Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Content
CONTENT
Editor's Note
CONTENT
Editorial 8
Reader's Response
Letters to the Editor 9
Interview
Averox has everything to offer: Khan 38
Telepedia
Telecom Security Guidelines: another regulatory effort by PTA 11
Resolution passes on banning late night packages 12
Ban on prepaid mobile phones in Kashmir revoked 13 Cover Story
Proficient policies marvels PTCL's performance 16 Page
Mobilink rewards Jazz customers with SMS Khazana
Etisalat net profit witness 16pc growth
19
26 48
Cover Story
Behind every flop company there is a CEO 48
InsighT
2010: IT exports to meet the mark 14
How will internet change in 2010? 20
Punjab government, Microsoft sign accord 29
Technobabble Page
Nothing succeed like success
Exclusive
24
10
Asim Zaffar: the living legend of IT 30
Use of position abuse of power 34 Internet project of USF unveiled by President
CCP unearths the monopoly of telcos 97
Page
Events
Internet project of USF unveiled by President
Warid strengthening the league of its ambassadors
10
17
12
Strings Glow the stage for Warid 21
Electrolux launches vividly 28
Fashion Week glittered by Zong 39
Tech Tools
The storm of BlackBerry phones in Pakistan 42
Mobile review 52
Current mobile 56
Upcoming mobile 60
High range mobile 62 Page
Low range mobile
Laptops
Computer
63
64
65
39 Fashion Week glittered Resolution passes on banning
Accessorise the way you live 66 by Zong late night packages
Gaming Zone 68
Mosaic
National 82
Fifi World Cup 2010: Sony draws lucky winner 84
International 89
Synopsis
Page
25
PTCL offers free connection to Boulton Market 70
Zong upgrades DialTunes 71
Zong reveals 'Family Pack' service 72
Benazir Employees S.O.S 73
Mobilink congratulates U-19 cricketers 75 Warid strengthening the league of its ambassadors
Ericsson inaugurates its new Karachi office 76
PTA block web site 77
PTCL's Largest data centre 79
India: 19m mobile phone users in one month 81
National 44
International 89
Page
6 87 Al Razi Healthcare Trip to Khewara Mines and Kattas Fort
February 15, March 15, 2010
Editor s
N ote
When there’s a will,
there’s a way
I have witnessed different reactions on the
resolution passed in Punjab Assembly on banning late
night cell phone packages. On a number of blogs there
Zubair Ahmed Kasuri Editor-in-Chief
is unnecessary fuss about the issue. There are those
Fatima Batool Editor
who are in utter favour of the resolution and also those
who consider it an assault on the young generation. Usman Yaqoob
Director Marketing (Lhr)
Others claim that the attitude depends and one must M. Farooq Malik
Manager Marketing (Lhr)
know the way to extract maximum benefit out of Rashid Hussain Mughal
provisions. Marketing Executive (Khi)
at any cost at any rate. All those people who avail late
night packages are young. I have not seen any uncle
calling an aunti after 10 O’ clock as elders do have their
Zubair Ahmed Kasuri, publisher of FLARE
lines and limitations which they strictly follow.
leading telecom magazine, printed it from
Punjab Assembly must be encouraged for their pro- Qasim Naeem Art Press, Near Bank Road,
youth resolution. There will be no more late night Main Bund Road, Lahore and published
gossiping and no sleeping in the class rooms. Initially from 46J, Gulberg III, Lahore.
it will hurt the users but with the passage of time all
and sundry will realise that the bill is in their favour.
8
9
Event Flare Report Free download | flare.com.pk
bringing a paradigm shift to the way people run Challenge before USF is to achieve the targets
higher secondary schools, colleges and libraries
their lives. through an efficient and transparent process.
through the establishment of Educational
USF finances spread of telecom services to Therefore, all disbursements of the fund are done
Broadband Centres (EBCs) and 104 Community
previously un-served or under-served through open competitive bidding, encouraging
10 Broadband Centres (CBCs) for the citizens who
areas and makes it possible for licensed telecom full competition among telecom licensees.
Free download | flare.com.pk Flare Report Telepedia
meet the mark markets in the last fiscal year as compared to USD
169 million exports achievement in 2007-08.
However, the country has missed its export
target of USD 255 million of the closing fiscal year
as the global economic recession has affected its
offshore demands in the second half of 2008-09.
SBP reported that IT exports were recorded at
USD 98 million in July-December 2009 as against
USD 100 million of the same period of its
proceeding year.
He said the IT export sector is likely to meet its
target of the current fiscal year, which is to
maintain the level of previous exports, USD 201
million.
Multiple trends
of 2009
Federal Task Force on Information and
Communication Technologies (ICT) Chairman
Salim Ghauri said the outgoing year 2009
would be remembered as a ‘mixed year’ for the
information technology (IT) industry in
As per statistics of PSEB, the country’s IT and Pakistan.
In a statement, the ICT chairman said the
IT-enabled services exports have touched the highest year 2009 would also be remembered as a year
of ‘survival of the fittest’ for the IT industry,
ever benchmark of USD 201 million despite its which witnessed a change in very weak and
plunging demand in the international markets in the difficult business scenario of 2008 to a more
investment-oriented scene of 2009.
last fiscal year as compared to USD 169 million Especially, he said, the last part of 2009
proved a stimulus for growth in the Pakistan’s
exports achievement in 2007-08 IT sector when the multinationals increased
their automation spending world over. Also,
The exports of information technology (IT) and flourishing in the upcoming months. Most of the he said, the small-size IT companies grabbed
its enabled services have come back on the growth Pakistani companies are working for financial the opportunities to grow with fast adaptation
track after a yearlong slump in the wake of global institutions, automobile, call centres and of IT services in Asia Pacific region.
economic recession. miscellaneous services sectors in different The IT industry handled the odd situation
The IT exports have recorded 50 per cent countries. very tactfully throughout last 2008 and first
growth in December from its proceeding month, half of 2009 and sent a message across the
which is also the highest ever single month United States of America is globe that it is here to stay long. He said many
exports’ figure in the current fiscal year.
As per State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) statistics,
the largest buyer of Pak- IT companies in Pakistan have developed their
niche in certain areas by developing state of the
the exports of computer and information services istan IT-enabled services art products. These new players have fetched
have reached USD 21 million in the previous
month versus USD 14 million in the November.
with the share of 58 per substantial amount of foreign exchange to the
cent in the overall country’s country, he added.
Besides, it also posted growth of 16 per cent as Federal Task Force on IT chairman
compared to December of last year, which stood at exports. It is followed by expressed deep satisfaction over the
USD 18 million. Besides, the exports were
recorded at an average of USD 15.4 million in the UK, where the exports are completion of first draft of IT policy
recommendations and submission to the
first five months of 2009-10. hovering around 10 per Planning Commission, which is due to issue
Exporters are optimistic on the sustainability
of export growth gradually in tandem with the
cent. The pie of total ex- first document on IT sector policy by
ports shows 16 per cent February 2010. It is a milestone achievement in
recovery of developed economies where country
the growth of IT sector in Pakistan, he
has good markets. share to the other countries commented.
A Karachi-based exporter Zarif Ahmed
observed that the demand of local IT services has including Australia, Canada, Ghauri further pointed out that the IT
institutions produced lowest number of
gotten better in the traditional exports’ market in Thailand, UAE and others graduates during 2009 but expressed the hope
the last two months. He says the foreign-based
that the situation would be revived during
companies have entered the recovery phase and United States of America is the largest buyer of
2010 and the number of IT graduates would
started outsourcing their multiple services to the Pakistan IT-enabled services with the share of 58
increase accordingly. Ghauri also urged the
IT and IT-enabled companies of various countries. per cent in the overall country’s exports. It is
government to appoint an IT minister
“Pakistan has potential to grab its share in IT- followed by UK, where the exports are hovering
forthwith to facilitate the IT industry,
enabled services market although it is also around 10 per cent. The pie of total exports shows
which is running from pillar to post to
competent in providing software applications to 16 per cent share to the other countries including
present itself to the federal cabinet as well as
various developed countries.” Australia, Canada, Thailand, UAE and others.
14 the parliament.
He added the exports’ demand will be
Telepedia Flare Report Free download | flare.com.pk
PTCL’s performance
the tough competition given by foreign telecom
operators.
Since the advent of mobile era in Pakistan, the top
line of largest telecom operator has been under
continuous pressure because of diminishing land line
users. Though, this was being partially supported by
growth in wireless local loop segment up until now,
latest data suggests, that that support is now tapering
off.
However, PTCL's first half FY10 financial result
shows that increase in broadband revenue has
prevented a greater
fall in the overall
revenue, which
dipped by five per
cent to Rs29 billion
from Rs31 billion in
same period last year.
Like wise, it seems
that increase in
international revenue
also supported the
firm's top line.
Looking ahead,
Mr. Naveed Saeed broad band segment
Senior Executive Vice President, will help the firm
Commercial PTCL
realise growth, as all
The firm's operating income swelled by 19 per cent due
other communication products have reached to better cash position and possession of liquid assets,
saturation points. So far, PTCL leads the race in this while loan worth Rs three billion granted to Ufone also
segment as it captured nearly one-fourth of the
market by the end of first quarter of the current fiscal
boosted its interest income. Cash in hand, reduction in
year, according to the PTA. interest rate and relatively stable rupee, reduced PTCL's
The cost of services remained stable during the finance cost three quarters; consequently, its profit
first half because of cost cutting measures
implemented earlier by the company's new remained unchanged despite the fall in revenue
management. These measures also helped reduce labs under the auspices of Government of Punjab. amounting to Rs9.151 billion for the year ended June
Moreover PTCL earned Rs5.354 billion net profit 30, which was in line with many analysts’
The management and during past six expectations. Earning per share (EPS) stood at
employees of PTCL remain months, 13 per cent Rs1.79. The previous year, the telecom had drifted
committed to provide growth compared to into loss of Rs2.825 billion, translating into loss per
same period last year. share of Re0.55.
quality services at competitive As per PTCL
prices through optimal use of management, the Rs (mn) 1HFY10 1HFY09 %chg
resource for achieving profit registered slight Revenue 29,424 31,127 -5.47%
increase as compared Cost of 18,671 18,586 0.46%
enhanced revenue and to the same period services
greater levels of customer last year which Gross profit 10,753 12,541 -14.26%
satisfaction as well as remained Rs5.314 Gross margin 37% 40% -9.29%
improved shareholders' value billion. On a Admin &
consolidated basis, for general 3,638 4,417 -17.64%
PTCL's administrative expenses which dropped to expenses
Mr. Walid Irshaid half year ended Selling &
Chief Executive Officer PTCL
12 per cent as a percentage of sales from 14 per cent December 31, 2009, the marketing 926 906 2.21%
in the year ago period. Group earned Rs6.7 billion profit after taxation. expenses
In contrast, furious competition in nearly every For the PSTN customers, various innovative Operating 2,231 1,880 18.67%
segment made it difficult for the firm to cut its selling packages at national and regional levels have been income
and marketing expenditure - owing to which, it introduced. Free on-nets minutes for new Finance cost 216 841 -74.32%
increased marginally as a percentage of sales. PAT 5,354 5,314 0.75%
connections, Double-up Unlimited Package with
After posting a profit of Rs1.7 billion in FY09, Source: KSE Announcement
single pricing for voice and broadband services,
PTCL's wholly owned cellular arm, Ufone, may see a bundle deals in Lahore and Karachi and Regional The board did not announce a final dividend;
weaker bottom-line this year, given the seven per Packages all over the country are a few examples. the company having already paid an interim cash
cent fall in Ufone's subscriptions. But the launch of President PTCL Walid Irshaid commenting on dividend at Rs1.50 per share. Given substantial
value added products such as Tele-presence (TP) the results said the company strived hard to ensure cash holdings, some analysts were looking
service, smart TV, EVO wireless broadband, wi-fi the high standards of quality that our valued forward to a bit of more with the final accounts.
service, call packages etc, of late, can help the firm customers expect from us. "Now customers can The revenue of PTCL for the year under review
expand its market base and mitigate the likely hit on experience the internet at its fastest with high-speed stood at Rs59 billion, which represented 11 per
Ufone's bottom-line. access from broadband Pakistan, simultaneously, cent decline over the revenue of Rs66 billion
Data Centres equipped with latest technologies enjoy voice service over the same telephone line earned in FY08.
are also being established at Karachi and Lahore with without any extra cabling connections. Broadband The dwindling of fixed line subscriber base
the objective to provide data-hosting as well as Pakistan offers DSL service with unmatched was thought to be the factor in declining revenue,
disaster-recovery services to our valued corporate reliability, affordability and connectivity." but sector analysts said that increase in
customers. Another initiative is the on-going project Last year, Pakistan Telecommunication Company international and broad-band revenues might
16 to equip over four thousand (4,000) schools with IT Limited (PTCL) announced profit-after-tax have prevented a greater fall.
Free download | flare.com.pk Flare Report Event
Tariq Gulzar Chief Financial Officer Warid Telecom offers gift to Reema Khan Mr Parvez A. Shahid shakes hand with the new brand ambassador
Lahore Seen in the picture from left to right are Shahzad Rauf Chief Strategy & Operations Lahore Seen in the picture from left to right are Tariq Gulzar Chief Financial Officer Warid
Officer Warid Telecom, Mr Parvez A. Shahid Board Member Warid Telecom, Telecom, Suhail Jan General Manager Commercial Warid Telecom,
Mr Atif Aslam Warid Reema Khan Warid Bran
Mr Atif Aslam pictures with Suhail Jan General Manager Commercial Shahzad Rauf Chief Strategy & Operations Officer Warid Telecom with
Warid Telecom. Reema Khan
Signing ceremony of Atif Aslam as Warid Brand Ambassador Shahzad Rauf Chief Strategy & Operations Officer Warid Telecom with
Mr Suhail Jan General Manager Commercial Warid Telecom 17
Telepedia Khawar Shahzad Free download | flare.com.pk
tradition, the Jazz 24 Ghanta Offer connects more than 30 million Mobilink
family members without the restriction of day and night.
Commenting on the offer, Bilal
Munir Sheikh, Vice President
Mobilink shared, “Our new offer is
unique in the sense that there are
no time windows to worry about.
The Mobilink Jazz 24 Ghanta is the
only daily voice bundle of its size
available in the market, offering as
many as 100 minutes on-net, at
unmatched rates. Additionally, it
allows our customers the
flexibility to use their minutes at
any time of the day.”
To avail the Mobilink Jazz 24
Ghanta offer, available for a
obilink, Pakistan’s market leader in cellular services and part
M
limited period, customers can
of Orascom Telecom Holding has announced the winners of move to the new tariff plan by
Jazz SMS Khazana, an exciting trivia-based contest allowing sending SMS to 676 which is
Mobilink customers the chance to win cash prizes on a Daily subject to one time subscription charges.
and Weekly basis. Once on the “Jazz 24 Ghanta” tariff plan, customers can subscribe to daily
At Jazz SMS Khazana Prize Distribution Ceremony held at Mobilink bundle to avail 100 minutes in Rs 29 on any given day by dialling 121 or
House, Tariq Mehmood, The 1st Weekly Prize winner of Jazz SMS Khazana dialing *101*1*05#.
Campaign was awarded cheque worth Rs 500,000. Speaking to the Jazz SMS
Khazana team, Tariq said, “When I first received call from Mobilink
representative, I could not believe that I have won Rs 500,000. Now, with
Mobilink Jazz launches Audio Cinema
this money I will start a small business and will be in better position to Mobilink has triggered a new and innovative service allowing users to
support my parents and my family.” listen to select movies on their cell phones. Jazz Audio Cinema is the first of
So far, 18 Jazz customers have won daily prize of Rs 50,000 each and three its kind service allows users to enjoy the original dialogues and songs of
Jazz customers have won weekly prize of Rs 500,000 each. The names of all popular blockbusters on the go. The movies have been adapted into a
the announced lucky winners are published on: www.mobilinkworld.com storytelling format and converted into durations of 60 to 90 minutes.
and are weekly updated. Commenting on the service, Wasif Mustafa, Director Value Added
Services, IR and Products and Platform shared that, “Today the cellular
handset has become a tool not only for communication but also
entertainment. At Mobilink we continue to add value to the cellular
experience with our new and innovative
product portfolio which is the largest
in the telecom industry. The Jazz
Audio Cinema is an exclusive treat
brought to Pakistani audiences for the
first time.”
Mobilink Jazz users can subscribe to
this service by dialling IVR short code
606 for a nominal monthly subscription
fee and enjoy the service at low per
minute browsing rates.
Mobilink has the most diverse
bouquet of value added services
including revolutionary and exclusive
services such as Mobi Track, Mobilink
Wasif Mustafa, Director Value Added Services Mobilink hands over a cheque to Tariq Insurance and Mobile Money Order that
Mehmood, the lucky winner of Mobilink Jazz SMS Khazana scheme. provide users with convenience and
Wasif Mustafa, Director VAS, IR and Product & Platform, stated, “We flexibility no other operator provides.
have received an overwhelming response to the Jazz SMS Khazana
campaign with excited customers participating from all corners of the
country. We congratulate the winners of the hefty cash-prizes, and wish best
of luck to all other participants.”
Each Daily-prize is worth Rs 50,000 in cash, while the weekly prize is
valued at Rs 500,000 each. The grand prize at the end of this campaign will
be Rs 5,000,000. The participants are scored on a point based system. A user
gets 10 points for each correct answer, and five points for each wrong
answer, along with bonus points for games participation. Higher points
mean more chances to win.
change in 2010?
The number of mobile broadband subscribers
is exploding, hitting 257 million in the second
quarter of 2009, according to Informa. This
represents an 85 per cent increase year-over-year
for 3G, WiMAX and other higher speed data
networking technologies. Currently, Asia has the
most wireless broadband subscribers, but the
growth is strongest in Latin America. By 2014,
Informa predicts that 2.5 billion people
worldwide will subscribe to mobile broadband.
The internet won't rely on always-on
connectivity
With more users in remote locations and more
users depending on wireless communications, the
internet's underlying architecture can no longer
presume that users have always-on connections.
Instead, researchers are looking into
communications techniques that can tolerate
delays or can forward communications from one
user to another in an opportunistic fashion,
particularly for mobile applications. There's even
research going on related to an inter-planetary
Internet protocol, which would bring a whole
new meaning to the idea of delay-tolerant
networking.
Internet operations
consume too much energy
today, and experts agree that
We have brought for our reverend readers some solid future internet architecture
prediction by the Microsoft on internet's continued needs to be more
evolution and the ways in which it will affect you in 2010 energy efficient. The amount
of energy consumed by the
F
orty years after it was invented, the to the internet, the internet is expected to become Internet doubled between
internet is straining under the weight of a network of devices rather than a network of
cyber attacks, multimedia content and computers. Today, the internet has around 575 2000 and 2006, according to
new mobile applications. In response, U.S. million host computers, according to the CIA Lawrence Berkeley
computer scientists are from IP addresses to World Factbook 2009. But the NSF is expecting National Laboratory. But the
routing tables. There are many views about how billions of sensors on buildings and bridges to be
to fix the internet's architecture, but there's connected to the internet for such uses as internet's so-called Energy In-
widespread agreement about many aspects of the electricity and security monitoring. By 2020, it's tensity is growing at a slower
future internet. Here's our list of 10 sure fire bets expected that the number of internet-connected rate than data traffic volumes
for what the internet will look like in a decade. sensors will be orders of magnitude larger than
More people will use the internet the number of users. as networking technologies
Today's internet has 1.7 billion users, become more energy efficient
according to Internet World Stats. This compares
with a world population of 6.7 billion people. The internet will attract more hackers
There's no doubt more people will have internet In 2020, more hackers will be attacking the
access by 2020. Indeed, the National Science Internet because more critical infrastructure like the
Foundation predicts that the internet will have electric grid will be online. The internet is already
nearly five billion users by then. So scaling under siege, as criminals launch a rising number of
continues to be an issue for any future internet web-based attacks against end users visiting
architecture.
reputable sites. Symantec detected 1.6 million new
The internet will be more geographically
malicio us code threats in 2008 - more than double
dispersed
the 600,000 detected the previous year. Experts say
Most of the internet's growth over the next 10
these attacks will only get more targeted, more
years will come from developing countries. The
The internet will carry exabytes - perhaps sophisticated and more widespread in the future.
regions with the lowest penetration rates are
Africa (6.8 per cent), Asia (19.4 per cent) and the zettabytes - of content More than anything else, computer scientists
Middle East (28.3 per cent), according to Internet Researchers have coined the term "exaflood" who are working on redesigning the internet are
World Stats. In contrast, North America has a to refer to the rapidly increasing amount of data - trying to improve its security. Experts agree that
penetration rate of 74.2 per cent. This trend means particularly high-definition images and video - security cannot be an add-on in a redesign of the
the internet in 2020 will not only reach more that is being transferred over the internet. Cisco internet. Instead, the new internet
remote locations around the globe but also will estimates that global internet traffic will grow to must be built from the ground up to be a secure
support more languages and non-ASCII scripts. 44 exabytes per month by 2012 - more than communications platform. Specifically, researchers
The internet will be a network of things, not double what it is today. Increasingly, content are exploring new ways to ensure that
computers providers such as Google are creating this content the internet of 2020 has confidentiality, integrity,
20 As more critical infrastructure gets hooked up rather than Tier 1 ISPs. This shift is driving privacy and strong authentication. n
Free download | flare.com.pk Flare Report Event
21
Technobabble John Kosakowski Free download | flare.com.pk
Nothing succeed
on short and efficient training time, the use of CAI
can cut training time by one third. In the military,
CAI can also be more cost-effective than additional
tutoring, reduced class size, or increased instruction
time to attain equivalent educational gains.
The application of educational technologies to
instruction has progressed beyond the use of basic
drill and practice software, and now includes the
use of complex multimedia products and advanced
like success
networking technologies. Today, students use Drill and practice is the most common application of CAI
multimedia to learn interactively and work on class
projects. They use the internet to do research,
in elementary education, the military, and in adult
engage in projects, and to communicate. The new educational settings. Fletcher, et al (1990) reports that in
technologies allow students to have more control
over their own learning, to think analytically and the military, emphasis is on short and efficient training
critically, and to work collaboratively. This time, the use of CAI can cut training time by one third.
"constructivist" approach is one effort at
educational reform made easier by technology, and In the military, CAI can also be more cost-effective than
perhaps even driven by it.
The Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow (Dwyer,
additional tutoring, reduced class size, or increased
1994), a 10-year project where students and teachers instruction time to attain equivalent educational gains
were each given two computers, one for school and
one for home, illustrates some of the gains made in information technologies to improve their roles in support can come in the form of funding, or in
students' advanced skills. ACOT reports that the educational process. Some examples include: restructuring schedules and physical space to
students: Using computer tools to streamline record reflect the new learning environment.
Explored and represented information keeping and administrative tasks, thereby helping Support from the community: Parents,
dynamically and in many forms to free up time for instruction or professional businesses, and community members can use
development, technology as a springboard to become more
Became socially aware and more confident
Decreasing isolation by using e-mail and the involved in the activities of neighbourhood schools.
Communicated effectively about complex
internet to communicate with colleagues, parents, All can help with wiring or technical support.
processes
and the outside world, and Parents can use e-mail to facilitate communication
Became independent learners and self-
Increasing professional development activities with teachers and administrators. Businesses can
starters
by taking distance education courses, accessing use e-mail to help mentor students and help them
Worked well collaboratively
educational research, and accessing classroom prepare for the workplace.
Knew their areas of expertise and shared
materials such as lesson plans. Support from government: Adequate funding
expertise spontaneously and
Some of the observed benefits associated with and appropriate policy making can help to assure
Used technology routinely and educational technology have been reviewed above,
appropriately. that technology is accessible to all schools on an
but what are the factors that help technology
Numerous studies over the years, summarised equal basis.
succeed in bringing about these benefits? Glenna &
by Bialo and Sivin-Kachala (1996), report other These factors suggest that to succeed,
Melmed (1996) and the Technology Counts
benefits enjoyed by students who use technology. technology, like any educational tool, cannot exist
analysis suggests the following factors observed in
These benefits involve attitudes towards self and in isolation, but must be made an integral part of
successful technology-rich schools:
towards learning. The studies reveal that students the entire instructional process.
Evidence of a detailed technology plan: Such a
feel more successful in school are more motivated Technology has been shown to have positive
plan should consider funding, installation and
to learn and have increased self confidence and self integration of equipment, ongoing management of effects on the instructional process, on basic and
esteem when using CAI. This is particularly true the technology. The plan should also express a clear advanced skills. Technology is also changing the
when the technology allows the students to control vision of the goals of the technology integration. instructional process itself. To be effective,
their own learning. It's also true across a variety of Teacher training and continuing education: technology cannot exist in a vacuum, but must
subject areas, and is especially noteworthy when Teachers should know how to operate the become part of the whole educational environment.
students are in at-risk groups (special education, technology and how to integrate it into the New measures of evaluation are under
students from inner-city or rural schools). curriculum. development which would help to better define the
22 Teachers and administrators use computer and Support from administration: Administrative role of technology in its wider context.
Free download | flare.com.pk Flare Report Exclusive
CIA hosts
drink and
dance party
CIA Public Relations at work? Do you
expect this “Pakistani media” would tell
you the truth? Shaukat Paracha, Asma
Shirazi, Meher Bukhari and Saima
Mohsin are some of the names that were
in attendance, in a drink and dance
party hosted by the US Ambassador to
Pakistan, Anne W. Patterson
P
TV Suspends two journalists for government employees to avoid attending private
attending US Embassy CIA dance party. gatherings at foreign diplomatic missions if they
The state-run PTV has taken stern action have no business being there and only after
against two of its journalists who obtaining permission from their superiors. The
appeared in pictures of a private party at the order came after a US diplomat and an Indian
residence of US ambassador in Pakistan. Shaukat diplomat arranged a private meeting with a
Paracha, Asma Shirazi, Meher Bukhari, Saima group of senior Pakistani federal government
Mohsin are some of the names that were in bureaucrats at a private house.
attendance, in a drink and dance party hosted by Critics accused the US diplomat of covertly
the US Ambassador to Pakistan, Anne W. facilitating contact between an Indian diplomat
Patterson. and Pakistanis working in important government
The pictures, posted on Facebook by an positions, including one working as an
American diplomat few days back, were widely administrator in the office of the Prime Minister
circulated by PakAlertPress, mainly because they of Pakistan. The episode had the word ‘espionage’
showed several prominent TV journalists and talk written all over it.
show hosts drinking, dancing and having a good Apart from the two PTV journalists, who
time with US Embassy Staff. basically did nothing wrong except violate
PTV’s management suspended senior government rules of business, there was at least
producer Saghir Naqqash and an inquiry one Pakistani TV journalist at the party who is
committee is contemplating similar action against accused of peddling information provided to her
Shakeel Awan, also a senior producer. by US diplomats.
Government employees are not allowed to meet Saima Mohsin [Left-in red] from Dawn News
foreign diplomats without prior permission and is accused of conducting at least one TV show
only if their job descriptions justify such meetings. where she blatantly sided with the US embassy
PTV is a state-owned television network. It is the against Dr Shireen Mazari, a renowned defence
only one so far to have taken action on the analyst and long time critic of US policies. Dr
controversy over the leaked pictures. Other TV Mazari was a victim of US embassy’s bullying
stations including Aaj, ARYOne, Samaa News when Ambassador Patterson tried last year to
and Dawn News, all privately-owned, are not block her widely-read newspaper columns.
known to be contemplating similar action. Last year, a senior independent journalist Syed
In May 2009, Pakistan Foreign Office warned Talat Hussain accused the US Embassy of
recruiting “a motley crew of former diplomats,
Government employees are retired generals, socialites, slick civil society
not allowed to meet foreign begums, self-styled analysts, businessmen,
diplomats without prior journalists, and now also lawyers” and said
individuals in this group “are the darlings of the
permission and only if their US embassy staff.”
job descriptions justify such While the pictures from the party were
harmless, they raised concern about how
meetings. PTV is a impartial Pakistani journalists can be in covering
state-owned television the news of US interference in Pakistani politics,
network. It is the only one so which is a hot issue, especially when the US
footprint has expanded in recent months thanks
far to have taken action on the to the entry into the country of tens of private US
controversy over the leaked defence contractors, similar to those active in Iraq
pictures and Afghanistan. 23
Telepedia Flare Report Free download | flare.com.pk
E
“The number of mobile users in the UAE has
consolidated financial results for the Total assets for the Group increased by 13 per exceeded 7.74mn lines in 2009, with an increase
year 2009, revealing a net profit of AED cent to AED 40,389m compared to AED 35,620m of six per cent against the same period in 2008.
8,836m for the Group compared to AED in 2008. Earnings per share for 2009 are AED 1.23 Fixed line subscribers reached 1.31mn and
8,511m recorded in 2008, which included profit against AED 1.18 in 2008. Earnings per share for Etisalat’s internet subscriber base grew 16 per
on sale of shares in Mobily of AED 892m after the year 2008 were adjusted for bonus shares cent over the year reaching 1.33mn million in
federal royalty. Excluding this exceptional item, issued during year 2009. December 2009. These results reflect Etisalat’s
the net profit after Mohammed Omran, Chairman of Etisalat, commitment to provide best services to its
federal royalty for the said, “Etisalat has enjoyed another successful customers,” he concluded.
year 2009 would have year in 2009. This is in spite of the difficult Etisalat stands 140th among the Financial
increased by AED economic circumstances which the world’s Times Top 500 Corporations in the world in terms
1,217m which is 16
per cent higher than Mohammed Omran, Chairman, Etisalat said, “Etisalat has
2008.
Etisalat has been
enjoyed another successful year in 2009. This is in spite of the
the difficult economic circumstances which the world’s economy
telecommunications continues to face. These results highlight that Etisalat has
service provider in followed the correct strategy by following a selective policy in
the UAE since 1976,
and has built up a our international investments. In this way, we have made use of
File photo of Mohammed
Omran, Chairman, Etisalat
modern telecom the current financial environment to identify the brightest
infrastructure and opportunities that have arisen as a result of this situation
established itself as an innovative and reliable
operator. The comparative results for the economy continues to face. These results of market capitalization, and is ranked by The
financial year 2008 have been adjusted to comply highlight that Etisalat has followed the correct Middle East magazine as the 6th largest company
with “International Financial Reporting strategy by following a selective policy in our in the Middle East in terms of capitalisation and
Standards” that have been adopted for the first international investments. In this way, we have revenues. The Corporation is the largest
time in 2009 financial year. This has been made use of the current financial environment contributor outside the oil sector to development
affected to facilitate a direct comparison with to identify the brightest opportunities that have programmes of the UAE Federal Government,
year 2009 “International Financial Reporting arisen as a result of this situation.” and is an award-winning socially responsible
Standards” results. “During the past two years, Etisalat has corporation. Etisalat has also won accolades from
Etisalat recorded Net Revenues of AED continued its strategy of developing new sources across the region for its nationalisation
26 30,831m for the Group in 2009 compared to AED of income. We have achieved this by introducing programme.
Event Flare Report Free download | flare.com.pk
From right, Mr. Mustansar Javed, Mr. Giampero Dipaolo, Electrolux products unveiled at the Electrolux launching ceremony.
Mr. Shahzad Khan
The hosts of Electrolux launching ceremony Mr. Giacomo Santoro the Regional Manager for
“Annushay & Sarmad” Middle East & Africa Electrolux
Ms. Cristina Furlanis the Marketing Manager of Mr. Mustansar Javed the Director Sales & Marketing of
Electrolux New Allied Electronics.
Domestic cultural dance performance at the Electrolux
launching ceremony.
Electrolux products unveiled at the Dealers and other distinguished guests at the Mr. Giampero Dipaolo, Performance at the
28 Electrolux launching ceremony. Electrolux launching ceremony. Regional Manager Electrolux launching
Electrolux, Middle East. ceremony.
Free download | flare.com.pk Flare Report InsighT
A
Despite wastage of huge national resources
signed between the Punjab government e-government, while IT will help in provision of on software project of land record
and a leading computer software education, health and other facilities to the masses. computerisation in the past no progress had been
company Microsoft, under which He also said Microsoft company will also set up made but the measures being taken by present
Microsoft would extend all-out co-operation for information centres that will strengthen IT sector. government for promotion of information
the development of local IT industry. The He said under the agreement government will technology will yield positive result," he added.
company will also set up an innovation centre at
Software Technology Park, disclosed an official.
Additional Chief Secretary Punjab Javed Aslam
and the head of Microsoft Company in Pakistan IT media city project in Sindh approved
Kamal Ahmad signed the document.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Senior Sindh Minister for Information Technology big success.”
Advisor Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, (IT) Muhammad Raza Haroon said that IT Media Many ideal IT complexes would be con-
Provincial Minister for Information Technology City of located on 200 acres of land has been ap- structed there and it would provide employment
Farooq Yousaf Ghurki, Chief Secretary, Secretary proved by the Cabinet and soon Expressions of besides generating huge business, he said. He
Information Technology, Secretary Information Interest will be invited from private sector com- said his vision was that at least one person in a
and President Microsoft for Middle East and panies. family be IT skilled throughout the Sindh. With
Africa Ali Faramawy were also present on the Public-private partnership project now will be the support of very good and competent team of
occasion. placed on the City’s Master Plan for its execution, experts, he has been carrying out many projects
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister the Minister said in a meeting with members of to implement this vision, the Minister said.
Muhammad Shahaz Sharif said that signing of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry He had constituted a Sindh IT Advisory Com-
document is an important event in the history of (KCCI) at the Chamber. mittee six months back. It has IBM, Pakistan Soft-
the province as the three-year agreement between Chairman, Businessmen Group (BMG) in ware Board, representatives of industry and
the Punjab government and Microsoft company KCCI and former president KCCI Siraj Kassam academia, and IT professionals as its members,
would prove to be a milestone in the promotion Teli, Acting President KCCI Rasheeduddin he further said.
of IT in the province. He also said the information Rashid, Chairman KCCI standing committee on The IT Minister spoke of various IT projects
technology is essential capacity building of IT Asif Bega, former president KCCI Anjum completed or initiated by the ministry. We are
various departments. Nisar, Shamim Firpo were also present. Provin- setting up IT labs at Madaris as well. We have al-
IT will help in checking misappropriation of cial Secretary for IT, Muhammad Hussain Syed ready started setting up these labs at
funds and implementation of development accompanied the Minister. Government schools. He assured members of
projects in a transparent manner. In addition to The Sindh IT Minister said the seed money for KCCI all out support and cooperation if they
uplift of education sector, Microsoft Company will IT Media City has been provided and his came up with IT projects. KCCI leadership
also extend co-operation in improving the Ministry would invite private sector people to appreciated the role of provincial IT Ministry in
efficiency of Tevta. take advantage from potential opportunity and computerisation of various public sector
Microsoft will provide free software to 454 IT come up as partners. “I would request Karachi organisations besides spreading IT technology in
academies running under the control of Tevta. He Chamber especially to join us and make IT City a the province. 29
Exclusive Flare Report Free download | flare.com.pk
yed Asim Zaffar, a legend in the IT retaining professionals and increasing the products.
SITE ACQUISITION
MANAGEMENT SERVICES
CIVIL/MECHNICAL
SHELTERS
TELECOM
GENERATORS
SITE DESIGN
HR OUTSOURCING
34
Free download | flare.com.pk Flare Report Exclusive
Executive Member, PEMRA, Mr Abdul recall the memories of all concerned about the EOI’s were cancelled. Sadly, just because Mr
Jabbar, is using PEMRA not only for his personal biddings of Phase VII in which licenses for Abdul Jabbar could not make up his mind
financial gains but also to satisfy his personal Faisalabad and Sialkot were awarded to the only whether to go with the cable operators project or
vengeance with those who dare to talk and to contestants in bidding process. According to the not he first spend millions in advertising and
report about his corrupt acts and uphold the rules and regulations when there is only one then just after 15 days spend millions again
truth. As anticipated, a legal notice was recently contestant obviously there is no competition and cancelling the very same thing. Now how should
served against Flare Magazine making all sorts bidding is put forward or halted till there are two be held responsible for that?
of illogical and humorous claims by PEMRA. In or more bidders in the process. When other Any sane person would definitely ask the
the legal cum defamatory notice served by higher officials of PEMRA, also member of the credibility of PEMRA while making such
PEMRA they have claimed Rs 500 million in bidding team, pointed out the very point, decisions. Now what appears to a common man
damages, which is even more than the annual licensees for Failsalabad and Sialkot were is that PEMRA is so confused that one day they
budget of PEMRA which is a little over Rs 400 immediately suspended. Only after some kick give an advertisement asking investors and few
million. The whole notice was full of petty points backs and back door deals were the two license days apart they cancel their own decisions.
which further reiterated our claim of their holders able to be a part of the bidding process. Copies of the both the advertisements are
corruption. Details of that incident are still sought and asked printed along for the interest of the readers.
Whatever is said in the notice is debatable in by our peers in the radio industry. PEMRA itself We are aware of the circus that is being run
long and would be discussed in detail at an has the answer to everyone’s question in their by Mr Abdul Jabbar and that is what we covered
appropriate forum. Right now we would like to official records. Any literate and knowledgeable in our previous story in the Flare Magazine.
person can go and verify our claims. What he does not realise is that he can not fool
PEMRA has a habit of making decisions 170 million Pakistani’s. And he can certainly not
without consulting the concerned people from stop people from speaking the truth. We think
the relevant industry. Furthermore, the executive that a public sector organisation is established to
member makes decisions haphazardly without facilitate people and protect the rights of its
even knowing what he is doing. The list of stakeholders. And if it is acting otherwise people
irresponsible and corrupt acts by this corrupt have the right to ask the public office holders of
executive is not only confined to radio industry. their deeds and acts. Yes we as a responsible
Just recently an advertisement appeared in all stakeholder in the civil society do posses that
the leading dailies of the country asking for EOI right. And we would certainly ask all corrupt
from investors interested in putting up cable office holders about their personal interests and
network in various districts of the nation. Again gains and their decision making powers
Ad published in the newspapers this decision was called off only after 15 days especially when their decisions are made at the
Expression of interest (EOIs) invited for Award of Cable TV after publication of the advertisement for the cost of tax payers’ money.
36 Licence at District level
Free download | flare.com.pk Flare Report Exclusive
We sat down with the CTO of Averox Inc. Mohammad Ali Khan for a little Q&A. A pleasant nature
and a friendly attitude, he is the new breed of executives ready to take on the challenges of the
current market. But his youth and pro activeness are not to be taken for granted as he brings with
him extensive experience in the telecoms and IT sector spanning over a decade.
Q: Tell us a little about how you started off in So the responsibilities have increased but this MAK: Well, the beauty of Averox is that it has
Averox and your journey all the way up to CTO of has only paved the way for myself acting more everything to offer! If we talk about IT we are
a multinational Company. confidently and effectively managing people and capable of delivering offshore development to
MAK: well,i am performing the responsibilities projects on a short time line. Working in different clients around the globe, we provide ERP's, and
as a CTO at AVEROX for the last eight months.I dimensions and branching out to other fields I have various management solutions such as resource
started my carrier in AVEROX as an Assistant gained an edge which I wouldn't have been able to management solutions, project management
Manager Support,working on various projects achieve working in any other environment. Under solutions and other top of the line products. With
before moving on to bocome Manager the leadership of our CEO who himself is a young the world shifting towards a paperless
Technical.gradually i made my way through to and enthusiastic entrepreneur the opportunity to environment in offices and organizations Pakistan
become Manager Technical Operations for the grow has been immense because of his supportive is also on the path and we believe our products
entire Asian region in co-ordination with Managers attitude and in promoting new ideas, which I have the potential to capture the market, providing
who operated in other regions,Middle East,Europe believe is essential in any organizational workforce local support and assistance which is cheaper and
and US.this was accompanied in parallel to look to succeed. more beneficial then let's say buying a multi million
after the technical sales aspects as well. Q: You've interacted with every GSM operator dollar product from a foreign vendor.
So it's been quite a steady growth for me with through different projects, in your view what's In the Telecom sector Averox has many
in the past few years adding to my overall your take on the current situation of these solutions to offer in conjunction with our
experience, as I progressed to Senior Manager operators in Pakistan market? partnerships with leading vendors around the
Technical Operations overlooking all regions, MAK: Well initially the growth was immense globe our range from OSS/BSS solutions to Value
before finally becoming a Chief Technical Officer. and for quite a while telecom and IT sector was in Added services is just the tip of the iceberg. Being
Q: So your climb from an Assistant Manager boom but due to the economic downturn it has had a local system integrator we have vast experience
to CTO of a company, how do you see the new its devastating effects in our local market as well. with system integration and project delivery in the
challenges you face and responsibilities? Even though the economy is crumbling there is telecom domain and with confidence we can say
MAK: Yes, previously working for a another factor which I consider has affected the we are the best choice to cost effectively deliver the
government organization I was in a different market. Different operators working in Pakistan are job on time.
environment as compared to the private sector. The in a cut throat competition to gain subscribers by Our Research and Development center in
transition was a welcomed change, and being in a lowering call rates and offering various incentives, Pakistan is the first to develop a fully functional
multinational company such as this one, the Pakistan can be considered as one of the few service activation and provisioning system,
atmosphere here is very cordial. The employees countries where telecommunication is very cheap Provisus for Telecom operators. Not only does
interact with the management and superiors but this has led to lower revenue as operational Averox work in the fields of IT and Telecom but
without any communication gap and vice versa. costs are high. also in renewable energy solutions. Our solutions
Ideas flow freely in both directions and are looked The potential now is for those softwares and include renewable energy alternatives for different
into instead of just being thrown away without any solutions which could bring down the operating sectors, where we offer 1kw to 200kw wind
review. This provided me with the opportunity to expenses for these operators. Furthermore revenue turbines, hybrid solutions such as solar power for
grow freely as I was able to share and act on my assurance is also a challenge to the operators in BTS sites which can reduce the OPEX to around
ideas. I believe this progress has been two-fold in pakistan as well as around the globe. Many system 30%. Averox has the competitive edge being a cost
regards to career growth and gaining new integrators and solution vendors are winding up effective local system integrator.
knowledge as I had the chance to learn much more their businesses in Pakistan and are laying off many Q: Great! So quickly when you do get the time,
when I was free to move and express my ideas and people, so in my view, yes, there is a downfall but how do you tend to spend it?
take initiative action instead of being tied down to I believe if the focus is shifted towards controlling MAK: I hardly get any spare time, but on the rare
a single routine or plan. I got to interact with high or lowering the operational expenses and revenue occasions that I do I like to go out, tracking in the hills,
tech companies around the world with their top assurance there can be a way for the GSM operators camping and hunting trips with my dogs, with an 10
notch managers from companies like ATiS, Alcatel, to bounce back up instead of going down in hour day work routine you've got to manage things
Lucent, Nortel, Ericsson, Juniper, Cisco, Azure, competition. wisely, that's why a few laps in the swimming pool
Argela and eServGlobal to name a few. Q: Ok, so Averox is in the telecom field, what do me good after a long tiring day!
38 does Averox have to offer in the market?
Free download | flare.com.pk Flare Report Event
39
Tech Tool Fatima Batool Free download | flare.com.pk
All five cellular operators of Pakistan are offering BlackBerry services. It is interesting to
know that the handsets has gained so much momentum that more and better relative
options are given by the operators to facilitate the consumers
lackBerry is a line of wireless mobile full touch-screen devices with no physical you send, delete, file or read messages on your
official information while roaming over the accomplishments in your life and the
locally and globally at specific locations. achievements yet to come your way.
Moreover, it offers you the privileged From entertainment to travel plans, business
service of Instant Messenger, email news to personal finance or personal
access with attachment facility and productivity, the new Blackberry smartphones
amazing surfing experience through mobilise many areas of your day-to-day life. It
exclusive Edge/GPRS services by is a time-tested technological excellence, which
ZONG.
provides individuals and corporate identities
Best available deals and offers are just
on-the-go solutions and enables them to remain
a couple of attractions from many and
connected to their loved ones, business ventures
latest handheld models make it more
exciting to use BlackBerry from ZONG. and information within Pakistan and around the
Power the passions you pursue with a globe at select locations.
BlackBerry Smartphone from ZONG that With Blackberry services from Telenor, you
expresses your style and simplifies your can enjoy a breakthrough push-based email
and share the moment with just a few clicks.
Besides BlackBerry Bold, Warid is also offering life. There are two prestigious offers: BlackBerry solution, which helps you to access your
BlackBerry Gemini 8520, BlackBerry Curve 8900, Curve 8900 and BlackBerry Bold 9000. personal or official information while roaming
BlackBerry Bold 9000, BlackBerry Pearl 8120, locally and globally at specified locations.
BlackBerry Curve 8310 and BlackBerry 8820. BlackBerry supported by Mobilink Moreover, it offers you the privileged service of
Warid offers you best services with most BlackBerry is the most powerful wireless Instant Messenger, email access with attachment
affordable charges so you can enjoy the fastest solution offered by Research in Motion Ltd. facility and amazing surfing experience through
online experience with great ease. (RIM).This cutting edge push email solution Telenor’s exclusive Edge services. It’s time to get
BlackBerry Internet Service introduces both on board with Blackberry powered by Telenor
significant functional and reliability and stay connected with the people, fun and
improvements. With BlackBerry BIS you can send facts that matter to you.
receive emails from up to 10 supported email
accounts. With just few clicks you can activate Ufone launch BB Bold 9700
your email service and in no time you can Ufone recently launched the most advanced
exchange emails with your friends, family and
BlackBerry smart phone ever, The Bold 9700.
colleagues. BIS supports JPEG, BMP, TIFF,
Starting from the BlackBerry Bold 9000, the
Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and PDF.
Gemini 8520 and now Bold 9700, this is the third
consecutive first with which Ufone has taken the
Enjoy BlackBerry with ZONG
lead in launching the latest BlackBerry handsets
The BlackBerry solution by ZONG will connect
in the Pakistani telecom market.
you to customers, colleagues and information
while on the move. Business and personal tasks allows users to stay connected people and This unmatched marvel in the local market
can be performed directly from one’s BlackBerry information while on the go. from Ufone comes with a mighty 624 MHz
handheld which is synchronised with one’s Mobilink introduced BlackBerry Services in processor, a luminous high resolution screen,
laptop, official computer or even to one’s web Pakistan in 2005 and provides unmatched after and state-of-art new version 5.0 operating
mailbox. Blackberry solutions are specially- sales customer support. BlackBerry from Mobilink system. Hence the new Bold 9700 becomes a
tailored to provide you a winning edge over the provides users with a secure, wireless access to a ‘must have’ for business professionals and
full suite of business and social networking power users. Crafted with distinctiveness and
applications including: push email, phone, SMS,
internet access, organiser features, social
networking – Facebook, G Talk, MSN Messenger
etc.
BlackBerry™ Solution consists of BlackBerry
Handhelds integrated with BlackBerry Device
Software that enables access to a variety of
wireless data and communication services.
BlackBerry handhelds allow the users to stay in
touch with everything that matters while they are
on the go including enhanced multi-media
features all packed in one stylish device.
of PTCL Broadband as a
PTCL broadband with additional VAS customer centric
organisation.”
Islamabad: Pakistan a secure password which Naveed Saeed stated, “By value added cost and with
EVP Multimedia and
Telecommunication enables protection to avoid launching this service, no additional cost for
broadband, Syed Zomma
Company Ltd (PTCL) has any misuse. PTCL again has reinforced Broadband customers with
Mohiuddin said that the
launched a WiFi facility PTCL is offering this its commitment to provide smart TV service. This is
aim of launching this
with its fixed line customer friendly WiFi our customers with another milestone towards
service was to make the
broadband service that will service at an additional updated technology at reinforcing positive image
fixed line broadband
give the PTCL broadband charge of only Rs 200 per
service available to multiple
customers the ability to use month. However, the
people in the house at the
high speed and secure service has no extra cost for
same time on a single
broadband services the customers having
connection, thereby
anywhere in the house. Broadband with the smart
providing users with the
This service will provide TV service. The package
fastest broadband
wire free connectivity to all also includes a WiFi USB to
connectivity with the added
WiFi enabled devices like enable customer’s desktop
convenience of roaming
desktops, laptops, PSP, cell pc to be used on the WiFi
anywhere within in the
phones etc with strong WiFi service.
house.
signals up to 54MBPS, with SEVP Commercial
KHL - Capacity Building Workshop for Journalists dilated upon the close
cooperation between the
Broadening
Islamabad: Appreciating shown tremendous growth
Horizons the role played by Pakistani in the last decade and have
KHL is in the process of media in providing empowered the people by
expanding at a very fast pace, information to the people in providing them access to
amalgamating with very trying times, Ufone has information. He
international vendors and
announced a capacity congratulated the newly
suppliers to further the
execution of international building initiative that will elected members of the
projects in a timely and train journalists for National Press Club cabinet
professional manner. In the 8 reporting in security and expressed confidence
years since the inception, KHL sensitive situations. that that their tenure will
has built relations with Akbar Khan, Chief bring further improvements
numerous brands and become Marketing Officer, Ufone to the important Picture shows Mr. Afzal Butt, President National Press Club, Mr. Akbar Khan, Chief
the sole representative of their announced the initiative at a organisation like National Marketing Officer Ufone, Mr. Tariq Chaudhry, Ex. President National Press Club
products in Pakistan. KHL has and other officials at a reception hosted by Ufone in the honor of recently elected
dinner hosted in the honour Press Club. Governing Body of National Press Club, Islamabad.
explored new possibilities for
attaining projects in Western of the elected cabinet of the President National Press Ufone and the National media and Ufone in the last
Asia. In order to progress National Press Club Club Afzal Butt thanked Press club will further grow. couple of years. Tariq
further, KHL is sorting out an Islamabad. The capacity Ufone for inviting the He proposed a few steps to Chaudhry, the former
agreement with ETK Kablo building workshop will be elected body and strengthen the relationship
producing state of the art President National Press
held with international emphasised that with the journalist
telecom and IT passive Club also spoke on the
trainers in the month of telecommunication and community.
equipment; a name of trust occasion and thanked the
April this year. media were interconnected Moazzam Ali Khan,
and liability for the banking, Ufone for its initiative of
telecom, electronics, armed Speaking on the occasion in many ways and support Head of Public Relations inviting the National Press
forces, power and construction he said that both the cellular each other. He hoped that and Corporate Social Club.
sectors. industry and the media had the cooperation between Responsibility at Ufone
48
Free download | flare.com.pk Cover Story
On one hand in the year 2009 Ufone has given 158 of its
executives a total salary (bonus, gratuity, managerial
remuneration, company’s contribution of provident fund,
housing and utilities included) of Rs 72,328,300 per month
State Minister for Health, Afzal Sandhu inaugurating the revamped
where on the other hand it has given Mr Abdul Aziz alone Rs
Children Ward and OPD of FGSH, a pilot project of Ufone’s Child
Healthcare initiative. Also seen in the picture President & CEO Ufone,
3,526,000. In 2008 Mr Abdul Aziz was taking Rs 2,523,500 in
Abdul Aziz Khan and Excutive Director FGSH, Dr. Shaukat Kiani. terms of salary where 234 executives were hired on a total
repeated ideas of same jugglers. sum of Rs 48,800,700 per month. It is pertinent to remind that
While standing on a mountain it is very hard to
compromise even for a single step as the initiation
not only Chief Executives but also some of the other
can lead to the lost of balance. Ufone is no doubt executives were provided with medical facility, company
the subsidiary of Pakistan Telecommunication maintained cars and residential telephone facility
Company Limited and it was not very hard for
Ufone to make a significant mark in the cellular
2005 under the famous PTCL Privatisation. Since that company has been paying a huge salary of Rs
services by following the footmarks of its parent
PTCL owns 100 per cent shares of Ufone, Etisalat three million per month to its CEO, Abdul Aziz,
company, the largest landline provider company.
became the 26 per cent shareholder in Ufone. The besides medical facilities, company maintained cars
With the passage of time the competition in the
amount of fee paid by Ufone to Etisalat in 2009 is 76 and other facilities.
telecommunication sector became so hard that once
per cent of its net profit for the same year that A local company that is semi-owned by the
one loss his balance others would hit him with
stands at Rs 1.7 billion. This shows that Ufone has Government of Pakistan is giving three million per
taunting remarks and try their level best to dig the
been depriving its principal shareholder that is month to its Chief Executive, a person who has no
victim under piles of embracement to crush his
Government of Pakistan with its 62 per cent technical proficiency. How can the company bear
strength into pieces. Ufone took advantage of the
shareholding, to earn a decent profit on the amount such a large expense for a single person? Is not it
situation and start to mock at its competitors in 49
Cover Story Free download | flare.com.pk
Nokia X6
In the world of Nokia it is all about evolution, rather than revolution. So do
not expect the specs on the X6 to blow your mind. The handset is the next step
for the market leader scrambling to make up for a late start in touch- screens.
To be honest, the Symbian S60 touch edition has been struggling to catch up
with the standard setters in terms of user experience. And the X6 claims to have
the answer: the responsiveness only a capacitive screen can bring.
The Nokia X6 is also the first XpressMusic handset to head straight for the
high-end. Midrange is the highest the music Finns have gone so we are inter-
ested to see how this change of approach works. Nokia have always had a
strong appeal to the masses, but pleasing the selected few is undoubtedly
harder.
As you can see in the two lists above there is almost nothing new in the soft-
ware package, so it all falls on the hardware to justify the high asking price. The
well-stuffed retail package is a great place to start but does the capacitive
screen improve usability enough to be worth the extra money over, say, the
5800 XpressMusic? And the difference in price is by no means trivial.
In the increasingly competitive touchscreen market manufacturers do not
have much room for error. The unpolished S60 UI is enough of a burden
already, so Nokia X6 has to be near perfect in every other respect. A tall task
indeed, but let us see how they have tackled it.
The Nokia X6 phonebook has virtually unlimited capacity and its functional-
ity is certainly among the best out there. Nokia X6 contacts list also has kinet-
ic scrolling enabled that is a welcome enhancement but nowadays all Nokia
touch phones have that already.
52
Free download | flare.com.pk Mobile Reviews Tech Tool
HTC Smart
The HTC Smart is at your service, be it for your productive side or
your playful side. HTC Smart comes with Scenes—different phone con-
figurations that reflect different moods in your daily self. There’s a mode
for your busy weekdays, filling your home screen with panels that help
you ease on through your workdays with apps like email, calendar and
the web browser. There’s a mode for relaxing (or not!) weekends, which
brings fun to the forefront with music, camera, and photo album panels.
There’s even a scene that you can personalize to fit your unique style
and daily needs.
With HTC Smart, your interactions are neatly placed right under the
pics of your favorite people. Rather than having to open multiple appli-
cations, there’s a single view of all your communications, be it email,
text, or a Facebook update with any one of your contacts.
The more you use the HTC Smart, the more small touches you will
find – each one elevating your phone experience. For example, with just
one tap you can turn your web browser to landscape mode so you can
get a better view while surfing the internet. There is also smart zoom,
which enlarges and reflows the text for your reading pleasure with just
a double tap on the screen.
53
Tech Tool Free download | flare.com.pk
It is great that the Shark line has not gotten its name on random basis. Although you may
have to get your imagination working in order to discover the similarities with the sweet little
fish, all three handsets undeniably share the same design language with smooth curves and
streamlined bodies. Once opened, the S5550 assumes the characteristic torpedo-like shape
that sharks have.
The Samsung Shark 2 S5550 feels really nice in the hand; it can be comfortably operated
in both closed and opened mode, which is not typical of every slider out there. Build quality
is good on the whole, although the slider wobbles just a little, and the nicely-patterned back
cover is plastic, instead of metal as on the Shark S5350.
54
Free download | flare.com.pk Tech Tool
Motorola XT800
Motorola, elevating high in terms of services and coverage, seems to be all determined
to set itself apart in its new step. Yes, Cloned in China has reported that the company is
now prepared to land in the Chinese market with its latest XT800 smartphone.
Previously codenamed as Motorola Zeppelin and showcased to the masses in Beijing,
the arresting device is headline-grabber by virtue of its avant-garde features and leading-
edge technology.
Introduced by China Telecom, the latest device is said to be running Android 2.0.1
which is the newest Android version and would be in dual SIM card slots. Besides, the
device is also reported to offer support for CDMA and GSM. As its reviews, the XT800
comes built-in with five MP camera, a 3.7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, WAPI
(Wi-Fi), and FM Radio. What else, the all new device also comes subsumed with an ARM
Cortex A8 processor.
Reportedly, the arresting or prepossessing handset also comes featured with a
microSD slot which can take 32GB cards and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Ostensibly, the
device is also claimed to have the capacity of doing skilful playback 720p video and also
boasts of an HDMI port.
Obviously, so far, there is no word as to pricing information of the Motorola XT800, but
as and when it comes we will let you know. However, so far as its availability in the US
market is concerned, it is expected to come in 2010, named as the Motorola Titanium. In
North America, the device, supporting EV-DO Rev A networks, will be made available via
Verizon or Sprint operator.
55
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Nokia 5030 XpressRadio
Motorola W230 Dimension
108x45x15 mm, Weight 82 g
Display Memory
Dimension 110 x 45 x 14.7 mm, Weight 80g 8 MB Buitlt-in, 1000 Phonebook entries + 250
Battery Talk time Up to 9 h Stand-by Up to 450 h SMS
Memory 1MB internal memory + Extendable Display
(MicroSD Memory Card, up to 2 GB supported) Size 128x160 pixels, 1.8 inches Display
Connectivity USB, GPRS Class 10 (48 kbps) Colour TFT, 65K colors
Display Size 128 x 128 pixels, 1.6 inches Features
Display Colour CSTN, 65K colours Colors Red, Graphite Entertainment Stereo
Operating Frequency / Band GSM 900 / 1800 FM Radio with built-in antenna, Games
Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML Other Features Dedicated radio keys, 5-way
Colours lustrous silver, dark titanium gray navigation key, Flashlight, Speakerphone,
Entertainment Stereo FM radio with RDS Voice memo
(Records FM radio for the phone’s alarm), MP3 Battery
player (iMelody,MIDI,MP3,AMR formats), Games 63
Talk time Up to 10h, Stand-by Up to 524h,
Rs Rs
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Specifications The digital world in your hands. The HP Pavilion dv3 Notebook PC with
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit, HP TouchSmart software lets you access your favourite multimedia content and
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor P9700 (2.80 GHz), activities at the touch of a fingertip wherever you go.
6 GB DDR3 SDRAM, HDD 320 GB,
Super Drive, NVIDIA® GeForce® 9300M GS notebook graphics processing unit Specifications
(GPU), Operating System Windows 7 Home
13.1" wide (WXGA: 1600 x 900), Memory Card Reader Premium Edition Processor Type Intel Core 2 Duo Processor Speed 2.53 GHz
Processor L2 Cache 3 MB Processor Model P8700
RAM Capacity 2 GB RAM Type DDR 2 RAM Slots 2
Hard Disk Capacity 320 GB HDD RPM 7200 HDD Interface SATA Chipset
Intel 965PM Screen Size 13.3 inch Screen Type LED
Graphics Nvidia GeForce G105M.
Rs Rs
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Fun just got a whole new look. The Inspiron 1564 laptop is more refined from its
The Acer Aspire 4810T, a special edition of the award winning Timeline series, streamlined thin and light design down to its powerful features.
is a 35cm (14 inch) ultra-thin and ultra-light notebook that combines top per-
formance with more than eight hours battery life for total freedom. Specifications
Operating System Dos Processor Type Intel Core i5 Processor Speed (2.40GHz
Specifications Turbo Up To 2.93GHz) Processor L2 Cache 3 MB Processor Model i5-520M
Operating System Windows 7 Home Premium Edition Processor Type Intel RAM Capacity 4 GB RAM Type DDR3 RAM Slots 2
Pentium Dual Core Processor Speed 1.30 GHz Processor L2 Cache 2 MB
Hard Disk Capacity 500 GB HDD RPM 5400 HDD Interface SATA Chipset
Processor Model SU4100 RAM Capacity 4 GB RAM Type DDR3 RAM Slots
Info n/a.
2 Hard Disk Capacity 320 GB HDD RPM 5400 HDD Interface SATA Chipset
Intel GS45.
Rs Rs
100,000 107,990
Specifications With its faster Intel processor, faster memory, and larger hard drive, New MacBook is a
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium 64-bit, full-powered, full-featured, do-it-all notebook. 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor T6600 (2.20 GHz), 3MB on-chip shared L2 cache running 1:1 with processor speed
4 GB DDR2 SDRAM, HDD 320 GB, Super Drive, 1066MHz front side bus
ATI Mobility Radeon™ HD 4570 Graphic Card, 15.5" wide (WXGA 1366 x 250GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard disk drive
768), Memory Card Reader(Pro Duo, SD), 8x slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD R DL/DVD RW/
Wifi, Bluetooth, Front Camera, NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics processor with 256MB of DDR3 SDRAM shared
Battery Life: 2.5 Hours, Weight: 2.7kg with main memory
Built-in iSight camera
64
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available to all Access to latest content of more than 4000 songs, jokes, dialogues, hamds, naats
Intel unveils advanced (LG), a global leader and technology innovator in mobile
communications.
technology family processors The speed record comes after the announcement from November
2009, when the two companies were the first to complete end-to-end
LTE interoperability tests in the 2100 MHz frequency band.
Karachi: Intel Pakistan Corporation introduced its all-new 2010 Intel(r)
“LTE is the super-fast mobile broadband technology that we are
CoreTM family processors, in Pakistan. This was announced by Country
able to deliver today. It helps operators address the challenge of
Manager Intel Pakistan Corporation Ashar H. Zaidi at a press conference,
growing data traffic as well as
held at a local hotel. The new 2010 Intel Core processors are manufactured on
delivering a superior end-user
the company's 32nm process, which includes Intel's second-generation high-
experience,” said Marc
k metal gate transistors.
Rouanne, head of Network
This technique, along with other advances, helps increase a computer's
Systems, Nokia Siemens
speed while decreasing the energy consumption. "For the first time, there is
Networks. “We’re driving the
a new family of Intel processors with the industry's most advanced
technology available, immediately for the mass market at a variety of introduction of LTE through our
attractive, mainstream price points," said Zaidi. These smart processors adapt collaboration with leading
to an individual's needs, automatically device vendors, such as LG, and
providing a boost of performance for everyday by providing a smooth and cost-
applications. efficient transition path to LTE
This introduction coincides with the arrival via a software upgrade only.”
of Intel's groundbreaking new 32 nano meter The data call was made as
(nm) manufacturing process, which for the first part of extended
time in the company's history will be used to immediately produce and interoperability tests conducted by Nokia Siemens Networks and
deliver processors and features at mainstream price points, and integrate LG in the 2100 MHz and 2600 MHz frequency bands at Nokia
high-definition graphics inside the processor. Siemens Networks’ LTE R&D centres in Oulu, Finland, and Ulm,
Based on Intel's award-winning "Nehalem" micro-architecture, this new Germany.
desktop, mobile and embedded processors deliver smart performance for “This successful data call at 100 Mbps shows the progress we
music, gaming, videos, movies, photos, social networking and other have made towards commercial LTE deployments as well as our
demanding mainstream applications. readiness to offer the high throughput performance expected with
Intel is unveiling more than 25 processors, wireless adapters and chipsets, LTE,” said Go-hee Choi, vice president of LG Electronics Mobile
including new Intel(r) CoreTM i7, i5 and i3 processors, Intel(r) 5 Series Communication Technology Research Lab. “It builds on the
Chipsets, and Intel(r) Centrino(r) Wi-Fl and WiMAX adapters that include interoperability tests we conducted last year with Nokia Siemens
new Intel(r) My WiFi features. More than 400 laptop and desktop PC designs Networks, where we demonstrated a pre-requisite for commercial
are expected from the computer makers, based on these products, with deployments of LTE.”
another 200 designs expected for the embedded devices. Nokia Siemens Networks and LG continue to work on testing
LTE in other frequency bands and to improve performance. In
Ericsson to aid Haiti PTCL’s largest data centre integrated with PTCL network
services.
Senior Executive Vice
The UN has requested that Ericsson President, Commercial, Naveed
Karachi: Acknowledging its role as the only
(NASDAQ:ERIC) deploy its Ericsson Response Saeed while highlighting the importance of
National Carrier of Pakistan and recognising
organisation to aid relief work in disaster- the large investments that enterprises are data centre stated that the aim is to provide
stricken Haiti. Ericsson has had 20 volunteers on making to build and equip their own data business enterprises in Pakistan a reliable,
stand-by and will now send four, all telecom centres Pakistan Telecommunication Company responsive and resilient infrastructure to suit
experts, to set up a container-based mini Ltd (PTCL) has launched the largest data the their needs. The data centre is designed to
GSMsystem to enable mobile communication in centre in Pakistan. This data centre is accommodate an enterprise IT equipment and
the area. engineered using the same rigid specifications, software in a secure, managed and climatically
Personnel and equipment will arrive in Haiti consistent with international standards and controlled environment. The bottom-line is to
using UN transportation. Rima Qureshi, head of data centre certification bodies and is enabled benefit our customers in terms of cost-
Ericsson Response, says, “We know from past with technologies that proactively manages an effectiveness, efficiency of processes and
experience how important it is for aid workers enterprise’ mission-critical applications for scalability of needs.
to coordinate the rescue operation using mobile predictable and continuous performance. The PTCL is the only unified service provider in
communications. Aid workers can get their work PTCL Data Centre is protected from intrusion Pakistan and is able to service all enterprise
done faster if we can provide them with the tools and failure with multi-layered security, fail- segments with a comprehensive portfolio of
to get quickly in touch with the outside world, safe redundancy, diversity measures, and products including fibre optic and wireless
each other and those most affected by the rapid response recovery measures. connectivity, MPLS, VPN, Managed and
emergency.” The new centre is directly connected to Hosted technology solutions. And now with
In 2009, Ericsson Response supported relief PTCL’s global MPLS backbone to offer a rich PTCL’s data centre, a tailor made
work in Kongo, Sudan, Indonesia and portfolio of hosting solutions with unparalleled accommodation for an enterprise’ application
Philippines. Ericsson Response was formed in network performance and features. PTCL processing environment together with
2000 and is the result of a conviction in Ericsson offers capabilities designed to deliver greater appropriate connectivity to the fully redundant
that telecommunication expertise is needed efficiencies for hosting customers through the self healing optical fibre network backbone, a
during times of disaster and has formed use of technologies such as storage on demand, much higher level of security and technology
partnerships with international organisations processing on demand, business continuity support to an enterprises’ mission critical
such as the UN. and disaster recovery, all of which are operations is being offered.
President Asif Ali Zardari signing Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2010 protection Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani talking to the students during his surprise
of woman at Chief Minister House, Karachi. visit to FG Girls School G-8/4, Islamabad.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting along with Federal Minister for
Speaker National Assembly Dr Fahmida Mirza presenting a souvenir to Ambassador
Finance Shaukat Tarin and Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf
of Turkmenistan Sapar Berdiniyazov at Parliament House, Islamabad.
jointly addressing a press conference.
Interior Minister Senator A. Rehman Malik being briefed about the performance of the Karachi: Provincial Minister Sindh Shazia Marree, CEO ICL International Asad Sibtain &
State of the Art Scanners at Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad. Country Manager ICL International Mr Tauseef Khan at soft launch of ASUS at a local hotel.
82
Free download | flare.com.pk Flare Report Event
Lahore: Graduation ceremony of Management Trainee Batch XIII-B Bank Alfalah Limited honoured by C.O.O. Bank Alfalah, Shakil Sadiq recently.
Lahore: Service with a Smile Training Programme held at Al-Razi HealthCare Pvt. Ltd recently. A group photo of participants with CEO, Al-Razi HealthCare,
Dr Osman Bashir.
Lahore: Group photograph of executive of Bank Alfalah at Auto Collection. Seen in the picture are Irfan Qureshi, Begum Syed Ghazanfar, Ibrar Akram, Irfan
Umar, Zeeshan Ahmad and Aslam Gillani. 83
Flare Report Flare Report Free download | flare.com.pk
Officials of Sony draw the name of lucky winner Mohammad Javed Khan, National Sales Manager Pakistan
Lahore: Agreement is being signed between Punjab Govt. and Microsoft to promote information Director Marketing PIA Imran Ahmed Khan and Director Marketing PC Hotel Dubai
technology, Shahbaz Sharif (Chief Minister Punjab), Senior Adviser Saradr Zulifqar Ali Khousa,
Provincial Minister Farooq Yousaf Ghorki, Middle East & President of Microsoft Ali Farmavi is also Masood Hashmi signing an agreement for cooperation offering holiday packages
present. during Dubai Shopping Festival 2010 in Karachi.
87
Mosaic National Free download | flare.com.pk
Islamabad: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani appointed Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa
Federal Minister for Communications Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan inspecting the studio
as his Advisor on Information Technology. Latif Khosa has been given the status of a federal
after inauguration of 1st Highways and Motorways FM Radio Station in Islamabad.
88 minister, says a Cabinet Division notification issued.
Free download | flare.com.pk International Mosaic
Brazilian student of computer networking, watches US serial Lost' on his computer, Mahru-Z (R), a robot developed by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology picks
stylised and assembled by himself, at the world's biggest online electronic entertain- up a sandwich in Seoul. Scientists have developed a walking robot maid which can
ment event called 'Campus Party', in Sao Paulo, Brazil. clean a home, dump clothes in a washing machine and even heat food in a microwave.
Nokia President and Chief Executive Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo speaks to present the 2009 A woman walks past notebooks in a show room at an IT products market in Taipei. One year
safter Asia's computer component makers despaired over a lack of orders, they are struggling
annual results at the Nokia headquarters in Espoo.
to adjust to an unexpected boom in demand, rushing to expand capacity before inventories 89
Internet
3 Mbps
Unlimited Downloads
Cable TV
70+ Channels
Superb Quality
Telephone
No Line Rent
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International Mosaic
A Sony employee displays the new mobile high-definition An enterprising Haitian sets up shop with a cell phone KDDI employee displays the new design conscious
camcorder "Bloggie MHS-PM5K", equipped with a 5 mega- charging station run by a small generator in Port au mobile phone "Lotta", meaning a lot of fun, produced by
pixel CMOS image sensor and a swivel lens which enabling Prince, Haiti, since the electricial power is not working Japanese electronics giant Kyocera in Tokyo.
it to shoot full high-definition MP4 video clips in Tokyo. in Port-au-Prince.
A boy uses his phone to photograph the giant silicon and fibreglass scuplture 'In Bed', Amanda Parson (L) and Deanna Williston don homemade panda bear knit hats while
2005, by Australian artist Ron Mueck at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Mel- saying goodbye to giant panda bear Tai Shan at the Smithsonian National Zoological
bourne, Australia. Park in Washington.
Models show off the new smartphone "Xperia" by Sony Ericsson Mobile Communica-
tions during a joint press conference with Japan's mobile communication giant NTT US celebrity Paris Hilton prepares to take pictures with her mobile phone during the filming
docomo in Tokyo. of a commercial in Manhattan in New York.
91
Synopsis International Free download | flare.com.pk
92
Free download | flare.com.pk International Synopsis
Telecommunications Users
National broadband roadshow Group managing director Egypt court
The National Broadband only wholesale a layer 2 not convinced that such an
Rosemary Sinclair said.
Mr Quigley responded by backs
Network Company kicked bitstream service. Layer 2 approach was in the best
off the first of its east-coast services provide transport interests of competition.
saying early discussions with
industry players had shown
Orascom in
consultation tours in Sydney, for data through a network, "I appreciate the clarity
as the company's chief Mike but stop short of the delivery
there was sufficient demand
in the marketplace for
Mobinil
Quigley fielded questions of applications like voice and
about finer details of the video.
wholesaling of layer 3 battle
services. "I'm confident that
USD 43 billion government- The NBN Co is hoping its Cairo: An Egyptian court
that is the case and only
backed project. absence from the delivery, said it supported Orascom
yesterday I met with a
More than 120 sale and support of new Telecom's appeal against the
sizeable Australian telco that
stakeholders and applications and services regulator's decision to
wants to do precisely that,"
representatives from the will foster an environment of approve France Telecom's
he said.
telecoms industry attended innovation among the retail offer to buy outstanding
Ms Sinclair also queried
the first consultation in service providers that will be and I understand why shares in Mobinil. The French
the NBN Co about
Sydney, as NBN Co staff accessing the network. you've got the focus on a firm and Orascom have been
guarantees it could put in
outlined a high-level "We are the plumbers of layer 2 wholesale-only role locked in a row for control of
place to ensure end users
overview of plans for the this network and the thing for NBN, but I'm wondering Egyptian Company for
would not be gouged by high
network build and its we can provide is not the how sure you are that layer 3 Mobile Services, known by its
prices for access to the new
wholesale product sets. exciting applications but an wholesale services will brand name Mobinil.
network - but short of
The NBN team's underlying infrastructure develop in the market to Judge Hamdy Yassin
ensuring all access seekers
presentation reiterated plans that our retail service support the broader and ruled in favour of Orascom's
would be sold wholesale
outlined in its December provider customers can more innovative service- appeal during a session in a
access on equal terms, no
consultation paper, which trust," Mr Quigley said. But based competition we are Cairo court. Speaking to
guarantees were made.
said the company would industry participants were hoping for," Australian reporters after the hearing,
Orascom Executive
will increase. That will play
India's outsourcers hiring staff to the advantage of Indian IT
Chairman Naguib Sawiris
said: "We are in our country,
companies." He argues that staying in it. We are not
Mumbai: India's top three outsource more work, just as conference call. "Our
the cost savings from off leaving."
outsourcing companies are they did after the dot-com customers remain focused on
shoring has helped US
ramping up hiring and bust. "Our expectations are cost reduction."
companies survive - and
increasing pay as global for flat to marginally The employment revival
that's good for the American
corporations, mainly from stronger IT budgets with a in India's outsourcing sector,
worker.
the US, send more work greater share of offshore which counts on the US for
TCS, Infosys and Wipro,
offshore to cut costs as they spend," Wipro chairman about 60 per cent of global
which can do everything
emerge from the downturn. Azim Premji said in a sales, comes as
from call centre management
Tata Consultancy Services, unemployment in the US
and claims processing to
Infosys, and Wipro stagnates around 10 per cent- The decision comes one
software development and
expanded their global near a 26 year high. Inflation- day before the end of the
consulting, all reported
workforces by an average of adjusted wages in the US last tender offer period for France
stronger than expected
5.1 per cent last quarter, year fell 1.6 per cent, the Telecom's subsidiary Orange
results for the December Participations to buy all
together adding 16,701 biggest decline since 1990.
quarter. Revenues and Mobinil's outstanding shares
employees. "When there is a
volumes grew, signalling at 245 Egyptian pounds (USD
Company documents downturn the compulsion to
that the cost-cutting 44.63) each. The offer began
show - an early sign that the control costs increases," said
imperative of this last, lean on December 15. Mobinil
Great Recession may Dipen Shah, an analyst at
year may be over for India's shares were trading down 3.3
ultimately benefit India as Mumbai's Kotak Securities.
USD 60 billion software per cent at 230 pounds by
cost-conscious companies "The demand for off shoring
services industry. 1102 GMT. 95
Synopsis International Free download | flare.com.pk
97
Exclusive Free download | flare.com.pk
These issues, as per the available evidence, agreement (by way of an arrangement and/or companies, otherwise, behaving competitively
include SIM Selling price Revision, USSD Based understanding) to fix a charge for balance enquiry decided not to compete on this service.
Balance Enquiry Charging, Call Set Up Charges, services. All the concerned CMTOs in their replies and
Implementation Based on Ring Back Tone, SMS There was a meeting of the minds to fix this during their meetings with the officers of the
interconnect/MTR upward revision, APC for charge as evidenced by emails subsequent to Commission failed to provide any sound reason
mobile, missed call charges, site sharing update,
bandwidth sharing proposal, implementation of
668/cleaning of data and implementation of Anti
spam filters.
The emails referring to revision in SIM selling
price point to an understanding and/or
arrangement based on collaborative strategy on
pricing. The emails exchanged between the
competitors create the necessary atmosphere of
mutual certainty on economic aspects and show
the existence of an understanding and/or
arrangement to revise the prices of SIM and
missed call alert charges.
As per established norms of competition laws,
even inchoate understandings and partial
agreement also amount to an agreement to fix
prices. Hence, the CCP concluded that CMTOs
have prima facie engaged in and entered into an 15.06.2009 and this is a prima facie violation of for choosing a 10 paisa charge for providing
agreement to revise the selling price of SIM cards section 4 (1) in terms of section 4 (2) (a) of the balance enquiry services. The figures provided by
and missed call charges. This amounts to a prime Ordinance. concerned CMTOs indicate that a huge number of
facie violation of section 4 (1) in terms of section 4 The CCP found that interestingly all the subscribers were using USSD balance enquiry
(2) (a) of the Ordinance. CMTOs gave rather similar reasons for imposition service. Introduction of a charge of 10 paisas per
of a charge for balance enquiries; due to excessive balance enquiry drastically reduced the number
It, however, appears very odd use of this free service there was increased load of balance enquires.
that while all these CMTOs on system which was impairing the quality of Furthermore, since the charge for providing
service, so in order to discourage customers, they balance enquiry services was fixed by agreement
have different system introduced this charge. among the CMTOs, importantly it foreclosed the
capacities, different number It, however, appears very odd that while all options for users to switch over to another
of subscribers, different these CMTOs have different system capacities, network or operator. In terms of the effect on the
market shares and tariff different number of
structures and USSD balance subscribers, different
market shares and tariff
enquiry service charge was structures and USSD
offered to the customers by balance enquiry service
each of these CMTOs charge was offered to
simultaneously or around the the customers by each
same time. Load on the of these CMTOs
simultaneously or
system is built up gradually around the same time.
and is not a one day Load on the system is
phenomenon built up gradually and
is not a one day
Upon receiving the emails, the CCP decided to phenomenon. Logically
initiate a formal enquiry under Section 37 of the the decision to
Ordinance. The enquiry officers were authorised introduce charge on
to first verify the authenticity of the documents balance enquiry, if the
submitted by the informer. According to the CCP companies were
inquiry report, it appears that the agreement to fix operating
a charge for balance enquiry services was entered competitively, should
into in a meeting of the CEOs Forum held on June have been arrived at
15, 2009. independently.
Furthermore, subsequent to sharing of the While the price
Minutes of CEOs Forum meeting dated 15 June, setting pattern of
2009, other emails reproduced below provide CMTOs in respect of
clarifications regarding the exact charge that was call rates and SMS rates
fixed on June 15, 2009. These emails while may prima facie
providing clarifications to the charge fixed on indicate competition so
15.06.2009 provide prima facie evidence of much so that a price
CMTOs having entered into an agreement to fix move of one paisa
prices. appears significant and
It is important to appreciate that an CMTOs appear to
'agreement' was reached in terms of section 2 (1) compete on it. The
(b) of the Ordinance and this includes any imposition of identical
arrangement, understanding or practice whether charge of 10 paisa per
or not it is in writing or intended to be legally balance enquiry by
enforceable. The CEOs of the CMTOs in their these CMTOs remained
meeting dated 15.06.2009 entered into an unexplained, as Notice of Compeitition Commission of Pakistan to Ufone 99
Exclusive Free download | flare.com.pk
on the system for other profit generating services. available in the market at a minimum price of Rs
CMTOs have prima facie reached on an
In our view, the real benefit is not only the 150.
understanding on important economic aspects of
revenue generated by income of 10 paisa per Keeping in view that the understanding
their businesses pertaining inter alia to: costs of
balance inquiry, but it should also incorporate the regarding, inter alia, price fixing seems to have
providing services, pricing for services, revenues
savings in cost and the resultant benefit stemming emerged from the CEOs Forum and that CEOs
from the utilisation of the system for other profit can be deemed to have knowledge of the
generating services like SMS, MMS and IVR, the statements made before the officers of the
inquiry report said. Commission in the preliminary probe, the CCPP
CMTOs have mentioned that huge number of has issued notices to the CEOs of the
hits for the balance enquiry services were undertakings in their individual capacity for
clogging the system so much so that on few prima facie violation of Section 38(1) (d) & (e) and
occasions the number of balance enquiries was also for prima facie violations of section 4 (1) (a) in
four times the number of SMSs. Hence, prima terms of section 4(2) (a) and Section 4(2) (d) of the
facie it appears that the intention behind Ordinance, the inquiry report added.
unanimously agreeing to the imposition of this With the initiative, it is expected that the
charge was not to earn revenue from the service scenario will change with the break down of
of USSD based balance enquiry, but more cellular monopoly. The way these companies are
importantly was to make the free space available trying to impose themselves on the innocent
for revenue generating services. subscribers is unlawful where making unanimous
The CMTOs in their replies also mentioned the policies eliminate competition.
role of PTA and stated that the charge for balance It is not only the duty of CCP but also of PTA
enhancement, resources sharing, limitations on
enquiry was a basket service charge and they took to ensure the rights of millions of people who are
investment with respect to advertisements, APC
due clearance from PTA, however, it is pertinent pulling the wheel of telecommunications in
and MTR for CMTOs etc and appear to have
to note that PTA has no role in deciding the Pakistan.
100 colluded and conspired on these aspects of
amount of such charge especially for Non SMP