Pkrevenue.com

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.

  • Sajal Aly announced as brand ambassador for realme 9

    Sajal Aly announced as brand ambassador for realme 9

    Pulling out all stops, realme has just announced a collaboration with a heavy hitter of Pakistani film and television, Sajal Aly, as the brand ambassador for its new realme 9 Series. This is an exciting development as this marks the first time in Sajal’s illustrious career that she has ever partnered with a smartphone brand and realme is a brand that is passionate about collaborating with the movers and shakers of tomorrow much like Sajal herself.

    The revelation of realme’s association with Sajal came at the helm of realme Design Studio’s collaboration with HELIOT EMIL – a Danish fashion brand that has designed a trendy leather satchel for realme 9 Pro+ which debuted at the Paris Fashion Week. Sporting the bag, Sajal is captured in a never-before-seen avatar that has her fans and the social media at-large go gaga on her look.

    realme has become a force to be reckoned with since its entry into the market in 2018. The astounding line of products that the smartphone brand has in its arsenal has earned it the reputation of being a tech-trailblazer and tech-democratizer. With each successive iteration of the realme Number Series, consumers are given access to increasingly innovative technology but at an economical price. The commitment to performance that is so integral to realme is shared by Sajal as evidenced by her impressive body of work in the entertainment industry.

    Sajal Aly made her acting debut in the 2009 sit-com Nadaaniyan after which she has gone on to be a part of a plethora of  popular television projects such as Mere Qatil Mere Dildar and O Rangreza. In 2012, she expanded her repertoire to include telefilms when she appeared in O Meri Billi. Sajal is a perfectionist when it comes to acting as she fully immerses herself into each of her characters in order to give the best performance she can. She is also an incredibly versatile actress as her body of work consists of a variety of serious, thought-provoking roles mixed in with more conventionally entertaining or humorous roles.

    It was only a matter of time before she found her way onto the silver screen with 2016’s Zindagi Kitni Haseen Hai. Her talent started making waves overseas and in 2017 she made her Bollywood debut in the social drama Mom. She is now set to step into the glitzy Hollywood lights with her upcoming release titled What’s Love Got to Do With It? Sajal has received many accolades in her career for her captivating performances. She was even recognized on the international stage in 2020 with the International Icon Award at The Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards (DIAFA) for her outstanding contribution to Pakistani film and television.

    Sajal Aly is a perfect fit as the brand ambassador for the realme 9 Series. Much like realme, Sajal is an unstoppable tour-de-force in her industry. She shares realme’s passion for activism and frequently calls out injustice and demands for the rights of women. Her perfectionism is mirrored by realme’s commitment to providing perfection to the consumer with every smartphone they release.

    Sajal embodies realme’s key philosophy of Dare to Leap as both realme and Sajal have made bold, substantial contributions to their industries. As a skilled actress, Sajal is not afraid to take on challenging or unconventional roles. She takes the necessary leap to inspire her contemporaries to step outside their comfort zone. Sajal is also considered a local fashion icon who can effortlessly turn looks in any category. A fashionable diva like her is a perfect reflection of the realme 9 Pro+’s signature trendy Light Shift Design, which changes color from Blue to Red when exposed to light.

    realme has been working long and hard since its entry into the Pakistani market to expand its footprint in the country. Having a huge, devoted fan base across the country, Sajal Aly can really help magnify realme’s voice in the Pakistani market. The smartphone brand wants to be an agent of change in terms of the technological landscape of Pakistan. realme aims to spread the gift of technology in order to empower the lives of the average consumer which is why it targets a more economical price segment without compromising on the quality of technology. So, keep your eyes open for more exciting reveals coming from realme regarding its ever popular 9 Series of smartphones and watch out for more collaborations between realme and Sajal Aly.

  • FBR, PTA introduce temporary registration of cell phones

    FBR, PTA introduce temporary registration of cell phones

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) have jointly introduced a temporary registration of cell phones to facilitate overseas Pakistanis.

    To address the repeated concerns raised by Overseas Pakistanis (including those working abroad or Pakistani students studying overseas) and foreign nationals visiting Pakistan on short term visits regarding blocking of their mobile devices via DIRBS, FBR and PTA have jointly developed a new system for their temporary registration in collaboration with Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Mobile Phone Operators, a statement said on Tuesday.

    READ MORE: PM Imran directs implementing incentives for IT industry

    This module has been introduced for those overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals who do not intend to keep their mobile device in Pakistan and will be applicable for only one (1) mobile handset device.

    To avail this facility, the applicant shall provide his/her credentials including passport No., date of arrival and intended date of departure, mobile SIM issued in his/her name, and IMEI(s) of the device.

    READ MORE: Ufone 4G ranked top voice and data network

    The new system shall carry out real time validation from FIA IBMS to verify the date of arrival of the applicant. On lapse of 120 days of the stay of the applicant, the IMEI(s) utilized under this facilitation shall be suspended and swill not be utilized on local network services. In case, same applicant visits Pakistan again, he/she will be required to re-apply for this temporary facilitation, by re-entering the credentials which were used for the 1st or previous registration under this scheme.

    This system will not only facilitate overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals coming to Pakistan on short term basis but will also create a positive image of the country. Likewise, the checks introduced under this system will ensure that only the genuine overseas Pakistani/foreign national avails the said facility.

    READ MORE: Supernet wins ZTBL projects worth Rs450 million

    It is pertinent to mention that FBR has already introduced a number of innovative digital interventions to ensure taxpayers facilitation and ease of doing business through technology. In the recent past, the country’s premier revenue collection organisation has collaborated with FIA and NADRA in developing an automated facility for Currency Declaration at ports to fight the menace of money laundering and thereby rule out the possible flight of foreign currency from Pakistan.

    Therefore, the above initiative comes as yet another wonderful step taken by FBR to maximize taxpayers facilitation, in particular, the Overseas Pakistanis and Foreign Nationals visiting Pakistan for a short period of time.

    READ MORE: PM Imran announces setting up technology startup fund

  • PM Imran directs implementing incentives for IT industry

    PM Imran directs implementing incentives for IT industry

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday directed the authorities to timely implement incentives for freelancers and IT industry as announced by the government.

    The prime minister, chairing a meeting to review the incentives being provided to the IT sector, said the government was extending maximum facilitation to the sectors with immense potential to support the national economy.

    READ MORE: PM Imran reduces, freezes POL prices

    Mentioning the historic package announced by the government for promotion of the IT sector, he said the government had introduced massive reforms to facilitate the business sector.

    He viewed that the facilitation of the skilled freelancers would lead to increasing the remittances as promotion of the IT exports was among the government’s priorities.

    The participants of the meeting were apprised of the implementation status of the incentives for the startups, industrial sector and IT companies.

    READ MORE: PM Imran announces setting up technology startup fund

    It was told the implementation of the government’s recently announced industries and IT package was going on with fast pace and an increase in the number of freelancers had been witnessed consequent to the government’s measures.

    The meeting was told that the one-step registration of freelancers through the portal of Pakistan Software Export Board had been ensured which would automatically register them with the Federal Board of Revenue.

    READ MORE: Tax reduced on POL products to ease inflation: PM Imran

    Moreover, the State Bank of Pakistan was also taking steps to ensure the transfer of freelancing funds from abroad through the banking channels. Besides, a mechanism to take benefit from the tax exemptions for the IT companies would also be in place very soon.

    An awareness system to ensure the implementation of the announced facilities through commercial banks would also be initiated.

    READ MORE: PM Imran launches 2nd phase of Raast payment system

    Federal ministers Asad Umar, Hammad Azhar, Chairman of Special Technology Zones Authority Amer Hashmi, and senior officers attended the meeting. Governor of State Bank Raza Baqir joined via video link.

  • Ufone 4G ranked top voice and data network

    Ufone 4G ranked top voice and data network

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has declared Ufone 4G as No. 1 voice and data network in the country.

    The PTA declared ranked top Ufone 4G in its ‘Mobile Networks Benchmark Report for 2022’.

    PTA used Network Performance Score (NPS) methodology to ascertain service quality across the country. The integrated innovative methodology, standardized by European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) allows regulators to assess network performances through automated tests of simulated Voice, Data and SMS usage behaviors of end users.

    READ MORE: Ufone signs Rs21 billion agreement for 4G spectrum

    The report reaffirms the company’s strong focus on delivering the highest quality connectivity to its customers to enhance their user experience. Ufone 4G topped the nationwide benchmarking campaign, where the company’s Voice and Data services scored the highest aggregate total of 634 out of 800.

    The study was held across all federal and provincial capitals including four towns, along with four major motorways & highways to ascertain the quality of mobile networks. PTA survey teams made more than 15 thousand Voice calls and conducted 45 thousand Data tests across an area of approximately 4,522 kilometers in length at these locations.

    Ufone 4G achieved highest scores for its Voice and Data services, with a significantly higher margin against the industry benchmarks and other Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) in Pakistan. The Pakistani telecom company demonstrated the best call setup performance and the strongest data network across all cities and towns surveyed by the regulator.

    READ MORE: Ufone launches contact center for housing loans

    The steady improvement in the Ufone 4G’s network quality and coverage was witnessed following its acquisition of 4G spectrum and investment in enhancing and modernizing its network in line with its long-term commitment to improve the user experience of its customers.

    It is the second survey by PTA in a year. The regulator carries out telecom benchmarking campaigns from time to time to assess network quality and performance as well as to spur healthy competition in the industry, thereby encouraging delivery of quality service to telecom users.

    PTA’s latest ranking reaffirms Ufone 4G’s long term endeavor to transform the way customers experience telecom services. To that end, the company acquired 4G spectrum and continues to innovate and modernize its network to deliver the best Voice and Data experience to the users because users remain at the heart of everything Ufone 4G ever undertakes, as is evident from its cherished brand slogan, Tum He Tou Ho!

  • PM Imran announces setting up technology startup fund

    PM Imran announces setting up technology startup fund

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday announced to set up Pakistan Technology Startup Fund to provide seed funding worth Rs1 billion to around 50 startups annually.

    He made this announcement while chairing a meeting in Islamabad to follow up on his foreign visits and IT sector initiatives introduced by the government.

    READ MORE: PM Imran visits Russia on February 23-24

    Imran Khan said we are announcing tax holiday and 100 per cent foreign exchange retention for IT Companies and freelancers registered with Pakistan Software Export Bureau to incentivise investment in the IT sector for economic turnaround.

    Emphasizing on his vision to boost IT exports to $50 billion in the next few years, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of unleashing the IT industry by providing them ease of doing business and the best incentives globally available.

    READ MORE: Tax reduced on POL products to ease inflation: PM Imran

    He directed the authorities concerned to establish Special Technology Zones on fast track basis in Islamabad and all provincial capitals to create hubs of IT and Technology innovation and investment in cities. In the first phase, sectors of CDA in Islamabad will be declared as Special Technology Zones so that IT firms and freelancers can avail the benefits offered by Special Technology Zones Authority.

    READ MORE: Pakistan’s sensitive price inflation jumps up 18%

    The Prime Minister also directed them to introduce necessary changes in the Foreign Exchange and Income Tax policies in order to help IT Startups thrive in the country. These reforms include launch of Roshan Digital IT Accounts by State Bank of Pakistan to allow freelancers and IT firms to retain 100 percent of their foreign income in foreign exchange with no restrictions on the movement of forex, resolution of double taxation of IT Sector by FBR, and the exemption from Capital Gains Tax of venture funding (VC) into startups. The Prime Minister directed to attract local and international VC funding into IT Startups for creating jobs and bringing forex.

    READ MORE: PM Imran launches 2nd phase of Raast payment system

    Imran Khan said that Tech-savvy youth and Information Technology sector are Pakistan’s biggest assets that can be exploited to bridge the huge current account deficit.

    Earlier the Prime Minister was informed that ICT export remittances in last fiscal year remained 2.1 billion dollars as compared to one billion dollars in 2018 and Pakistan is exporting to 120 plus countries in the world.

  • Supernet wins ZTBL projects worth Rs450 million

    Supernet wins ZTBL projects worth Rs450 million

    KARACHI: Supernet Limited has been awarded multiple contracts worth over Rs450 million by Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) after competitive bidding process.

    The contracts will help ZTBL strengthen the communication and IT infrastructure of their nationwide branch network, mostly in the rural areas of Pakistan.

    Supernet is actively upgrading communication infrastructure of the bank with multi-medium communication networks enabling availability of high level uptimes for branches to communicate with their head office.

    READ MORE: Supernet, Avara awarded project for supply, maintenance

    This will be a managed service model where Supernet will do installation and configuration of its Wide Area Network with ZTBL’s already existing devices for end-to-end seamless communication. The nationwide presence of Supernet’s engineering resources will ensure smooth and fast deployment of this system.

    Furthermore, Supernet will also upgrade current Local Area Network (LAN) at all of the bank’s 450+ branches across Pakistan, ensuring installation of high quality passive infrastructure of power and data communication. Bank’s appetite, demand and design of next generation LAN will ensure a long term and durable infrastructure availability in remote areas, which is quite a challenge. 

    READ MORE: Supernet awarded telecom projects worth Rs100 million

    ZTBL’s Executive Vice President and CIO, Aamir Zaffar Chaudry commented, “We are depending upon the Supernet outreach in rural areas to help us in our LAN & WAN projects /operations. Our past experience with Supernet gives us the confident that they will come good on our expectations”.

    Hassan Jafri, Vice President and Business Unit Head of Supernet commented, “Award of these contracts translates trust of our client in our services. We are excited and keen to be part of strengthening networks for ZTBL that will ensure helping our country’s agriculture -ecosystem. We will continue working with ZTBL to bring further innovative solutions and their implementation to deliver a true essence of technology for agriculture.”

    READ MORE: Suprenet gets project for optic fiber supply

    Supernet Limited, one of Pakistan’s leading telecommunications service provider and systems integrator, has been operating since 1995. Supernet offers a complete range of enabling ICT solutions with the expertise to, delver, deploy and maintain them anywhere in the country through a dedicated team of technology professionals.

    With presence of its engineering resources all over Pakistan, Supernet has a long-standing experience of providing ICT services to corporate customers. Supernet has expanded its portfolio of services to include cyber security solutions, power solutions, IT Infrastructure solution and software & application solutions.

  • Pakistan spends Rs217 billion to import mobile phones

    Pakistan spends Rs217 billion to import mobile phones

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has spent Rs217 billion to import mobile phones during first seven months (July – December) 2021/2022, according to data release by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

    The import of mobile phones grew by 17.25 per cent when compared with Rs185 billion in the first seven months of the fiscal year 2020/2021.

    READ MORE: FBR issues updated rates of duty, taxes on mobile phones

    The growth in the import of mobile phones may be attributed to depreciation in rupee value against the dollar.

    The rupee weakened by Rs17.85 or 11.33 per cent to the dollar when compared Rs157.54 on June 30, 2021 with Rs175.39 as on February 17, 2022.

    READ MORE: Regulations needed for used mobile phones’ accessories

    The local currency recorded all-time low of Rs178.24 to the dollar on December 29, 2021.

    In dollar term, the import of cellphones recorded a growth of 12 per cent to $1.27 billion during first seven months of the current fiscal year as compared with $1.13 billion in the corresponding months of the last fiscal year.

    READ MORE: FBR collects mobile phone tax, PTA clarifies

    However, the import of mobile phones recorded a decline of 8.68 per cent to $179.77 million in the month of January 2022 when compared with $197 million in the same month of the last year.

    The decline may be attributed to production of mobile phones locally.

    READ MORE: FBR increases income tax to 15% on cellular services

  • PTCL registers eight-year high revenue growth

    PTCL registers eight-year high revenue growth

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), posted seven per cent growth in its revenues for the year 2021, which is eight-year high or the highest revenue growth since 2013.

    The revenue growth may be attributed to a robust commercial strategy which cements its market standing.

    According to a statement issued on Friday, the company announced its annual financial results for the year 2021 at its Board of Directors’ meeting on February 10, 2022.

    READ MORE: PTCL Group wins GDEIB award in five categories

    PTCL Group

    PTCL Group posted a revenue of Rs 138 billion in the year 2021 which is 6.3% higher as compared to 2020.

    PTCL continued its growth trajectory by posting 7% YoY revenue growth which is the highest since 2013.

    PTML (Ufone) also posted a revenue growth of 4.3% despite stiff competition in the market.

    U Bank continued its growth momentum and has achieved 8.4% growth in revenue.

    PTCL Group has posted a net profit of Rs 2.6 billion.

    READ MORE: PTCL registers 7.3% revenue growth for nine months

    PTCL:

    PTCL continued its strong performance throughout 2021. PTCL’s revenue of Rs 77 billion for the year 2021 is 7% higher than 2020, mainly driven by Broadband and Corporate & Wholesale business segments.

    PTCL registered highest Fixed broadband Sales and Net Adds in 2021 since 2015, which allowed PTCL to grow in the broadband business segment.

    PTCL is the fastest growing Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) operator with highest Net adds within FTTH market in 2021.

    The company has posted operating profit of Rs 4.2 billion, which is higher by 21% compared to 2020.

    Net profit of Rs 6.9 billion is higher by 14% as compared to last year.

    The company is continuously upgrading its existing infrastructure and network, besides expanding FTTH across the country to offer seamless connectivity for greater customer experience. Prompt deployment of FTTH and strong performance in Corporate and Wholesale segments are the cornerstone in PTCL’s topline growth, which along with focus on cost optimization program, has significantly increased the company’s profitability.

    READ MORE: PTCL, Dell to launch Azure Services in Pakistan

    PTCL Consumer Business:

    During 2021, the company’s Fixed Broadband business grew by 11.7% YoY, whereas PTCL IPTV segment also grew by 13% YoY. Within broadband business, PTCL Flash Fiber, the company’s groundbreaking FTTH service, showed a tremendous growth of 61.5%, whereas PTCL CharJi /Wireless Broadband Segment grew by 16.5%. Voice revenue stream has declined on account of lower voice traffic and continued conversion of customers to Over-The-Top (OTT) services.

    Business Services:

    Business services segment continued its momentum sustaining market leadership in IP Bandwidth, Cloud, Data Center, and other ICT services segments. PTCL’s Enterprise business grew by 10% as compared to last year, while Carrier and Wholesale business continued its growth momentum and achieved 9% overall revenue growth. Similarly, international business growth was recorded at 4%.

    Being the national telecom carrier and connectivity backbone in Pakistan, PTCL Group strives to provide innovative solutions to accelerate growth for a ‘Digital Pakistan’ through robust telecommunication infrastructure and a diverse portfolio of services with enhanced customer experience.

    PTML – Ufone:

    READ MORE: Ufone signs Rs21 billion agreement for 4G spectrum

    Ufone’s financial year 2021 ended on a high note despite challenging operating environment

    Ufone revenues grew by 4.3% as compared to 2020 mainly driven by growth in data services

    Ufone acquired additional 9 MHz 4G spectrum in the 1800 MHz Band in NGMS spectrum auction in September 2021, fulfilling its commitment to provide enhanced customer experience through quality services across Pakistan.

    Post spectrum auction, significant network modernization activity was carried out in Q4 2021 that has allowed Ufone to significantly improve its share of the 4G net adds within the industry.

    PTCL Group is playing a key role in supporting Universal Service Fund’s (USF) efforts for the development of telecommunication services in un-served and under-served areas of the country. This year, PTCL was awarded seven USF optical fiber projects for far flung areas of Punjab, KPK and Sindh provinces. Under these projects, PTCL will deploy a total of 4,690 KM optical fiber. Ufone was awarded five USF projects under the Broadband for Sustainable Development (BSD) umbrella during 2021 for the unserved and under-served areas of Baluchistan which involve deployment and network upgrade of 205 BTS sites.

    UBank:

    UBank, the microfinance and branchless banking subsidiary of PTCL, continued its growth trajectory and has achieved 8.4% growth in its revenue over last year by increasing its advances portfolio. The balance sheet footing of the bank crossed the Rs 100 billion mark as the bank diversified its funding streams and asset classes while ensuring positive bottom-line impact.

    Major strategic initiatives undertaken by the bank include venturing into the low-cost housing loans, international remittance, and the launch of Islamic Banking. The bank intends to invest in state-of-the-art technology to become a leading digital banking player. With the core mission of microfinance at its heart, the business model of the bank is evolving to capture new segments and customer classes to include more of Pakistan into the banking net and further its ambition of financial and social inclusion.

    Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):

    During 2021, PTCL ran the second cohort of its flagship internship program ‘Justuju’ for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in collaboration with ‘Network of Organizations Working with Persons with Disabilities, Pakistan’ (NOWPDP).

    PTCL provided internet connectivity to 11 campuses of the Pehli Kiran Schools Islamabad in an effort to support the Education Sector in Pakistan. PTCL Razakaar and the company’s employee volunteer force undertook a comprehensive clothes donation drive in partnership with Akhuwat Clothes Bank for deserving communities across Pakistan.

    Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) recognized the PTCL Razakaar Trust for its generous donation towards augmenting COVID-19 testing facilities of the center during the peak of the pandemic in 2020.

  • Jazz recognized for driving change beyond workplace

    Jazz recognized for driving change beyond workplace

    KARACHI: To recognize the commitment in improving the lives and livelihood of women through technology, the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) awarded Jazz with the ‘Driving Change Beyond Workplace’ award at the Women Empowerment Awards 2021 held on Thursday.

    Abdul Aleem, Secretary General, OICCI presented the award to Wajida Leclerc, Chief People Officer, Jazz.

    READ MORE: OICCI organizes Women Empowerment Awards

    Jazz is dedicated to enhancing diversity and women’s empowerment within its business model and focuses on uplifting women in the society through the power of the internet.

    Female specific products and services are designed to help address many of the wider gender inequalities by digitally enabling them to access health, financial, and other life-enhancing services.

    READ MORE: Jazz Digital Park inaugurated in Islamabad

    The company’s digital financial service, JazzCash, under the GSMA Connected Women Commitment Initiative, has committed to increase the proportion of women in their mobile money customer base by 2023. In addition, all its sustainability programs ensure 50% women participation ranging from urban to rural areas so women can lead the change.

    “Inclusivity being at the heart of all our policies, we have always paved the way for gender equality within the organization as well as the society at large. This recognition further validates our holistic approach towards empowering women internally and externally and renews our vigor as we move forward in our journey of creating a digitally inclusive ecosystem in Pakistan,” said Wajida Leclerc, Chief People Officer, Jazz.

    READ MORE: Jazz’s investment in Pakistan crosses $10 billion

    Jazz is an equal opportunity employer and is creating and nurturing an inclusive and empowering culture. It’s one of the first telecom companies with a high female representation in its executive leadership. Not only does the company promote gender diversity in its work environment, it also has programs focused entirely on attracting and facilitating the female gender including the most recent ‘She’s Back – Women Returnship Program’ for women looking to return to work following a career break. Jazz is among the few early adopters in Pakistan to fully commit itself to the Women Empowerment Principles, introduced by UN Women and the UN Global Compact that focus on steering corporates to promote gender equality and women empowerment.

    Champions of Change Coalition, a globally recognized, high-profile coalition working to achieve change on gender equality issues recently welcomed Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim as the coalition’s member aiming to accelerate progress in creating more inclusive and progressive organizations in Pakistan.

    READ MORE: PTA renews Jazz license for $449.2 million

  • Etisalat ranked as world’s strongest telecom brand

    Etisalat ranked as world’s strongest telecom brand

    ISLAMABAD: Etisalat has been ranked as the world’s strongest telecom brand and is the first in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region to achieve this milestone recognition by Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation authority.

    With a telecom portfolio of well over $12.5 billion, Etisalat not only retained its AAA brand rating but also its position in MEA as the strongest brand across all categories and the most valuable brand portfolio.

    Eng. Hatem Dowidar, CEO, Etisalat Group, said: “To be recognized as the world’s strongest telecom brand and as the most valuable telecom brand portfolio in MEA underline the success of our strategic initiatives to build a robust telecom infrastructure that creates added value for our customers wherever we serve. With our relentless focus on being customer-centric, we continue to push our horizons by investing in next generation technology that enhance our service offering and help shape the digital future.”

    He added: “In this digital-first era, our focus is to be agile to meet the evolving requirements of our customers and deliver relevant and flexible services. Since our inception in 1976, we have been led by a vision to create a world-class telecom infrastructure that is central to economic progress.”

    Brand Finance also named Eng. Hatem Dowidar to the Elite List of Brand Guardians globally, jumping 4 places compared to last year’s ranking. This recognises the ground-breaking initiatives that he launched since he joined Etisalat in September 2015, which played a key role in propelling Etisalat’s business growth. Assuming the role of Group CEO in 2020, he stewarded the company’s growth through the fast-changing telecom and technology landscape following the COVID-19 pandemic. His astute brand stewardship served as the foundation for enhancing Etisalat’s brand reputation as well as employee engagement.

    David Haigh, Chairman and CEO, Brand Finance, said: “Guided by the vision to ‘drive the digital future to empower societies’, Etisalat is the world’s strongest telecoms brand of 2022, as well as retaining its status as the strongest brand in the Middle East and Africa for the second consecutive year. Etisalat’s brand focuses on togetherness and plays its part by providing a first-class telecoms infrastructure across its footprint. Exceptional rollout of 5G technology has also meant that the Etisalat Group’s portfolio of brands is the most valuable amongst telecoms organisations in the Middle East.”

    Attributing the success to his team at Etisalat, Dowidar added: “Our significant brand value growth is the result of the contributions and dedication of our employees across all the markets where we operate. Alongside our partners, they are the cornerstones of our efforts to be a digital-first company that is future-ready, while upholding our vision to empower societies, and turn challenges into opportunities.”

    Etisalat’s robust fibre-optic infrastructure enhances the customer experiences across all business operations. Etisalat raised the benchmark as the world’s fastest network by delivering the best 5G experience at Expo 2020 Dubai as its official telecommunication and digital services partner, surpassing the expectations of millions of visitors. Etisalat has built a dedicated network for Expo 2020, which is the first 5G commercial site in MENA with more than 8,000 Wi-Fi access points, 8,500 mobile access points, and 700 km of fibre-optic cable.

    Etisalat has leveraged its 46 years of telecoms experience and its investment in telecom infrastructure to enable the progress of the people and business alike, in addition to supporting vital sectors such as healthcare and education, especially following the pandemic.

    As the telecom sector continues to evolve at breakneck speed, Dowidar is focused on strengthening Etisalat’s strategic role in empowering the communities it serves in global markets. “Our proven ability to deliver seamless connectivity is our differentiating strength. We are fully equipped to unlock the potential of digital technologies to drive digital transformation at all levels – from government to business to individuals.  Our recognition as the world’s leading telecom brand further fuels our ambition to expand to new geographies and build innovative partnerships, underpinning Etisalat as a brand that makes a positive difference.”

    Etisalat’s digital arm has already made great strides in its digital B2B services, particularly in cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud connectivity. Help Ag, Etisalat Enterprise Digital’s cybersecurity arm, protects customers against identity theft and serve as an effective digital transformation vehicle.

    Brand Finance is the world’s leading independent branded business valuation and strategy authority. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in the City of London, it aims to ‘bridge the gap between marketing and finance.’ Brand Finance evaluates over 5,000 brands across all sectors and geographies every year. The 500 most valuable brands are included in the Brand Finance Global 500 report.

    Earlier, Brand Finance also declared PTCL, an Etisalat subsidiary and the leading telecom operator in Pakistan as the fastest growing brand in Pakistan at a special ceremony held in Barcelona during the Mobile World Congress 2018.