Zong Sets Popular Trends In Cellular Sector

Zong has set unique and popular trends in Pakistan by offering innovative and first-up products and services in the industry. It has boosted the the pace of cellular sector by offering very catchy service rates, free minutes offers, bundle SMS packages and value-added offers.

Since start of its services three years back in Pakistan, Zong has reportedly bagged 9 million customers in commercial, urban, deserted and mountainous cities. (There are un-official reports that Zong has crosses 10 million subscribers’ mark)

The cellular operator is strengthening its position by further expanding its network in nook and corner of the country with handsome foreign direct investment and latest technology.

Following is a roundup of Zong’s popular services:

Zong LBC Packages

Zong emerged as a trend-setter with its unique offer of Location Based Charging (LBC) in Pakistan. It started its offer first in Lahore and then in Karachi, Faisalabad, with ultimately covering more than 100 cities.

These LBC packages such as Lahore Unlimited and Karachi Unlimited – went successful and got wide popularity among the subscribers as players like Mobilink and Ufone also followed it and introduced their LBC packages to retain their share in the stiff competitive market.

Zong MNP Offers

The operator intensified war in the cellular sector and grabbed its share not only through its normal packages but with MNP too. It has played a key role in the industry to promote MNP service by its advertisement and became successful by acquiring huge number of customers from others’ networks.

Other operators followed the same suit later on and came up free minutes and SMS with supporting advertisement to attract customers of rival networks through MNP facility.

Mobile Internet

Zong is a pioneer in introducing internet mobile services on daily and hourly subscriptions. This trend was copied as all operators have now designed and offered their daily internet packages.

Mobile Handsets

Previously mobile handsets were being sold by mobile operators but Zong adopted this approach of offering low-end handsets with low cost bundled with free minutes and SMS on yearly basis.

Besides, Zong’s branded Android Ideos were first to hit Pakistan, which were primarily aimed at low-mid end customers.

Zong Daily Subscription Offers

Zong has emerged as a popular brand with its unique bundle offers. It started daily subscription of its call package and SMS bundle two and half years ago which were later followed by different operators in the industry.

Zong Call Unique Rates

The call rates were different and facilitating for customers, as Zong left no stone unturned to provide packages that a customer actually needs to use in her or his daily life.

The Z20, which was introduced on the occasion of T20 World Cup, was one of its kinds. Similarly, 100 pay 100 offer was proved to be a matchless package offered by any operators so far. This package was widely availed by customers in the limited time period.

It also offered, 12 Anay, 45 paisa per half min, 65 paisas per half min, Family Package and etc. and remained unbeaten in cellular sector on its unique call rates offer.

Zong Special Number

Zong presented special number offers for new customers keeping in mind their choice and desire of exclusivity. Subscriber got numbers on their Names, Important Dates Shorts Phrases and Zodiac Sign.

M9: What is your plan?

M9, a brand of Zong was introduced in December 2010. It offers most unique package plan for the customers with the liberty to have their choice for number.

The idea to attract huge customers through numbers is a tremendous technique that Zong has really focused on. It fast introduced special number offer, then MNP and by M9, where customers got their lucky number with the advice of numerologist.

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Affordable Nokia Lumia 610 Launched in Pakistan

Nokia Lumia 610, claimed to be the most affordable Lumia series smartphone, is now available in Pakistan. It was released worldwide in April 2012.

Powered by a Windows 7.5 OS, Nokia Lumia 610 offers the sleekness of the Windows smartphone coupled with the affordability and reliable warranty of Nokia.

The Nokia Lumia 610 is designed as the perfect introduction to Windows Phone for a younger audience. Running on the Windows Phone 7.5, the Nokia Lumia 610 comes with Nokia Music with Mix Radio, Creative Studio, WiFi tethering, Flip-to-Silence and Play To.

The device comes preloaded with Nokia’s suite of experiences including Nokia Maps, Nokia Drive and Nokia Transport, in addition to over 100,000 apps to choose from on the Windows Marketplace., the built-in Microsoft Office app and Xbox Live. People Hub makes it easy for people to keep in touch with friends, providing instant access to social networks and bringing all mobile, email, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn contacts into one place.

"The Nokia Lumia 610 will introduce Windows Phone to a new generation of local smartphone users, offering them something different and valuable in terms of pricing and features," said Arif Shafique, GM Operations, Nokia Pakistan. "With Nokia services, quality apps and a plethora of built-in features coupled with a fast and friendly interface, Nokia Lumia 610 has everything in the package to make it an instant hit among the aspiring youth of Pakistan.”

Nokia Lumia 610 Specifications:

• OS: Microsoft Windows Phone 7.5 Mango
• Chipset: Qualcomm MSM7227A Snapdragon
• CPU: 800 MHz ARM Cortex-A5
• GPU: Adreno 200
• Design:
• Dimensions: 119 x 62 x 12 mm
• Weight: 131.5 g
• Display:
• Type:TFT capacitive touchscreen, 65K colors
• Size: 480 x 800 pixels, 3.7 inches
• Memory:
• Internal: 8 GB storage, 256 MB RAM
• Card Slot: No
• Connectivity: GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth, USB
• Camera: 5 MP, autofocus, LED flash
• Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity, compass
• Battery:
• Standard battery, Li-Ion 1300 mAh (BP-3L)
• Stand-by: Up to 670 h
• Talk time: Up to 10 h 30 min
• Music play: Up to 35 h
• Price: Rs. 20,000

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Even a Deleted Mobile Video Can Take Someone’s Life

Before reading this article – I would like you to watch above given video from the TV Show “Hasb-e-Haal”, of Dunya TV, aired on February 25^th, 2010.

It talks about an objectionable video of a girl taken by a boy, which he had actually deleted, got leaked out. We won’t discuss their relation or if he should have shot the video or not – even we won’t discuss on how brutal is to upload someone’s video on internet – but we want to alarm everyone about a very serious issue.

Videos that you shoot on Mobile Phone and then delete -  may remain in memory. It’s similar to data stored on computer hard disk, if deleted – is recoverable through software.

No further words on this inhumane incident.

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Call Rates to Pakistan Increase by 300-800% With ICH in Place from Today

In middle of severe opposition from Competition Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Ministry of Information Technology today lead the LDI operators to implement International Clearing House (ICH) from today.

It maybe recalled that ICH will streamline all incoming international traffic through a centralized gateway (operated and maintained by PTCL) through which all LDI operators will share the revenues for international incoming traffic based on their current market share with fixed termination charges.

Competition Commission has expressed its concerns relating to implementation of ICH and has said that commission could litigate the matter if ICH is implemented.

However, PTA – backed by Ministry of IT – went ahead with the plan and ICH is principally considered operational starting today.

All public listed companies have notified their shareholders (and stock exchanges) of their participation in ICH regime.

Call Rates to Pakistan Increase

Move, which is said to eliminate gray or illegal traffic coming to Pakistan, has increased call pricing for those calling to Pakistan from abroad. Calls from USA to Pakistan are likely to be charged at as high as 16 $cents per minute, up from 4-6 $cents per minute charged before ICH implementation.

We are receiving reports from all over the world indicating that rates for calls to Pakistan increased by 300 to 800 percent, depending on respective state and network.

Skype has also increased per minute charges for calls to Pakistan, which is now charging 14.5 $cents per minute as standard tariff. Skype has also taken back special calling plans (bundles) that it used to offer for Pakistani calls.

According to industry experts, monthly incoming international traffic to Pakistan is around 1.5 billion minutes per month, which will translate into US 120-150 million dollars of increased burden on Pakistani expats for making calls to Pakistan.

 CCP has said that it is receiving complaints from overseas Pakistanis over the issue of ICH and increased call charges for making calls to Pakistan.

Economic impacts are yet to be fully calculated with the implementation of ICH.

Can CCP Block ICH?

Technically speaking Competition Commission of Pakistan can’t bar PTA from implementing ICH.

CCP as a anti-competition body can’t restrict the government from implementing any policy, such as ICH in this case. This doesn’t come under CCP’s mandate to issue show-cause notice or to penalize a government body, such as Ministry of Information Technology.

Legal experts tell ProPakistani that CCP’s laws have been violated through a MoIT policy directive (upon which ICH is being implemented). Breach of CCP’s laws can’t be justified with an MoIT policy directive only, instead a legal framework or legislation is required to compensate CCP’s legal obligation.

However, at the same time, CCP is not entitled to issue show-cause notice to a government body to cap it from issuing a policy directive. Hence there’s no way it can restrict private companies from implementing ICH, which is covered by a policy directive.

The only way left behind to challenge ICH is by filing a lawsuit against the implementation in the courts, which can be done by any individual or a company. But we will have to see if that happens. Reportedly, no individual or company is yet ready to go legal against the implementation of ICH.

Karachi Stock Exchange notices for Implementation of ICH:

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LinkedIn to Setup Offices in Pakistan, Not Really [Updated]

LinkedIn, world’s largest networking website for professionals, is making its way to start operations in Pakistan by setting up local offices in the country, reported Express Tribune citing Saleem H Mandviwalla, Chairman for Board of Investment (BOI) in Pakistan.

Chairman BOI said that board had detailed discussions with a LinkedIn Director for the move.

Mr. Saleem Mandviwalla further revealed that LinkedIn is likely to start setup offices in Pakistan by year end or early next year with initial investment of USD 10 million. “This will lead to the setting up of LinkedIn’s proper operations in Pakistan”, the chairman said.

Mr. Salaeem further mentioned that LinkedIn has shown great interest in Pakistani market which poses huge potential for internet companies with its 30 million internet users and growing.

Stats say that there are 1.2 million LinkedIn users in Pakistan, which largely consists of business professionals and decision makers of the country.

Board of Investment has said that it will use LinkedIn as an effective tool and an important platform for its business development activities.

Via Express Tribune

Update (September 27th – 1:30 PM)

Express Tribune has now reported that its earlier report, that was produced by APP (Associated Press of Pakistan) was untrue and that LinkedIn has denied opening offices in the country.

“While we are exploring some commercial opportunities in Pakistan, we currently have no plans to open a local office,” LinedIn spokesperson Darain Faraz was quoted as saying.

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Ufone Offers 600 SMS for 45 Paisas

Ufone has announced reduction in daily SMS bundle of 600 SMS for its Uth customers which was earlier offered at Rs. 1.99 plus tax is now being offered for 45 Paisas only.

With this daily bundle offer, Uth customers will be able to send 600 SMS to any network with a validity of one day.

This is a limited time offer which will remain valid till November 05, 2012 only.

Package Details:

• Number of SMS: 600 to any network
• Price: Rs. 0.45 + Tax
• Validity: 24 Hours
• Auto re-subscription: Yes

How to Subscribe:

• Send Sub to 612

How to Un-subscribe:

• Send Unsub to 8612

Terms & Conditions:

• Daily SMS Package for Uth customers will be valid for 24 hours from the time of subscription.
• This package will auto re-subscribe Daily SMS Package after 24 hours.
• This SMS package might not be available during Eid holiday.
• This is a limited time offer till November 5th, 2012 only.

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Glow Super Dosti Offers New Unlimited Mobile Internet and SMS Bundles

Glow introduces new and improved SMS and Mobile Internet bundles for Super Dosti Package.

Now send 500 SMS’s to any number, any network in Pakistan in just Rs. 1.50/day and enjoy unlimited mobile internet in just Rs. 10/day.

‘Super Dosti Package’ offers 11 F&F numbers including one Super Dosti Number which is free forever. This tailored package offers the lowest F&F call rates across all networks at only 45 Paisas per 30 seconds.

Monthly subscription charges for Super Dosti Number are just Rs. 10 per month and users will be charged Rs. 1 on the first call made to their Super Dosti or FnF numbers everyday.

Spreading the colors of friendship, Glow ‘Super Dosti Package’ is a perfect blend that caters to the youth of Pakistan with best rates ever.

Activation Process:

• To activate Super Dosti Package users can SMS ‘Super’ to 7777 or call 100 for details.
• To activate 500 SMS simply type ‘Glow 500’ to 7777
• To activate unlimited** mobile internet simply type ‘DM’ to 7777

*Valid from 1am till 10pm (Mobile Internet)

**100MB fair usage policy applies (Mobile Internet)

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