In a significant move, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, in collaboration with telecom carriers, is set to introduce the eagerly awaited Easy Installment Scheme for purchasing mobile phones in simple, budget-friendly installments starting January 12, 2024.
During a recent media address, interim Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications, Dr. Umar Saif, also disclosed that one carrier is in the process of offering Apple iPhones on an installment basis.
To ensure responsible financial behavior, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will employ the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) to block phones in cases of nonpayment.
Dr. Saif emphasized that this initiative aims to promote financial prudence while ensuring increased smartphone accessibility, particularly among Pakistan’s low-income communities. He explained that telecom providers will now be able to offer smartphones directly to customers through installment plans, thereby enhancing the benefits of mobile broadband, especially for those in need.
Furthermore, Dr. Saif announced the introduction of 5G in July of the upcoming year, along with the auctioning of 300 MHz spectrum. He praised the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SFIC) for clearing departmental obstacles and making decisions in the best interest of the nation. These decisions range from establishing an Advisory Committee for Spectrum Auction to the implementation of the Right of Way Policy and the expansion of the optical fiber cable network across the country.
With approximately 200,000 kilometers of fiber cable and 6,000 mobile towers in need of modernization, this expansion will lead to faster internet access and improved connectivity for users.
Lastly, the government is set to launch a groundbreaking project on January 11, creating 10,000 e-Rozgar Centres nationwide. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, these centers will serve freelancers and startups, addressing the workspace challenges faced by nearly 1.5 million freelancers in the country.