Tag: pakistan tech

PTA asks FBR to halt import of GSM boosters and amplifiers

KARACHI: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has asked the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to stop the import of GSM amplifiers and boosters by all licensees or non-licensees entities as its import and use is only confined to licensed Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs)

Industry sources informed that use of sub-standard GSM boosters, amplifiers and repeaters is strictly prohibited and there are a number of complaints with PTA that these instruments have been installed by mobile users themselves, which is resulted in interference in CMOs frequency bands and disturbing the mobile phone services. As per rules, only CMOs are allowed to import GSM boosters and install at mobile users’ premises.

According to the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act 1996 Section 31, Sub-section (2), “the unauthorized use of the radio frequency spectrum shall be punishable with imprisonment, which may extend to (three) years, or with fine which may extend to Rs10 million, or with both.”

Recently, PTA, through field experience, complaints from the operators, and subsequent field monitoring by Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), has observed an increasing trend of using sub-standard GSM amplifiers and boosters by the general public, which causes interference in CMOs’ frequency bands and deteriorates the quality of mobile services. Despite the issuance of several public notices by PTA to warn all the importers, distributors, sellers, and users of GSM boosters to refrain from this activity, these illegal devices are easily available in the open market and online stores wherein the general public purchases such equipment and shipment of the same is delivered after custom clearance.

Sources said that the majority of GSM amplifiers installed by mobile users are Chinese and do not have manufacturer and model number written on them. It is pertinent to mention that these illegal GSM boosters are the main cause of growing network interference complaints by the customers.

Accordingly, PTA has asked FBR to restrict the import of these devices by all entities. PTA has requested FBR to issue instruction to all field office for allowing import of GSM boosters, amplifiers and repeaters by CMOs only and restricting import by all other entities license or non-license including shipment through online sales.

It may be mentioned here that previously, a number of times PTA has warned all the importers, distributors, sellers and users of GSM boosters to refrain from import, distribution and use of GSM boosters otherwise legal action will be taken against the violators in light of Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization).

As published on Bsiness Recorder

PITB & Ejad Labs sign MoU to co-host Pakistan Innovation Roadshow

Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has signed an MOU with Ejad Labs to co-host Pakistan Innovation Roadshow to be held in March. The MoU was signed by PITB DG e-Governance Sajid Latif and CEO Ejad Labs Arzish Azam at Arfa Software Technology Park.

PITB’s e- Earn and e-Rozgaar

Pakistan Innovation Roadshow aims to highlight the country’s booming tech ecosystem and top tech talent. Additionally, it will offer aspiring freelancers a chance to collaborate and learn from major stakeholders in Pakistan’s tech industry. PITB’s e- Earn and e-Rozgaar teams will collaborate with Ejad Labs and provide support through their partners in order to successfully organize the event across Pakistan.

During the ceremony PITB DG e-Governance Sajid Latif said, “Building synergies in order to develop a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem is an integral part of PITB’s endeavours as these opportunities are a great way for students and aspiring freelancers to learn from experienced professionals in the tech industry.”

CEO Ejad Labs Arzish Azam stated, “Through this roadshow we plan to celebrate and highlight the local tech ecosystem as well as spark meaningful conversations essential for ecosystem development.”

Pakistan Innovation Roadshow will include a number of events like seminars and meet-ups in 15 cities across Pakistan featuring prominent professions as keynote speakers. The overall event will be supported by round-up videos and podcasts. By joining hands in this public-private partnership, PITB aims to boost the tech ecosystem of the Pakistan and create a sustainable environment for the technological advancement of the country.

PTA has issued important instructions regarding sale and purchase of mobile phones

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued important instructions regarding sale and purchase of mobile phones, GSM amplifiers, boosters, repeaters and SIM boxes.

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has directed the public that under Section 29 of the Telecom Reorganization Act, 1996, such mobile phones, GSM amplifiers, boosters, repeaters and SIM boxes, etc., should never buy without type approval / COC. Such substandard devices are not only detrimental to human health and national security but are also causing disruption in the quality of telecom service.

In addition, all such websites and e-commerce mediums which are promoting or selling such devices are also directed to remove all such content from their websites to avoid legal action as per Section 31 of the Telecom Reorganization Act.

Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) and PTA Type Approval holders are allowed to import GSM boosters and install them in the consumer premises as per the PTA rules and those who involved in the installation of amplifiers or bossters may be prosecuted. With regard to coverage and quality of service (QOS) standards, the PTA said to improve network coverage and performance in the affected areas.

In addition, the PTA has revised the coverage obligations and quality of service standards for operators by renewing the license. The PTA not only takes action against violators but also instructs the public from time to time to not purchase / use illegal, GSM boosters / imported amplifiers / purchased through any unofficial channels to avoid any inconvenience and legal action as per applicable laws.

Another feat of the 14-year old Cyber Kid: Developed a geyser that saves up to 50% of Gas

14 year old Cyber Kid

Hazir Awan a 14 year old Cyber Kid said that this is an IoT (Internet of Things) geyser. It will require gas as well as internet to run. Two sensors are used with the geyser, one generates electronic flame and controls the gas while the other sensor controls the temperature. Once the water temperature reaches the desired level, the geyser will turn off and turn on again when the water cools down. The pilot of the geyser in the market is always on but this will not be the case in IoT geysers. This will save energy.

According to Hazir, it has come at a very low cost and all safety aspects have been ensured in its preparation. They have prepared this project experimentally but it can also be prepared on a commercial basis.

This talented child has so far won dozens of awards and medals for his computer and internet skills. At the age of 7, Hazir broke Arfa Karim’s record by becoming the youngest Microsoft Certified Professional in the world. He has also won the Microsoft IT Professional and UNICEF awards.

Hazir says my main job and hobby is to produce Robots. I have completed many projects so far, including a driverless car that can make its own way by controlling the obstacles on the way, can control its own speed. Similarly, what has been done on home automation? You can sit in the office and turn on the electronic items running in the house. Similarly, I have developed a car tracker. I have also created a handshake Robort that shakes hands with you and introduces itself. If the government provides opportunities and resources to talented children, they can make Pakistan famous in the world of IT.

UNICEF Champion Cyberkid Muhammad Hazir Awan has developed a geyser in his home during Covid-19 that you can control with the help of a mobile phone. This requires installing an existing app in the Google Play Store.

PTA Blocked Netflix and Other 452 Web links

A case was heard against the promotion of the film on social media sites

During the hearing, the PTA presented a report stating that it had blocked Best NetFlix and 452 web links in Pakistan. Also closed 778 trailer links of the blasphemous movie and still blocking 249 links.

Islamabad High Court Judge Justice Amir Farooq termed the PTA report as satisfactory. Lawyer Mazhar Javed said that the case should be kept pending and a report should be sought from PTI.

It may be recalled that during the hearing on social media last day, the government, while advocating for a review of the rules for regulating social media, had said that it would review the rules with the PTA and stakeholders.

PITB-BOP ink MoU to setup Citizen Facilitation Booths at e-Khidmat Centers across Punjab

To facilitate citizens and enhance public service delivery at Punjab government’s e-Khidmat Centers, Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and Bank of Punjab (BOP) signed an MoU on Monday at Arfa Software Technology Park. According to the Agreement, BOP will setup permanent booths in collaboration with PITB in all the e-Khidmat Centers across province.

The Agreement was signed by Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor and President & CEO BOP Zafar Masud. PITB DG e-Governance Sajid Latif, ADG PITB Muhammad Waseem Bhatti and other senior officials from the two organizations were also present at the ceremony.

On this occasion, Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor stated that initially collection for e-Stamping system will be commenced while more services will be added at e-Khidmat centers as per requirements. This will ensure transparency and a hassle-free payment process under one roof, he added.

President & CEO BOP Zafar Masud said that through BOP’s collection booths, the citizens will be able to make payments on the spot through cash, cheque, pay order, and demand draft. Additionally, it will help all the stakeholders save time and assure timely delivery of the service,” he concluded.

Two of world’s biggest health brands coming to Pakistan: Fawad Chaudhry

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry has claimed that this year is going to be a game changer for ‘Made in Pakistan’ medical equipment in the health sector, disclosing that two of the “world’s biggest brands” are willing to set up factories in Pakistan.
Talking on Twitter at Thursday, the federal minister said Pakistan that was previously unable to manufacture even its own syringe will join the countries that produce modern ‏

Free Punjab WiFi facility remains functional in Punjab & has not been shut down: Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor

The facility of free Punjab Wi-Fi

installed for the convenience of citizens is active and functional. This was stated by Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor. This facility is available in public buildings, hospitals, education institutes, parks, government offices, and markets etc.

Punjab government remains fully committed to the provision of free WiFi to the citizens and will expand the facility to the whole of Punjab as part of the Digital Punjab vision, stated Chairman PITB.

The number of 3G/4G Users in Pakistan Increased reached 13 Million

Pakistan technology is booming in every single day, Pakistan mobile operators has included one million 3G/4G users this April in 2015 to manage the entire count of 3G and 4G users in country to 13 million announced by recently declared stats from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

Recently Zong top charts and participated 487,487 new users to its 3G network, on the other hand Telenor added some 326,844 new users to 3G data services. Mobilink was capable to hold 226,877 new 3G data users during the month of April.

According to news declared from PTA that Ufone lost around 121,389 data users during the month.

Total number of 4G consumers in Pakistan now reached 141,177 with Warid leading the ranks with its 79,213 4G LTE users.3G/4G Mobile users in Pakistan

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