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Category: IT & Telecom

Explore IT and Telecom stories with Pakistan Revenue, your go-to source for the latest updates on Pakistan’s technology and telecom sector. Stay ahead with real-time industry insights and economic developments.

  • Tax rates on mobile phone, internet users during 2022-2023

    Tax rates on mobile phone, internet users during 2022-2023

    KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued amended income tax law to notify the tax rates on users of mobile phones and internet during 2022-2023.

    FBR issued Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 updated up to June 30, 2022 incorporating changes made through the Finance Act, 2022.

    READ MORE: FBR launches campaign to ensure return filing by due date

    The revenue body collects these taxes under Section 236 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

    Under this section, in the case of telephone subscriber (other than mobile phone subscriber) where the amount of monthly bill exceeds Rs1,000, then the tax rate shall be 10 per cent of the exceeding amount of bill.

    Similarly, in the case of subscriber of internet, mobile telephone and pre-paid internet or telephone card, the tax rate shall be 15 per cent of the amount of bill or sales price of internet pre-paid card or pre-paid telephone card or sale of units through any electronic medium or whatever form.

    READ MORE: FBR promotes 56 Inland Revenue Officers to BS-17

    According to the Section 236: Telephone and internet users.- (1) Advance tax at the rates specified in Division V Part IV of the First Schedule shall be collected on the amount of –

    (a) telephone bill of a subscriber;

    (b) prepaid cards for telephones;

    (c) sale of units through any electronic medium or whatever form; and

    (d) internet bill of a subscriber; and

    (e) prepaid cards for internet.

    (2) The person preparing the telephone or internet bill shall charge advance tax under sub-section (1) in the manner telephone or internet charges are charged.

    READ MORE: FBR transfers six IRS officers of BS-19-20

    (3) The person issuing or selling prepaid cards for telephones or internet shall collect advance tax under sub-section (1) from the purchasers at the time of issuance or sale of cards.

    (3A) The person issuing or selling units through any electronic medium or whatever form shall collect advance tax under sub-section (1) from the purchaser at the time of issuance of sale of units.

    (4) Advance tax under this section shall not be collected from Government, a foreign diplomat, a diplomatic mission in Pakistan, or a person who produces a certificate from the Commissioner that his income during the tax year is exempt from tax.

    READ MORE: FBR issues paper return form for tax year 2022

  • Cellular mobile operators provide free calls in Pakistan

    Cellular mobile operators provide free calls in Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) directed cellular mobile operators to provide free on-net voice calls to their subscribers in flood hit areas.

    In a statement, the PTA said cellular mobile operators will provide free on-net voice calls to all their subscribers in flood affected areas with Zero / Nil balance.

    According to the PTA, there will be no call setup charges applicable on call connection and customers having no balance will be able to make on-net calls.

    PTA is continuously monitoring the communication channels in the affected areas, ensuring connectivity and providing updates, where necessary.

    READ MORE: SBP issues IBAN list for donations to PM flood relief fund

    Furthermore, the PTA has allocated a short code of 9999 to enable mobile phone subscribers to donate to Prime Minister Flood Relief Fund 2022. Users can donate Rs10 by typing ‘fund’ in SMS option and sending to 9999.

    The PTA in another statement said that due to flash floods, damage to optical fiber cable and power outage, connectivity services have been impacted in Chitral, Upper Dir, Donbala, Swat, Medan, Lal Qila Samarbaghidar, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.

    In comply with the directives of PTA, Telenor has announced free calls to people in flood affected areas.

    The company said that it had allowed free Telenor to Telenor calls to victims of flood hit areas. The company said that it stand with the people of such areas in these difficult times.

    Another leading mobile phone operator i.e. Jazz announced to facilitate with free calls to people of flood hit areas. In this regard, the company provided free minutes to Jazz to Jazz and Jazz to PTCL to support relief activities in the areas.

    The company further said that subscribers in Balochistan can make calls without having balance for one tonight. Furthermore, it announced to start this free calls services soon in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

  • Flash floods affect internet services in Pakistan

    Flash floods affect internet services in Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Saturday announced a major breakdown of internet connectivity in the areas affected by flash floods.

    READ MORE: Floods affect telecom services: PTA

    The authority said that due to flash floods, damage to optical fibre cable and power outage, connectivity services have been impacted in Chitral, Upper Dir, Donbala, Swat, Medan, Lal Qila Samarbaghdir, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.

    READ MORE: Norwegian envoy calls on PTA Chairman

    PTA is monitoring the situation closely. Work is underway to fully restore services.

    Telecom services were affected yesterday due to multiple fiber cuts in Central and Northern Balochistan but they have been restored.

    READ MORE: FBR, PTA introduce temporary registration of cell phones

  • Sony hikes PlayStation 5 prices on high inflation

    Sony hikes PlayStation 5 prices on high inflation

    JAPAN: Sony Interactive Entertainment has decided to increase prices of PlayStation 5 due to global economic environment and high inflation rates.

    The company on Thursday August 25, 2022 made this difficult decision to increase the recommended retail price (RRP) of PlayStation 5 in select markets across Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), as well as Canada. However, the prices will remain same as previous in the market of the United States.

    The new RRPs below are effective immediately unless otherwise noted.

    Europe

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – €549.99

    • PS5 Digital Edition – €449.99

    United Kingdom

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – £479.99

    • PS5 Digital Edition – £389.99

    Japan (effective Sept. 15, 2022)

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – ¥60,478 yen (including tax)

    • PS5 Digital Edition – ¥49,478 yen (including tax)

    China

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – ¥4,299 yuan

    • PS5 Digital Edition – ¥3,499 yuan

    Australia

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – AUD $799.95

    • PS5 Digital Edition – AUD $649.95

    Mexico

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – MXN $14,999

    • PS5 Digital Edition – MXN $12,499

    Canada

    • PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – CAD $649.99

    • PS5 Digital Edition – CAD $519.99

  • Forbes China recognizes Xiaomi for ESG practices

    Forbes China recognizes Xiaomi for ESG practices

    BEIJING: Forbes China on Thursday named Xiaomi Corporation to its “China ESG 50” list for 2022.

    Forbes China launched its China ESG 50 report to recognize companies that adhere to best practices in environmental, social and governance (ESG).

    “We are honored to receive recognition for our ESG practices,” said Wang Xiang, Partner and President of Xiaomi Group.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi declares increase in revenue to RMB 70.2 billion

    He further said “As a top-three global smartphone company and a leading consumer AIoT platform, Xiaomi is fully committed to leveraging its scale and efficiency to create a sustainable economy for our users, employees, partners and the planet. We look forward to leading by example and continuing to integrate ESG practices into our products, services, governance structure, and operations.”

    Forbes China’s selection criteria for the ESG 50 are based on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Companies named to the list are also on Forbes Global 2000 list.

    Xiaomi views ESG management as fundamental to its corporate strategy. It has published an annual ESG Report since 2018 and has joined the UN Global Compact and committed to its ten stipulated principles of corporate responsibility since 2020.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi launches ultra-high resolution Pad 5 Pro

    Its achievements in ESG were recognized by the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies in 2021 with the “Award of Excellence in ESG”.

    Xiaomi has reduced resource consumption and minimized the environmental impacts of its products by leveraging technology advancement and optimizing production processes. As shown in the graph below, environmental impacts are minimized throughout the life cycle of Xiaomi products.

    Examples of ways Xiaomi reduced its environmental impacts include the following. The Xiaomi 12 series smartphone features a rear cover made of BASF Haptex®, a low-carbon non-solvent polyurethane (PU) material that consumes 20 percent less energy, emits 20 percent less greenhouse gases, and uses 15 percent less water compared to synthetic leather.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi unveils CyberOne – first ever humanoid robot

    Lightweight pallets used for shipping smartphones abroad annually save up to 460 metric tons of aviation fuel or 1,423 metric tons of CO2e. Xiaomi also recycled more than 650 thousand smartphones in 2021, 80 percent to 90 percent of which were resold.

    When it comes to the social factor in ESG, Xiaomi has built a comprehensive governance structure to protect data security and user privacy. Xiaomi created its Security and Privacy Committee in 2014. Xiaomi adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of European Union compliance assessment in 2018. It continues to submit to external expert scrutiny of its data protection and user privacy practices.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi launches ultra slim MIX Fold 2 smartphone

    Last year, Xiaomi published its first transparency report, making it the first Android smartphone brand to do so. Xiaomi this year obtained the certificate of registration of NIST CSF (National Institute of Standards and Technology, Cybersecurity Framework), further strengthening its data security protection capabilities.

  • Samsung launches 55-inch curved gaming screen

    Samsung launches 55-inch curved gaming screen

    GERMANY: Samsung Electronics on Wednesday unveiled its curved gaming screen with display of 55-inch with a 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time (GtG) and all new Cockpit Mode at Gamescom 2022.

    According to the press release issued by Samsung Electronics on August 24, 2022 stated that the Odyssey Ark represents a new frontier in gaming with its unrivaled picture quality and cinematic surround sound.

    The world’s first 55-inch 1000R curved screen provides an immersive view that wraps around the user’s peripheral vision, enhanced by Cockpit Mode which optimizes the screen environment with HAS (Height Adjustable Stand), tilt and pivot functionality.

    The Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics Hyesung Ha said, “As the world’s largest gaming event, Gamescom represents an opportunity for Samsung to showcase our latest gaming innovations that will deliver the incredible future of gaming to player communities around the world.”

    He further said that, “The awe-inspiring Odyssey Ark and super smart new G70B and G65B reinforce our expertise, while opening up a new world of possibilities through these gaming screens.”

    Quantum Matrix Technology powered by Quantum Mini LED enables ultra-fine and precise control of the densely packed LEDs with newly added 14-bit processing, enhanced by 16,384 black levels and a million-to-one static contrast ratio which showcases every detail in perfect clarity.

    The Odyssey Ark is the ultimate entertainment screen, made possible by Samsung’s proprietary Matte Display and Sound Dome Technology. With both anti-glare and anti-reflection protection, users can watch, work and play without distractions, while surrounding themselves with cinematic sound delivered through four speakers at each corner and two central woofers — resulting in a 60W 2.2.2 channel with the lowest 45Hz notes of any gaming screen or gaming soundbar.

    The Odyssey Ark is equipped with all the necessary features to deliver the best gaming, entertainment and lifestyle experiences. Smart Hub integrates essential IoT devices and functionality, allowing users to monitor and adjust settings such as temperature and humidity through the SmartThings app.

    Plus, a simple Wi-Fi connection enables a full smart TV experience, giving access to popular streaming apps and free live content with no downloads or sign-ups made possible by Samsung TV Plus.

    In addition to a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time (GtG) with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, the Odyssey Ark offers Samsung Gaming Hub,1 an all-in-one game streaming discovery platform where players can discover and play the games they love with no downloads or storage space requirements.

    Furthermore, Odyssey Ark is equipped with Ark Dial, a solar-powered controller which is exclusive to the Ark screen, allowing the quick and easy control of settings such as Flex Move Screen, Multi View, Quick Settings and Game Bar. In addition to being equipped with a solar panel, the Ark Dial can also be charged by a USB Type-C connection.

    Newly unveiled at Gamescom 2022 are the Odyssey G70B and G65B gaming monitors. These are the first models in the Odyssey lineup which have both Samsung’s Smart Platform and Samsung Gaming Hub embedded.

    Both the G70B and G65B provide smart functionality, including the option to create a home office environment even without a PC. The monitors conveniently connect with various IT devices and services all from one screen for an ultra-efficient working environment.

    Users can wirelessly connect to a Windows or Mac PC, use Samsung DeX, and mirror a smartphone screen onto the monitor using Apple AirPlay 2 as well as access Microsoft 365 cloud services. Users can also watch the latest shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime and other leading OTT (over-the-top) service providers.

    In addition to the IoT functionality also available on the Odyssey Ark, the G70B and G65B are equipped with a high-sensitivity Far Field Voice microphone, allowing users to control the device with voice assistants such as Bixby and Amazon Alexa.

    The Always On Voice function allows users to interact with Bixby even when the monitor is turned off, while displaying conversation related information on the monitor’s screen.

    The G70B is available in 28- and 32-inch sizes, offering a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time (GtG). These capabilities are packaged up in a UHD resolution, flat IPS display that is enhanced by NVIDIA’s G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for smooth gameplay.

    The G65B is offered in 27- and 32-inch size option and is equipped with a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time (GtG). The QHD, 1000R curved display comes with FreeSync Premium Pro for a flawless gaming experience that will give any player a competitive edge.

    Samsung Gaming Hub — available on both the G70B and G65B — allows instant access to top streaming services from partners such as Xbox, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Google Stadia, Utomik and Amazon Luna (U.S. Only).

    Plus, users can access popular console and PC games to journey throughout the gaming universe, powered by Samsung’s advanced game streaming technology for smooth visuals and responsive gameplay.

    In addition to Samsung Gaming Hub, the two new Odyssey models offer Game Bar, a powerful tool enabling gamers to quickly and easily view the status of gaming settings and modify response time or screen ratio, as well as Game Picture mode, without ever needing to leave the game screen.

  • NetSol opens sales point in Dubai

    NetSol opens sales point in Dubai

    KARACHI: NetSol Technologies Limited on Wednesday announced opening of a sales and delivery center in Duabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    In a communication sent to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company said that the board of directors of NetSol Technologies Limited in its meeting held on August 23, 2022 decided to increase its footprints by opening up a further sales and delivery centre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in any legal form.

    The company already has a strong presence worldwide.

    The United Arab Emirates is one of the highest-ranking countries in terms of ease of doing business and with a strong economy and innovative business licensing policies, the country is seen as a preferred location for business operations by many.

    The company has functioned over forty years in providing state-of-the-art solutions, cost-effective capabilities and consulting services to the global finance and leasing industry.

    The company claims to cater to companies with ever growing and diverse business requirements across the world.

  • Date to unveil Apple’s iPhone 14

    Date to unveil Apple’s iPhone 14

    Apple is likely to unveil its iPhone 14 in the first week of September 2022. Reports suggest that the company may launch the product on September 7, 2022.

    According to Bloomberg.com, it would be the earliest iPhone launch since 2016 and be followed by the new device going on sale September 16—about a week ahead of last year’s schedule.

    The event will be on the Wednesday after Labor Day, an atypical day for Apple product launches. It signals that the company wanted to leave that Tuesday free. Why? Perhaps because press and other guests will need a travel day after the Monday holiday.

    On July 28, 2022, Apple announced financial results for its fiscal 2022 third quarter ended June 25, 2022. The company posted a June quarter revenue record of $83.0 billion, up 2 percent year over year, and quarterly earnings per diluted share of $1.20.

    “This quarter’s record results speak to Apple’s constant efforts to innovate, to advance new possibilities, and to enrich the lives of our customers,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.

    “As always, we are leading with our values, and expressing them in everything we build, from new features that are designed to protect user privacy and security, to tools that will enhance accessibility, part of our longstanding commitment to create products for everyone.”

    “Our June quarter results continued to demonstrate our ability to manage our business effectively despite the challenging operating environment. We set a June quarter revenue record and our installed base of active devices reached an all-time high in every geographic segment and product category,” said Luca Maestri, Apple’s CFO. “During the quarter, we generated nearly $23 billion in operating cash flow, returned over $28 billion to our shareholders, and continued to invest in our long-term growth plans.”

    Apple’s board of directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.23 per share of the Company’s common stock.

  • Apple announces Self Service Repair for MacBooks

    Apple announces Self Service Repair for MacBooks

    Apple announced Self Service Repair will be available from August 23, 2022 for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro notebooks with the M1 family of chips, providing repair manuals and genuine Apple parts and tools through the Apple Self Service Repair Store.

    According to a statement Self Service Repair for iPhone launched earlier this year and the program will expand to additional countries — beginning in Europe — as well as additional Mac models later this year.

    Self Service Repair for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro offers more than a dozen different repair types for each model, including the display, top case with battery, and trackpad, with more to come. Customers who are experienced with the complexities of repairing electronic devices will be able to complete repairs on these Mac notebooks, with access to many of the same parts and tools available to Apple Store locations and Apple Authorized Service Providers.

    To start the Self Service Repair process, a customer will first review the repair manual for the product they want to repair by visiting support.apple.com/self-service-repair. Then, they can visit the Apple Self Service Repair Store and order the necessary parts and tools.

    Every genuine Apple part is designed and engineered for each product, and goes through extensive testing to ensure the highest quality, safety, and reliability. Customers can send replaced parts back to Apple for refurbishment and recycling, and in many cases receive credit of their purchase by doing so.

    The Apple tools are custom designed to help provide the best repairs for Apple products, and are engineered to withstand the rigors of high-volume, professional repair operations where safety and reliability are the utmost priority. Apple will offer rental kits for $49, so that customers who do not want to purchase tools for a single repair still have access to these professional repair tools. Customers will have access to the tool kit for one week and it will be shipped free of charge.

    Self Service Repair is part of Apple’s efforts to further expand access to repairs. For the vast majority of customers who do not have experience repairing electronic devices, visiting a professional repair provider with certified technicians who use genuine Apple parts is the safest and most reliable way to get a repair.

    Over the past three years, Apple has nearly doubled the number of service locations with access to genuine Apple parts, tools, and training, including more than 3,500 Independent Repair Providers.

    A global network of more than 5,000 Apple Authorized Service Providers supports more than 100,000 active technicians. As a result, in the US, eight out of 10 Apple customers are located within 20 minutes of an authorized service provider.

  • Clearance of banned cars, phones allowed on 100% surcharge

    Clearance of banned cars, phones allowed on 100% surcharge

    ISLAMABAD: The government has allowed clearance of stuck up consignments of cars and mobile phones on payment of 100 per cent surcharge.

    The ministry of commerce on Friday issued an office memorandum regarding prohibition / complete quantitative restrictions on import of non-essential and luxury items.

    READ MORE: Pakistan lifts ban on import of cars, phones, luxury items

    The ministry said that pursuant to the decision of federal cabinet on August 19, 2022, the federal government had allow release of all those consignments/shipments which had been imported in violation of SRO 598(I)/2022 dated May 19, 2022 and landed at any Pakistani port, subject to payment of surcharge.

    The commerce ministry stated that to release those held up consignments, except Completely Built Unit (CBU) Auto, CBU phones and CBU home appliances, which landed after June 30, 2022 and on or before July 31, 2022 subject to payment of 25 per cent surcharge, and 35 per cent surcharge for those consignments which arrived after July 31, 2022.

    READ MORE: 15% surcharge imposed for clearance of banned items

    Similarly, to release held up consignments of CBU auto, CBU mobile phones and CBU home appliances, which landed after June 30, 2022 and on or before July 31, 2022 subject to payment of 100 per cent surcharge.

    The ministry of commerce issued SRO 1562(I)/2022 for lifting the ban on luxury and non-essential items, including motor vehicles, mobile phones and home appliances.

    The government on May 19, 2022 through a circular No. 598 (I)/2022 imposed the complete ban on import of such items in the wake of serious balance of payment crisis and to prevent fall in rupee value.

    Despite the ban, the rupee fell to the historic low of Rs239.94 against the dollar on July 28, 2022.

    It is worth mentioning that the foreign exchange reserves were drastically decreased despite imposition of ban on imported luxury items.