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Category: IT & Telecom

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  • FBR issues updated rates of duty, taxes on mobile phones

    FBR issues updated rates of duty, taxes on mobile phones

    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued the updated applicable rates of duty and taxes for clearance of mobile phones.

    The FBR said that following rate of duty and taxes for the clearance of mobile phones shall be applicable during (2021-2022) (with passport applied within 60 days of arrival in Pakistan):

    READ MORE: FBR collects mobile phone tax, PTA clarifies

    Mobile Phones having cost and freight (C&F) value up to $30, the rate of duty and tax has been fixed at Rs430.

    Mobile Phones having C&F value above $30 and up to $100, the rate of duty and tax has been fixed at Rs3,200.

    Mobile Phones having C&F value above $100 and up to $200, the rate of duty and tax has been fixed at Rs9,580.

    Mobile Phones having C&F value above $200 and up to $350, the rate of duty and taxes shall be Rs12,200 + 17 per cent Sales Tax Ad Valorem.

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

    Mobile Phones having C&F value above $350 and up to $500, the rate of duty and tax shall be Rs17,800 + 17 per cent Sales Tax Ad Valorem.

    Mobile Phones having C&F value above $500, the rate of duty and tax shall be Rs27,600 + 17 per cent Sales Tax Ad Valorem.

    Rate of duty and taxes on mobile phones 2021/2022 (Applied with CNIC):

    Mobile Phones having C&F value up to $30, the rate of duty and tax has been fixed at Rs550.

    READ MORE: FBR issues new FED rates on motor vehicles

    Mobile Phones having C&F value above $30 and up to $100, the rate of duty and taxes has been fixed at Rs4,323.

    Mobile Phones having C&F value above $100 and up to $200, the rate of duty and tax has been fixed at Rs11,561.

    Mobile Phones having C&F value above $200 and up to $350, the rate of duty and tax shall be Rs14,661 + 17 per cent Sales Tax Ad Valorem.

    Mobile Phones having C&F value above $350 and up to $500, the rate of duty and tax shall be Rs23,420 + 17 per cent Sales Tax Ad Valorem.

    READ MORE: Banks to share business account details to FBR

    Mobile Phones having C&F value above $500, the rate of duty and tax shall be Rs37,007 + 17 per cent Sales Tax Ad Valorem.

  • Jazz Digital Park inaugurated in Islamabad

    Jazz Digital Park inaugurated in Islamabad

    VEON Group CEO, Kaan Terzioğlu on Monday inaugurated the Jazz Digital Park (JDP) that was established with an investment of over $8 million.

    Located in Islamabad, JDP will accelerate the country’s digital transformation ambition by significantly improving the existing level of IT services being provided to various sectors.

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

    With a current capacity of more than 300 racks, expandable up to 450 racks, and a 3-megawatt power infrastructure, JDP is Pakistan’s largest Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) Tier-III certified data center in terms of white space and power capacity. Jazz will utilize this digital park to offer secure IT infrastructure and hardware hosting facilities to businesses as well as local startups.

    JDP will also be hosting the new cloud platform about to be launched by Jazz. The onshore cloud will be a significant step forward in ensuring that data created in Pakistan is hosted within the country.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Kaan Terzioğlu said, “Utilising our leadership position in Pakistan and global expertise, we are focused on creating a flourishing digital ecosystem in Pakistan. Jazz Digital Park will serve as a key enabler of our digital operator strategy and is in line with our mission to simplify digital infrastructure challenges for local and regional enterprises.”

    READ MORE: PTA renews Jazz license for $449.2 million

    According to Aamir Ibrahim, CEO, Jazz: “Since the pandemic and the subsequent acceleration to digital platforms, businesses across various sectors are re-assessing their cloud adoption strategies and cloud readiness. The Jazz Digital Park represents a milestone for the country’s ICT industry as it is expected to simplify digital infrastructure challenges local businesses face. This facility is at the heart of our business strategy and validates our commitment to our customers as they continue their digital transformation journey.”

    READ MORE: Jazz awarded contract worth Rs154 million

    Jazz also plans to facilitate the Pakistani startup ecosystem by offering cloud credits under its premium startup accelerator program Jazz xlr8 at the National Incubation Center. The cloud infrastructure is not only expected to reduce the entry barrier for upcoming Pakistani startups, but is also expected to enable existing startups to accelerate their scaling up programs.

    Jazz Digital Park provides one of the largest IT capacities, enabling businesses, including service providers to co-locate their critical IT infrastructure. It is equipped with four-directional fiber connectivity, 100 per cent. redundancy for all power and cooling systems, a Bus Trunking System, a VESDA smoke detecting system, and a Performance Optimized Data Center solution to reduce its carbon footprint. These state-of-the-art features fulfill all operational requirements for a business, including 24/7 customer service, security, and system backups.

  • FBR collects mobile phone tax, PTA clarifies

    FBR collects mobile phone tax, PTA clarifies

    In response to the recent surge in taxes and duties on the registration of cellular mobile devices and handsets, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issued a clarification on Monday, emphasizing that the applicable duty and taxes are solely collected by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

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  • FBR increases income tax to 15% on cellular services

    FBR increases income tax to 15% on cellular services

    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday said the advance income tax on cellular services has been increased to 15 per cent from 10 per cent.

    The FBR issued Circular No. 12 of 2022 to explain amendments to Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 made through Finance (Supplementary) Act, 2022.

    The increase in advance tax rate on cellular service would generate additional 4.5 billion for the FBR.

    READ MORE: FBR issues new FED rates on motor vehicles

    The changes in the withholding tax regime on usage of internet and mobile phones services were introduced through the Finance (Supplementary) Bill, 2021, which was later approved by the national assembly.

    The FBR said that through the Finance Act, 2021 federal excise duty (FED) was levied on telecom services. However, telecom companies challenged the duty and got a favourable decision.

    “A marginal increase in adjustable advance tax has been proposed from 10 per cent to 15 per cent to make up for revenue loss from telecos,” the FBR added.

    READ MORE: Banks to share business account details to FBR

    The FBR collects the advance tax on telephone and internet users under Section 236 of Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.

    According to the ordinance:

    “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: Debt, credit card machines must for POS retailers: FBR

    (3) The person issuing or selling prepaid cards for telephones or the 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 the 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 slashes sales tax rates on petrol, HSD

  • Supernet, Avara awarded project for supply, maintenance

    Supernet, Avara awarded project for supply, maintenance

    ISLAMABAD: Supernet Limited on Wednesday announced that they, in conjunction with their Australian technology partner Avara Technologies Pty Ltd have been awarded a new project within a long-term program that they were awarded in 2021 by a major Pakistani customer.

    The new project valued at approximately Rs250 million constitutes Phase 3 of the program for the supply of multiservice multiplexers and associated operations, maintenance, warranty and support services.

    READ MORE: Supernet awarded telecom projects worth Rs100 million

    The program includes establishment of a repair facility in Pakistan and transfer of knowledge through an expansive training program enabling in country engineers and technicians to rectify faults throughout the equipment’s lifecycle.

    Avara’s DynaFlex product family is a flexible, fully featured, access multiplexer with powerful cross-connect and protection capabilities.

    READ MORE: Suprenet gets project for optic fiber supply

    With the ability to handle a wide range of interfaces like POTS, SCADA, Ethernet, Serial Data and Tele-Protection, the DynaFlex platform is an ideal choice for transporting mission critical TDM services over PDH, SDH, Ethernet or MPLS-TP packet-based interfaces. DynaFlex offers a broad range of hot pluggable channel cards to complement a range of physical interfaces in a modular manner.

    In 2021 Supernet and Avara successfully delivered in time the first batch of DynaFlex multiplexers under Phase 1 of the program despite supply chain and logistics challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The delivery for Phase 2 is under implementation with the newly awarded Phase 3 expected to reach completion towards the tail end of 2022.

    Ali Akhtar. Supernet’s Head of BU, Telecoms & Defense and Lasha Aponso, CEO, Avara jointly stated: “This is a major triumph for us right at the start of 2022 and we are thrilled to have been awarded this new project. It reaffirms the trust and satisfaction of the customers in our products and services. On the back of this victory, we’re charging full steam ahead with our plans to expand business in Pakistan.”

  • Starlink not legal internet service provider: PTA

    Starlink not legal internet service provider: PTA

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday said that Starlink is not a legit internet service provider in the country.

    The PTA in a press release informed the general public that satellite broadband provider Starlink had neither applied for nor obtained any license from PTA to operate and provide internet services in Pakistan.

    READ MORE: PTA allows free mobile calls for Murree emergency

    Therefore, general public is advised in their own interest that they must refrain for engaging in any pre-booking orders being placed on Starlink or any of its associated websites.

    The directions came in the wake of reports that Starlink, through its website, is asking intended subscribers to pay a deposit of $99 (refundable) as pre-order for equipment/services.

    READ MORE: PTA issues procedure to block telemarketing messages

    PTA has already taken up the matter with Starlink to stop taking pre-order bookings from intended consumers with immediate effect as the Company has not been granted any license for provision of internet services in Pakistan.

    READ MORE: PTA renews Jazz license for $449.2 million

  • FBR asked to facilitate startups, e-commerce

    FBR asked to facilitate startups, e-commerce

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been asked to facilitate startups and e-commerce across border exporters in the country.

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on E-Commerce, Senator Aon Abbas Buppi on Tuesday issued the directives at a meeting with FBR Chairman Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq.

    The SAPM also stated that startups is a growing economy and this segment needs all the facilitation by the government to promote digital economy and promoting e- Commerce, said a press release issued here.

    READ MORE: FBR slashes sales tax rates on petrol, HSD

    Aon Abbas Buppi specifically asked to abolish minimum turnover taxes for new startups to provide a conducive business environment for them.

    SAPM discussed with the FBR chairman to offer facilitation for startups and e-Commerce cross border exporters, Chairman FBR agreed to work on proposals from SAPM and assured that FBR will work along with the Ministry of commerce to create a conducive environment for the e-commerce ecosystem.

    Meanwhile Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on E-Commerce said the government has built the first e-commerce university in the country and is pursuing a revolutionary program to provide skilled labor in the sector.

    READ MORE: FBR to re-notify property values on February 01

    The e-commerce university will start its work by March 2022, which will provide affordable and quality education to the students. The country needs standard e-commerce university time.

    He said that the government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has introduced the first e-commerce policy in October 2019, which would create new avenues of employment opportunities for the youth of the country.

    Aon Abbas said that E-Commerce policy provides communities with a guideline on how they can take advantage of this innovative opportunity.

    He said the country currently has more than 50 percent youth population for whom there would be huge job opportunities in the e-commerce sector.

    READ MORE: FBR extends date for filing sales tax return

    SAPM said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has given us a target to open 10 million new jobs through the e-commerce sector.

    He said that 10,000 new companies have to be opened and 10,000 new people have to be trained to create more manpower in this sector.

    He said that at present the global market for e-commerce is $30 trillion, of which Pakistan’s share is very small.

    It has $4 trillion in Business to Business and $4 trillion in Business to Companies trade.

    READ MORE: Cash transactions above Rs50,000 not admissible

  • PTCL Group wins GDEIB award in five categories

    PTCL Group wins GDEIB award in five categories

    ISLAMABAD: PTCL Group has won the prestigious Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Benchmark (GDEIB) Award in five categories in recognition of its forward-looking human resource practices and work culture.

    The achievement highlights the Group’s standing as a progressive and wholly employee-centric organization with unique attributes that have been validated previously as well, a statement said on Monday.

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

    GDEIB are global standards developed by The Centre for Global Inclusion (CBI), with more than 112 experts from across the world. The standards help organizations across the world determine their strategy and measure progress in managing diversity and fostering inclusion to strive for excellence in their respective fields.

    This year, PTCL Group won the prestigious award in five categories, thereby reinforcing its reputation as one of the most progressive organizations in the country.

    Among these three; Vision, strategy, and Business impact; Work-life integration, flexibility and benefits; and Assessment, Measurement, and Research were categorized as proactive whereas the other two; DEI Communications and Community, Government Relations, and Philanthropy were categorized in progressive stage.

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

    The GDEIB, ‘Diversity Hub’, a center of expertise with HR Metrics, Islamabad, holds annual awards to celebrate the accomplishments of organizations in GDEIB in 15 categories on a maturity scale of 1-5. Award submissions are reviewed by globally renowned jury members through a democratic review process.

    Commenting on the achievement, Group Chief Human Resource Officer, PTCL & Ufone, Syed Mazhar Hussain said: “We are thrilled to receive outstanding recognition at the GDEIB Awards for diversity and inclusion at PTCL. As an organization, we believe in making sustained efforts to foster gender and cultural diversity and continuously strive to provide an environment for these changes to take root.

    READ MORE: PTA renews PTCL’s license for next 25 years

    “We are glad that we have been able to provide a favorable and equitable working environment and growth-oriented culture to our diverse teams.”

    PTCL Group has strongly established itself as one of the most forward-looking organizations in terms of inclusivity, equity, and acceptance. The GDEIB Award is the second of its kind to acknowledge the Group’s credentials in this regard this year, following its success at the Pakistan Society of Human Resource Management (PSHRM) Awards earlier this year.

    READ MORE: PTCL signs deal to launch Avaya Spaces

  • PTA allows free mobile calls for Murree emergency

    PTA allows free mobile calls for Murree emergency

    The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced the provision of free mobile calling facilities for individuals stranded in Murree and the Galliat region due to extreme weather conditions. This emergency initiative was implemented on Sunday following reports of severe disruptions caused by heavy snowfall and traffic gridlocks in the area.

    (more…)
  • Suprenet gets project for optic fiber supply

    Suprenet gets project for optic fiber supply

    Supernet Limited has secured a significant telecommunications infrastructure development project from a prominent Pakistani mobile network operator. Valued at over Rs150 million, the project encompasses the supply of optical fiber and associated equipment, alongside its deployment across various regions in Punjab, as announced by Supernet in a recent statement.

    (more…)