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Tag: Jazz

Jazz, one of Pakistan’s largest telecom operators, is closely monitored by Pakistan Revenue, which is dedicated to providing readers with the latest updates on Jazz’s financial activities and developments.

  • Projects worth Rs8 bn launched for broadband services

    Projects worth Rs8 bn launched for broadband services

    ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT) has launched seven more projects worth over Rs8 billion to provide broadband services to over 2.5 million people in the un-served and under-served areas of the four provinces.

    Out of total amount for the projects around Rs 3.5 billion projects allocated for Balochistan, according to a statement issued on Monday.

    The projects were approved here on Monday at the 81st meeting of the Board of Directors of the Universal Service Fund (USF), since then, the number of projects for providing optical fiber cable and broadband services from 2018 to date has reached a record 56 and the total cost (subsidy) has exceeded Rs 52 billion.

    READ MORE: Telenor gets Rs1.36bn contract for broadband services

    The meeting was chaired by Secretary IT & Telecom and Chairman USF Board Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput while Chairman PTA Major General (Retd) Amir Azeem Bajwa, Member Telecom Muhammad Umar Malik, CEO Telenor Irfan Wahab Khan, Imran Akhtar Shah, Kokab Iqbal, Sibte Hassan Gardezi and other officials were present.

    Chief Executive Officer USF Haaris Mahmood Chaudhry gave a detailed briefing to the Board about the projects.

    READ MORE: Jazz awarded project worth Rs344 million for providing broadband service

    Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Syed Amin-Ul-Haque, while congratulating the USF Board on the launch of the projects, said that whatever the political situation, the MOITT and its subsidiaries, especially the Universal Service Fund, continue to perform.

    He said that Ministry of IT through USF is committed to connect the people in remote areas with digital world.

    The minister said projects started during the tenure of present government are being ensured to complete in stipulated time. While for all the projects under the rules only the lowest bidding telecom operators were selected, he said.

    Earlier addressing the meeting, Secretary IT and Chairman USF Board Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput said that the provision of broadband services to the residents of the un-served and under-served areas of the country is as much needed as for the big cities.

    READ MORE: Telenor gets contract for providing broadband services

    He said that while the implementation of projects for the four provinces has been ensured under the rules and regulations, the projects worth Rs 3.57 billion have been approved in principle, giving special importance to the deprived Balochistan.

    Dr. Sohail Rajput further said that although the wide area of Balochistan and the provision of broadband services to the spread population is costlier than any other area, but the Board under the direction of Federal Minister for IT Syed Amin-Ul-Haque always included Balochistan in its priorities.

    Meanwhile, according to the Projects approved at the USF Board of Directors meeting, the project to provide 4G services in Qila Saifullah and Zhob in Balochistan has been awarded to Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (Ufone) with total subsidy is Rs 3.57 billion while the completion period would be 18 months.

    The project would facilitate to more than one hundred thousand populations of 111 villages spread over an area of 8,408 sq. km.

    The plan to provide broadband services in Jhang, Bhakkar and Toba Tek Singh districts of Punjab has been given to Pakistan Mobile Company Limited (Jazz) on which the amount of subsidy given is Rs. 2.25 billion with one-year completion time.

    READ MORE: Contracts worth Rs5.11 billion awarded for next generation broadband

    In a short span of time, facilities will be provided to a population of over 1 million in 722 villages spread over an area of 8,925 sq. km. The meeting also approved the project of uninterrupted Voice and Broadband services on 95 km section of Hakla D.I Khan Motorway connecting Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Mianwali, Attock and Rawalpindi districts to Jazz at a subsidy of Rs 375.33 million.

    Similarly, a plan to provide broadband service in six Mauzas on the outskirts of Islamabad has been handed over to Jazz at a cost of Rs. 11 million.

    A project to provide mobile services in a Mauza of Mandi Bahauddin has also been handed over to Jazz at a cost of Rs. 22.6 million.

    Under optical fiber cable (OFC) program, 555 km long fiber optical cable laying project in Larkana and Qambar Shahdad Kot districts of Sindh has been given to PTCL with total subsidy of Rs. 1.61 billion and completion period is one year.

    By connecting the 62 union councils of these districts, it will be possible to provide high speed connectivity to the population of more than 1.2 million.

    Another project under Optical Fiber Cable Program, PTCL was also given a project to lay 106 km long cable for a population of more than 136,000 in 6 Union Councils of Haripur and Islamabad out of total cost Rs. 410 million, the subsidy approved of Rs 235 million.

    In addition, the USF Board of Directors has approved in principle the appointment of Ms. Alia Afridi from among the 3 shortlisted names after interviews of 37 candidates on the recommendations of the Human Resource Committee for the post of Company Secretary in the Universal Service Fund.

    Ms. Alia Afridi has high academic qualifications and significant experience in the related field.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Jazz’s investment in Pakistan crosses $10 billion

    Jazz’s investment in Pakistan crosses $10 billion

    ISLAMABAD: Jazz’s investment in Pakistan, which has crossed $ 10 billion including $ 560 million in the last two years alone on 4G network expansion – taking the total number of 4G users to 34.2 million, cementing Jazz’s position as the number one 4G operator.

    This was informed by KaanTerzioğlu, Chief Executive Officer, VEON Group who called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Wednesday.

    Kaan reiterated the Group’s full support towards the Government’s Digital Pakistan agenda.

    VEON, a leading global provider of connectivity and internet services, is embarking on a journey to be a world-leading digital operator with over 213.8 million subscribers in nine countries, including 71.9 million in Pakistan through its operating company, Jazz.

    Kaan apprised the Prime Minister about Jazz’s investment in Pakistan, which has crossed US$ 10 billion including US$ 560 million in the last two years alone on 4G network expansion – taking the total number of 4G users to 34.2 million, cementing Jazz’s position as the number one 4G operator.

    During the meeting, Kaan also talked about the role Jazz is playing in improving digital infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, investing in digital skills and literacy, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, and driving financial inclusion through JazzCash.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan valued the Group’s commitment to Pakistan including the sustainability initiatives that empower the young with digital tools and resources.

    “The government launched the ‘Digital Pakistan’ initiative to provide a platform to the youth and it is heartening to see private sector companies like Jazz carry the mantle,” the prime minister said. He also highlighted the key role mobile operators play in a country’s economic growth by bringing in foreign investment, fostering connectivity, and enabling other sectors to thrive.

    “Pakistan is a key market for VEON, and we see tremendous growth potential as the country continues to implement its ‘Digital Pakistan’ vision. To accelerate this and to encourage private sector investment in broadband connectivity and network expansion, a forward-looking regulatory regime in line with next-generation connectivity requirements, and a policy framework facilitating innovative business models are needed,” said VEON Group CEO KaanTerzioğlu.

    “Utilising our leadership position and global expertise, we are focused on creating a flourishing digital ecosystem in Pakistan. Constantly investing in expanding access to 4G to rural and semi-urban areas, and in innovating and adapting our digital services to become a digital lifestyle partner for our customers is at the core of this journey,” said Jazz CEO Aamir Ibrahim.

    PTA renews Jazz license for $449.2 million
  • PTA issues procedure to block telemarketing messages

    PTA issues procedure to block telemarketing messages

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Monday issued the procedure to bloc telemarketing communication and unwanted/spam messages.

    The PTA said that unwanted calls/messages can be disruptive, but there are measures to minimize them.

    For blocking telemarketing communication, a person needs to register his number on the “Do Not Contact Register (DNCR)”. In order to register the person need to send a message by typing ‘reg’ and SMS to 3627.

    To allow telemarketing communication again, type ‘unreg’ and SMS to 3627.

    The PTA said that concerned service provider may be contacted in case of issue or for details about tariff/subscription charges.

    To block spamming/unsolicited communication, the PTA issued procedure under which a person should type spammer’s cell number, give a space, paste the received message and SMS to 9000.

    SMS charges of PKR 0.10 (inclusive of taxes) apply for each SMS to prevent abuse of facility.

    For blocking obnoxious/unknown calls and SMSs, the PTA suggested to dial *420# (for Jazz, Telenor & Ufone subscribers) or 420 (for ZONG subscribers). Concerned service provider may be contacted to get detail about tariff/subscription.

    The regulator further said that in case an issue is not resolved, the complaint may be lodged to PTA through an online complaint management system:

    http://complaint.pta.gov.pk/registercomplaint.aspx

  • PTA renews Jazz license for $449.2 million

    PTA renews Jazz license for $449.2 million

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on has renewed license of Jazz at a price of $449.2 million, according to a statement issued on Monday.

    The PTA said that after dismissal of a petition from Islamabad High Court, PTA has renewed Jazz License due for renewal since 2019.

    Renewed License has enhanced terms and conditions for coverage and Quality of Service, as established during the recent Pakistan Spectrum Auction.

    The license signing was held at  PTA Headquarters on Monday.

    The license is renewed at a price of $449.2 Million out of which Jazz has already paid $333.64 million on account of license renewal fee and applicable markup.

    Ericsson organizes virtual event for Jazz Pakistan
  • Cellular spectrum auction generates $30 million: PTA

    Cellular spectrum auction generates $30 million: PTA

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Tuesday said that an amount of $30 million has been generated as revenue from first-ever cellular spectrum auction for Next Generation Mobile Service (NGMS) in Azad Kashmir Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) and Gilgit Baltistan.

    (more…)
  • Ericsson organizes virtual event for Jazz Pakistan

    Ericsson organizes virtual event for Jazz Pakistan

    Ericsson has organized a dedicated Ericsson Digital Unboxed 2021 Event virtually for Jazz Pakistan. Crafted for Jazz Pakistan, Ericsson’s global and regional experts and thought leaders showcased the latest insights, use cases and technologies tailored to Jazz Pakistan, a statement said on Thursday.

    (more…)
  • Jazz awarded contract worth Rs154 million

    Jazz awarded contract worth Rs154 million

    ISLAMABAD: The Universal Service Fund (USF) has awarded contract worth around Rs154 Million to Jazz for providing High Speed Mobile Broadband services in Multan and Khanewal Districts of Southern Punjab.

    Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque and Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi witnessed the contract signing ceremony here on Thursday.

    The contract was signed by Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, CEO, USF with Aamir Ibrahim, CEO, Jazz.

    The Federal Secretary for IT & Telecommunication and Chairman USF Board, Dr. Muhammad Sohail Rajput and Parliamentary Secretary, Zain Qureshi, Member Telecom Muhammad Umar Malik, Member IC Ajmal Awan and other senior officers of MoITT were also present at the ceremony.

    While addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque said that, MoITT through USF has contracted projects worth approximately Rs6.5 billion to provide high speed internet to 3.8 million people in Southern Punjab.

    These include six high speed mobile broadband projects and three optic fiber cable projects. According to Syed Amin Ul Haque, under these projects, we are spending a total of Rs708 million for provision of high speed broadband services in three districts of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalnagar. About 2.6 million people living in 846 villages will benefit from this. Similarly, in Dera Ghazi Khan Division, four districts DG Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh and Rajanpur, Rs141 million is being spent. While Rs4.47 billion is being spent on three projects related to the laying of optical fiber cable.

    With the completion of these projects, an area of about 2, 000 sq. km will be connected with OFC. More than 25 per cent work has been done on broadband services projects.

    Completion of these projects will provide the fastest broadband services to 393 villages with a population of over 0.85 million.

    While addressing the ceremony, Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that he was pleasantly surprised to hear the performance of the MoITT which is working day and night for the fulfillment of the Prime Minister’s Digital Pakistan vision. He thanked the Federal Minister, Syed Amin Ul Haque for initiating the development projects in Southern Punjab and said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would provide all possible assistance and support for the promotion of IT industry and showcasing of Pakistani IT products around the world because Ministry of IT is at the forefront of those sectors through which numerous job opportunities and the country’s economy can be strengthened.

    Sharing his views on the development, CEO-Jazz, Aamir Ibrahim said, “Jazz has invested US$ 462 million during the last two years mainly to expand its 4G footprint in rural and semi-urban areas. This is in line with our mission to bridge the digital divide and to collaborate with the Government of Pakistan in helping realize the Digital Pakistan vision.

    Today’s contract signing is a testament of our commitment to create ICT-led socioeconomic opportunities for the masses.” Earlier on his welcome address, CEO-USF, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary said: “The USF is committed in its resolve to empower the marginalized communities of Pakistan. This project will benefit an unserved population of 0.48 million in 170 unserved mauzas, thereby covering an unserved area of 1,323 sq. km. of Multan and Khanewal districts. The project will be completed in 12 months.”

  • SBP, JazzCash sign MoU for increasing financial literacy

    SBP, JazzCash sign MoU for increasing financial literacy

    KARACHI: National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) – a subsiday of State Bank of Pakistan – and JazzCash, Pakistan’s leading FinTech Company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for increasing financial literacy amongst youth of Pakistan, the SBP said on Saturday.

    NIBAF and JazzCash aim to jointly promote financial literacy through the engaging and interactive game called “PomPak – Learn to Earn” developed under SBP’s project, National Financial Literacy Program for Youth (NFLP-Y).

    PomPak, utilizes a story-based narrative by following the journey of two families setting up a small entrepreneurial venture. This helps to keep the players engaged while effectively inculcating ethical behavior and financial skills such as budgeting, saving, and banking. PomPak is available in both English and Urdu for three age groups: children (9-12); adolescents (13-17); and youth (18-29).

    Anyone who completes the course is awarded a certificate of financial literacy jointly from NIBAF and NFLP-Y. It can be played on a desktop computer or can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store for other devices.

    JazzCash, under its partnership, is going to provide SBP access to more than 26 million Pakistanis by promoting the PomPak application on its platform. This will help the application reach a wider audience, thus increasing its usage and eventually promoting financial literacy of the nation resulting in a highly positive socio-economic impact.

    Riaz Nazarali Chunara, Managing Director, NIBAF stressed on the role of increased financial literacy for promoting financial inclusion. He said that being Pakistan’s first e-learning financial literacy game, PomPak has revolutionized the way financial education is delivered. He went on to add that NIBAF is really proud of what PomPak has achieved since its launch and this partnership with JazzCash will contribute majorly towards our commitment to provide free of cost financial education to all.

    While emphasizing on the significance of the MOU, Erwan Gelebart, Chief Executive Officer JazzCash, said that there is ample scope for financial enablement and education through JazzCash.

    Creating a strong business and building a better Pakistan in parallel are key contributors of long-term success for JazzCash. This agreement will contribute in achieving the aforesaid objectives as we look forward to upskill the youngsters of Pakistan, he said.

    Under the guidance of SBP, NIBAF is implementing National Financial Literacy Program for Youth to impart essential financial education to Pakistani youth and school going children. In the last three years, the project has successfully reached more than 45 districts of Pakistan making over 750 thousands financial literate in this category.