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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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.

  • Jazz awarded project worth Rs344 million for providing broadband service

    Jazz awarded project worth Rs344 million for providing broadband service

    ISLAMABAD: The Universal Service Fund (USF) on Monday awarded contract worth approximately Rs344 million to Jazz for providing High Speed Mobile Broadband services in Jacobabad, Shikarpur & Kashmore districts of Sindh province.

    Federal Minister for Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms and Special Initiatives, Asad Umar and Federal Minister for Privatization, Mian Muhammad Somroo witnessed the contract signing ceremony in Jacobabad on Monday.
    The contract was signed by Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, CEO, USF with Aamir Ibrahim, CEO, Jazz. Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque said, “Sindh is not governed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) or Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and for the past 12 years, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has been occupying the province- a party that does not care about the people or their interests.

    During its 12 years in power, PPP gave the people of this province nothing but poverty, unemployment, broken roads, sewerage and water issues, along with health and education problems. Journalists are also being subjected to false charges, bullying, intimidation, torture and even murder. We strongly condemn this and demand that the cases against the journalists be dropped immediately and that justice be provided to the families of the ones who were martyred.”

    The Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication added that necessary steps were being taken for the development of Sindh including the provision of High Speed Mobile Broadband services to millions of residents of Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore and surrounding areas.

    Syed Amin Ul Haque said that the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has launched 9 projects worth over Rs8.48 billion in the last two years focusing on improvement of network coverage and provision of High Speed Mobile Broadband services along with a number of optical fiber cable projects in Sindh.

    The completion of these projects will provide facilities to 17.7 Million people in 19 districts of the province. Currently, 1,900 km of optical fiber cable is being laid which will serve educational institutions, health centers and businesses, allowing citizens to access High Speed Internet.

    He added that within the next few days, a 709 km long optical fiber cable project will be launched at a cost of PKR 2.1 Billion, making it another important milestone in digitalizing Pakistan. Syed Amin Ul Haque said that an indication of Sindh government and its Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah’s lack of interest in the people of the province was the fact that he never participated in the launch events for these welfare projects, despite being invited by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication several times. He added that the Sindh government was not concerned about the public and public-interest projects.

    He stated, “We have not made false promises to you, but have framed our plans and are beginning to take practical steps for Sindh. Because we believe in the politics of service, we have nothing to do with the politics of opposition.”

    He prompted journalists to hold the Chief Minister of Sindh accountable for development funds of more than PKR 1500 Billion that were sanctioned for the people of Sindh in the past 12 years and question where such a huge amount was spent and how has it improved lives of the citizens.

    While addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, Reforms and Special Initiatives, Asad Umar and Federal Minister for Privatization, Muhammad Mian Soomro thanked the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque for launching projects worth billions of rupees for the province of Sindh.

    Sharing his views on the development, CEO Jazz, Aamir Ibrahim said, “Jazz invested US$ 462 million during the last two years mainly to expand its 4G footprint in rural and semiurban areas and bridge the digital divide as we collaborate with the Government of Pakistan in realizing the #DigitalPakistan vision.

    “Today, close to 60 percent of Pakistan’s population has access to Jazz’s 4G network. Through this contract, Jazz in collaboration with USF will equip over a million unserved residents of Jacobabad, Kashmore and Shikarpur districts with high-speed mobile broadband, creating socioeconomic opportunities and uplifting lives.”

  • Jazz launches business app for merchants

    Jazz launches business app for merchants

    ISLAMABAD: Jazz, country’s leading phone operator and fintech, has launched a Business App for its rapidly growing merchant base, a statement said on Monday.

    The App has state-of-the-art tools for efficient financial and business management, this app adds to the ease of doing business as small and medium business owners can kick start digital payment acceptance, without the cumbersome bank account registration process.

    This all-new platform has been developed to cater to the SME sector, which is yet to realize the full benefits of a digital payments ecosystem, while some amongst them, are not even part of the formal economy. There are millions of SMEs in Pakistan, and only a few thousand accept digital payments making it a predominately cash-based sector.

    The JazzCash Business app becomes the command center for these merchants, providing visibility on business performance and automating day-to-day activities. Users can receive payments through QR, reconcile transactions, disburse salaries and make payments for stock procurement.

    They can also generate a QR code in real-time and send customizable digital invoices to customers.  Going forward, more features will be added to this app, including the option to request a business loan, playing an essential role in driving economic growth.

    According to Erwan Gelebart, CEO, JazzCash: “JazzCash aims to cultivate a cashless economy and is committed to introducing innovative products and services that offer faster, more transparent, and secure payment solutions.

    “We identified a need for a one-stop digital solution in the SME sector, which still lacks the tools and resources to adopt digital transformation, and created this business app to manage all their financial requirements. By taking advantage of secure, real-time payments, these businesses will witness higher efficiencies and benefit from a thriving digital ecosystem.”

    Business owners can self-onboard from anywhere conveniently by registering themselves on the Business App in a few simple steps by providing basic personal and business information, uploading a copy of their CNIC and photograph.