free SMS on 11th day, 20 free SMS on day 16, 25 free SMS on day 21, 30 free SMS on day 26 and 50 free SMS on day 31.
Therefore if you keep your phone continuously on for 120 days, the total number of free SMS you will receive from ZONG in this period is 865 SMS.
Please note:
  • All incentives are given automatically on redemption through 710 – you will receive a SMS as you are eligible.
  • This reward is time based.
Free Minutes and SMS
In addition, if you spend more than or equal to Rs 210 in the last 30 days, you will receive additional free SMS and free On-net minutes. The grid for this is given below:
Zong Reward Minutes SMS Win SMS, Mins, Cars, Bikes and Cash   Zong On Hay
Example:
For example, if you spend Rs 210 in the last 30 days from the beginning of this offer, you will receive 5 free on net minutes and 20 free SMS, valid for 3 days.
In the next 30 days, if you spend Rs 300, you will receive 20 free on net minutes and 30 free SMS, valid for 3 days. You will receive a notification via SMS, all you need to do is call 710 to redeem your free minutes and SMS.
Lucky Draw:
15 days from the start of the campaign, there will be a lucky draw for Subscribers who have kept phone on for 15 days continuously will be eligible for participation. Also, for every day they keep their phone on after the 15th day they will get them many extra entries in the lucky draw .
There will be 3 types of lucky draws held the details of which are shown below. For each type there will be qualifying number of days (15) that the phone must be kept continuously “ON” and for every subsequent day the phone is kept on a new entry will be awarded in the lucky draw.
The table below shows the qualifying number of days and prizes.
Zong Reward Lucky Draw Win SMS, Mins, Cars, Bikes and Cash   Zong On Hay
Lucky Draw for Suzuki Mehran
  • All ZONG prepaid subscribers who have kept their phone on continuously for more than 15 days are automatically eligible for this draw.
  • Draw for Suzuki Mehran will be done monthly through a computer program and winners will be notified by SMS to visit their nearest CSC for further details.
  • Tax is deducted on prize @ 20% of value
Lucky Draw for Bikes
  • All ZONG prepaid subscribers who have kept their phone on continuously for more than 15 days are automatically eligible for this draw.
  • Draw will be done weekly through a computer program and winners will be notified by SMS to visit their nearest CSC for further details.
  • Tax is deducted on prize @ 20% of value
Lucky Draw for Cash Prizes
  • Any ZONG prepaid subscriber who has kept their phone on continuously for 15 days is automatically entered into this lucky draw.
  • Lucky draw for cash prizes will be held daily after 15 days from the start of the campaign.
  • There are daily cash prizes for Rs 1000 and Rs 500.
  • The cash prizes will be handed over to the winning subscribers through the CSCs.
  • Each winner will be sent an SMS, they will have to go to their nearest CSC, with winner notification SMS, original CNIC, MSISDN.
  • Tax is deducted on cash prize money @ 20% so winners of Rs 1000 will receive Rs 800 cash in hand and winners of Rs 500 prize will receive Rs 400 cash in hand
  • For cash prizes, subscribers who generate more than Rs 50 in 3 days, get an extra entry into the cash lucky draw
Terms & condition
  • Each winner will be notified via SMS and all prizes must be collected from Customer Services Centers within 5 days of receiving SMS notification (this applies to cash, bike and car prizes) otherwise it will be void
  • Prizes will only be given to winners whose names and CNIC matches the name and CNIC on the winning number.
  • The decision of company on all awards will be final.
  • Validity of Free SMS for first 30 days will be 2 days, above 30 days is 3 days
  • Validity of free SMS/minutes given on basis of monthly usage will be 3 days each.
  • This is a limited time offer.

Mobilink Challenges your Cricket Knowledge with Jazz Cric-IQ2

image002 Mobilink Challenges your Cricket Knowledge with Jazz Cric IQ2As Asia Cup 2010 commences today, so does Mobilink Jazz Cric-IQ2 ; a trivia contest that challenges cricket knowledge and gives all cricket lovers a chance to win cricket bats signed by Pakistan cricket stars.
In order to participate in the lucky draw for 20 signed souvenir bats, answer questions that test your Cricket IQ.
Join SimplyMobilink page on Facebook today by visiting http://www.facebook.com/home/SimplyMobilinkOfficial and click on the JazzCric-IQ2 tab and enter into the contest right away.
Mobilink Jazz Cric-IQ2 ends with Asia Cup 2010 so hurry up now and start sending in your correct entries in Jazz Cric-IQ2 to increase your chances of winning!
Mobilink is the official cellular phone company of Pakistan Cricket Board. From introducing interesting value added services like cricket alerts, match schedules, live commentary, and latest video clips  of wickets to giving cricket lovers a chance to meet cricket legends like Wasim Akram, Shahid Afridi and Muhammad Razzaq, Mobilink Jazz remains on top to cater to the ultimate cricket fervor in Pakistan.
Terms & Conditions
  • The last date to enter into the contest is 25th June
  • All correct entries will be included in the lucky draw
  • The names of 20 lucky winners will be announced on SimplyMobilink Facebook page on 28th June
  • Prizes will be delivered within two weeks of results announcement

Samsung Promotes Pakistan’s soft image with a Photo Exhibition

Samsung has sponsored a photo exhibition of a Korean photographer Yoo-Beyl-nam at the National Art Gallery Islamabad.
Inaugurated by the Ambassador of Republic of Korea, this exhibition aims to promote photography and project a more positive image of Pakistan. The event is also supported by the Embassy of Republic of Korea, National Council of Art, and the Ministry of Culture, Government of Pakistan.
Samsung aims to explore the beauty of Pakistan and promote tourism by sponsoring such positive social events. The show will continue till 25th of June, where the aesthetically inspired photography work by Yoo-Beyl-nam will be displayed.
This young photographer and traveler has assumed Pakistan as his second home and portrays the land and the people of the country beautifully. At the exhibition Mr. Yoo Beyl-nam will introduce the audience to his pictorial experiences across Pakistan.
The General Manager Samsung Pakistan Mr. Steve Han expressed his opinion by saying; “This exhibition will help in promoting the landscape, culture and warmth of the people of Pakistan. Besides that, it also reflects the ties between the people of Korea and Pakistan. Samsung seeks to further strengthen these relations by providing the most innovative high-quality products from Korea”.
The photographer Yoo-Beyl-nam came to Pakistan in the year 2000 and the trip changed his course of life from being a sculptor to a professional photographer. Yoo has also published a book, titled “InshaAllah” in 2006 in which he introduced the people and the natural scenery of Pakistan, through the photographs he captured during his trip through Pakistan. He has already held several exhibitions of his photography in Seoul, Korea. During his several television and Radio appearances, he says that he is deeply inspired by the people, places, culture and traditions of Pakistan.

PTCL’s Budget Document Got Leaked, Projects 9 Bln Revenues Next Year

Aftab Maken of “The News” has been lucky in getting the scoops from someone at the top level management at PTCL. He has uncovered plenty of proceedings from Board of Directors’ meeting in the past and he has done it again today.
This time he has produced this budget report that has all the details of PTCL’s (will be) doings during 2010-2011, including the revenues, expenses, lay-off details, taxation and much more.
Aftab claims that PTCL has projected over Rs 9 billion profits for the next financial year without a single penny of investment for facilitating its over 4.5 million subscribers, citing the document that was made available to him.
Aftab notes that despite increase in its revenue, interestingly the company’s allocation for the provision of taxes will nearly remained unchanged at Rs 4.913 billion against last year’s payment of Rs 4.970 billion.
Revenues
Of the total net revenue of Rs. 60.39 billion for FY2010/11 against last year’s collection of Rs. 54.15 billion, the company will have billions of rupees under its services, including MM & BB, international business, wireless (WLL), Evo, carrier and wholesale and corporate services.
Revenues Break-up
  • Rs 8.086 billion from MM & BB
  • Rs 7.241 billion of international business
  • Rs 2.284 from WLL
  • Rs 1.230 billion from Evo
  • Rs 11.412 billion of carrier and wholesale
  • Rs 7.368 billion from corporate services.
  • Rs 2.685 billion under the head of return on deposits and investments
  • Rs 182 million of late payment
  • Rs176 million under the head of miscellaneous.
Operating Expenses
The operating expenses of the PTCL also amounts to Rs 49.014 billion for FY2010/11 against last year’s expenses of Rs 44.382 billion, an increase of 10 per cent, while there is no mention of any investment for improving the quality of the service and introduction of new technologies.
Expense Break-up
  • Rs 12.351 billion has been allocated for depreciation and amortization
  • Rs 11.132 billion for employment costs
  • Rs 5.799 billion for foreign operator’s cost
  • Rs 2.429 billion for cable and satellite charges
  • Rs 4.062 billion for fuel and power
  • Rs 1.8 billion for doubtful debts
  • Rs 2.705 billion for repairs and maintenance
  • Rs 1.701 billion for subscriber’s acquisition cost
  • Rs 3.014 billion for licenses and regulatory charges
  • Rs 1.317 billion for marketing expenses
  • Rs 469 million for rent, rates and taxes
  • Rs 771 million for USF
  • Rs1.464 billion under the head of other expenses.
  • Rs 400 million under the head of medical expenses for 29,381 employees
  • Rs 134 million as productivity incentive for the employees.
The PTCL also continues its downsizing policy of employees, including senior management to mid and junior managers and it will lay off another 83 employees during the financial year 2010/11.
Aftab claims that the total lay off employees include two posts of executive vice presidents, five posts of general managers, five posts of senior managers and mangers each, 17 posts of assistant mangers, management trainees and 49 posts of non-management trainees.

PTA Issued Policy Guidelines to Monitor Internet

Ministry of information Technology informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) that it had issued policy guidelines to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for effective monitoring and to restrict any offensive or blasphemous content on the internet in Pakistan.
As per these policy guidelines, PTA should establish a complaint cell to avoid access of offensive information from public domain and take preventive measures to block the same.
Any web-site at URL or IP level would be blocked after proper investigation by inter-ministerial committee for the valuation of web-sites at the receipt of information or complaint from any source, as soon as information is received by the IT ministry.
The committee will evaluate reported content provided through Internet with the view to determine its suitability for display or hosting it on Pakistani portal. On the recommendation of the committee, federal government should issue directive to PTA for blocking web-sites which contained material like information pertaining to any objectionable content that undermine Islam or ridicule, disparage or attack any religion, ethnic group, region, or any group’s reverend practices.
Sites that would bring contempt to the country or its people so as to undermine integrity and solidarity of the state, violate any provision of the constitution or law of the land, promotes or support sedition, terrorism, anarchy or violence in the country or bring contempt to the defense forces, police, air force or other institution of government or to divulge any secret information relating to defense and other services.
Sites that contain propaganda in favour of any foreign state or against any friendly foreign state, or hurt national sentiments. In case of any information received by complaint cell about said materials, would be blocked as soon as possible but not later than 24 hours subject to approval of evaluation committee.
The committee will refer all objectionable web-sites to PTA for blockage of such web-sites through its telecom licensees as the case maybe. In case of any criminal proceedings, the committee will forward the cases to FIA to take action under relevant law. However, PTA will provide information through its licensees to FIA in such cases. Meanwhile, PTA also told the court that under Pakistan telecommunication (re-organisation) Act 1996, it had not been given mandate to regulate contents transmitted through Internet. All policy directives on the matters related to telecommunication were issued by federal government, and PTA only implemented the same.
Via Business Recorder

Pay wi-tribe Bills Through Easypaisa

wi-tribe has partnered with Easypaisa to make it possible for customers to pay their bills through easypaisa mobile wallet or easypaisa outlets (any easypaisa shop, Telenor Franchise, Telenor S&SC or any branch of Tameer Bank)
How to use pay bills via EasyPaisa outlet:
Simply go to any Easypaisa outlet along with your wi-tribe customer ID and that’s it.
How to use pay bills via Mobile Wallet
You will have follow this chart in order to pay bills from Easypaisa Mobile Wallet

Bill Pay Pay wi tribe Bills Through Easypaisa
Sample bill recipient would be like this:
witribe1 Pay wi tribe Bills Through Easypaisa
Charges
  • OTC (Over The Counter) = Free
  • Mobile Accounts = Rs. 10.00
  • Transaction limit apply