On January 12, 2024, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, in partnership with telecom carriers, is launching the long-awaited Easy Installment Scheme. This initiative seeks to boost economic growth and promote widespread e-commerce adoption by facilitating simple installment plans for mobile phone purchases. With the goal of ensuring accessibility, the government plans to offer a variety of smartphones priced between 20,000 and one lakh rupees to cater to diverse demographic sectors among Pakistani mobile phone subscribers.
This groundbreaking initiative is poised to affect 48% of the country’s 190 million cell phone users, predominantly relying on G2 technology. The shift to smartphones carries the potential to transform communication dynamics, fostering greater engagement in the digital economy to the advantage of both businesses and individuals in Pakistan.
With the option for customers to make a modest upfront payment of twenty to thirty percent, accessibility to these cell phones is greatly improved. The project envisions a transformation in technology usage patterns, concurrently bridging the digital divide.
As the rollout of smartphones begins, the government’s specified date marks the end of functionality for outdated mobile push-button and simple phones associated with G2 technology. Dr. Umar Saif, the Interim Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, revealed at a media gathering that one carrier is gearing up to offer Apple iPhones through installment plans.
For cases of nonpayment, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will utilize the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) to block phones. Emphasizing the goal of encouraging responsible financial behavior and ensuring ongoing smartphone accessibility growth, the minister highlighted these measures.
Dr. Saif also announced the introduction of 5G in July of the following year, with the auctioning of 300 MHz spectrum. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SFIC) has cleared departmental obstacles and made decisions in the country’s best interests, including establishing the Advisory Committee for Spectrum Auction, deploying optical fiber cable networks nationwide, and effectively implementing the Right of Way Policy.
Stressing the imperative for modernization, Dr. Saif pointed out the presence of approximately 200,000 kilometers of fiber cable and 6,000 mobile towers in the country. The expansion of the optical fiber cable network is anticipated to deliver faster access and improved internet services to users.
On January 11, the government is initiating a project to establish 10,000 e-Rozgar Centres nationwide, featuring state-of-the-art technology tailored for freelancers and startups. Dr. Saif emphasized that this significant initiative targets the challenges encountered by around 1.5 million freelancers who currently lack appropriate workspaces.