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Tag: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

  • 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

  • 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!

  • 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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  • 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

  • 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…)
  • State Bank launches easy mobile phone account

    State Bank launches easy mobile phone account

    KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Sunday said it is launching a new initiative of Asaan (easy) Mobile Account (AMA) on Monday, December 13, 2021.

    The central bank in a statement said that the initiative was developed under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy with the objective to bring further ease in remote account opening under branchless banking.

    This means that the customers would be able to open and operate their accounts in the comfort of their homes, without having to visit the branches, with any of the participating branchless banking providers.

    The solution has been developed through a collaboration of SBP, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), 13 Branchless Banking (BB) Providers, all Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) and Virtual Remittance Gateway (VRG). ForAMA, the branchless banking providers and cellular mobile operators are collaborating to deliver an interoperable platform, allowing any Pakistani to open account with a bank.

    AMA will play a crucial role in reaching out to the low-income segments that do not have access to internet. Moreover, AMA will be a perfect conduit to onboard women customer segments as well.

    SBP directs biometric verification of branchless banking accounts by March 31
  • Pakistan lifts ban on TikTok

    Pakistan lifts ban on TikTok

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has lifted the ban imposed on the services of TikTok, an online social platform, according to a statement issued on Friday.

    Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that it had restored the services of TikTok on the assurance of the platform to control immoral/indecent content.

    Subsequent to the imposition of the ban on July 20, 2021, the PTA remained in communications with the TikTok management.

    As a result of continuous engagement, senior management of the platform assured PTA of its commitment to take necessary measures to control unlawful content in accordance with local laws and societal norms.

    The company also assured that the users who are continuously involved in uploading unlawful content will be blocked from using the platform.

    Keeping in view the assurances, the authority has decided to lift the ban on TikTok forthwith.

    The PTA will continue to monitor the platform in order to ensure that unlawful content contrary to Pakistan’s law and societal values is not disseminated.

    TikTok blocked in Pakistan due to immoral content
  • 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
  • FBR warns of penalties amid filers grievances

    FBR warns of penalties amid filers grievances

    ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Wednesday warned non-filers of harsh action including monetary penalty and imprisonment.

    In a statement, a FBR spokesman said that the last date for filing income tax return for tax year 2021 is October 15, 2021 and it will not be further extended.

    The actual last date for filing the income tax returns for tax year 2021 was September 30, 2021. However, to technical issues on the FBR portal this date was extended for 15 days. The FBR in this regard issued Circular No. 08 to extend the date of filing income tax returns.

    Through the latest statement, the FBR urged the persons having taxable income or those who are required to file their returns under Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, should file their returns in remaining two days.

    According to the statement the FBR’s IRIS portal was working smoothly. “Therefore, no further date will be extended beyond October 15, 2021,” the spokesman said.

    The spokesman further said that after the due date the non-filers would face monetary penalty of Rs1,000 each day of default. Furthermore, the non-filers may face imprisonment for two years.

    The tax practitioners, however, are not satisfied with the performance of the FBR stating that the technical issues were not resolved so far.

    “Despite repeated requests the FBR has not resolved the issues in return filing,” Zeeshan Merchant, President, Karachi Tax Bar Association (KTBA) told PkRevenue.com

    Merchant said that calculation error in return form for SMEs was still a major issue.

    Besides, these issues the taxpayers and tax practitioners had also faced slow speed of internet, which was caused by a fault in international cable, as income tax returns are required to file electronically.

    Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) a day earlier issued a statement on the cable fault and said that it was monitoring the situation and will continue to update on it.

    “A submarine cable fault was reported yesterday near Fujairah, UAE due to which some users may have faced degradation in services. The faulty cable segment has been repaired & work is underway to make the services fully functional,” the PTA said.

    Taxpayers urged to file tax returns by October 15