On January 12, 2024, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, in collaboration with telecom carriers, will start the long-awaited project of the Easy Installment Scheme for Buying Mobile Phones in simple installments.
By providing every Pakistani mobile phone subscriber with a smart gadget, this calculated move hopes to promote economic expansion and the broad uptake of e-commerce. The government intends to provide a range of smartphone options to accommodate various demographic sectors, with prices ranging from 20,000 to one lakh rupees.
This change is anticipated to affect 48% of the nation’s 190 million cell phone customers who still rely on G2 technology.
The shift to smartphones has the potential to transform communication and open doors for more people to participate in the digital economy, which will help businesses and individuals in Pakistan alike.
Customers can purchase these cell phones with the option of making a small upfront payment of twenty to thirty percent, thus increasing accessibility.
This project expects a change in how people use technology in addition to attempting to close the digital gap.
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The old mobile push-button and simple phones that are typical of G2 technology will stop working as soon as the distribution of smartphones begins, under the date set by the government.
While speaking to a gathering of media, interim Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Dr. Umar Saif revealed that one carrier is also preparing to provide Apple iPhone in installments.
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In the event of nonpayment, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will block the phone using the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS).
According to the minister, the goal is to reward prudent financial conduct while also ensuring that smartphone accessibility continues to grow.
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He stated that under this regulation, telecom providers would be able to directly offer smartphones to clients via installment plans directly, therefore boosting the advantages of mobile broadband, particularly among Pakistan’s low-income sectors.
Dr. Saif said that 5G will be introduced in July of next year and that 300 MHz spectrum will be auctioned off.
The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SFIC) has removed all departmental hurdles and made all decisions in the best interests of the country, from the establishment of the Advisory Committee for Spectrum Auction to the necessary steps to lay the network of optical fiber cables across the country and the effective implementation of the Right of Way Policy.
He went on to say that the country now has around 200,000 kilometers of fiber cable and 6,000 mobile towers that need to be modernized. By increasing the optical fiber cable network, users would have quicker access and improved internet amenities.
Also Read: iPhone Installment Plan Introduced by Interim Government
Dr. Saif said that the government will launch a project on January 11 to create 10,000 e-Rozgar Centres around the country, which would be outfitted with cutting-edge technology for freelancers and start-ups.
“This historic initiative is aimed at addressing the challenges faced by approximately 1.5 million freelancers, who lack suitable workspaces,” he said in a statement.
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