pta – Pakistan Tech News

Telecom companies push to block tax evaders' SIM cards amid crackdown

Islamabad – The campaign against tax evaders has stalled as telecom companies were late in blocking the SIM cards of half a million tax evaders.

FBRThe country's top tax collection body issued orders to block SIM cards, but the massive operation ran into technical difficulties. In this regard, the government is planning to take legal action against the telecom operator or entity that obstructs the process of disabling mobile SIM cards.

The decision was taken during a visit by Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) headquarters, where the FBR briefed him on the plan to disable SIM cards for over half a million non-applicants.

The government has lamented the lack of cooperation from the Preferential Trade Area (PTA) due to pressure from telcos while the FBR is developing a mechanism to unblock SIM cards of such individuals filing their returns.

The government is looking for a legal path to early recovery of 2.7 trillion rupiah in disputed tax revenues, focusing on cases where there is a strong legal basis.

Are you on FBR SIM ban list 2024? Check here

Pakistan’s No.1 Voice and Data Network Ufone 4G introduces Industry’s ‘Sab Se Bari Offer’

Islamabad: Pakistan’s No.1 Voice and Data Network, Ufone 4G has introduced the industry’s biggest and most affordable hybrid bundle, ‘Sab Se Bari Offer’ to provide its customers with the best user experience possible. Ufone 4G’s hybrid bundle offers greater usability, control, and enablement to its users so that they stay connected for longer through the company’s superior voice and data while they engage in activities related to work, education, or leisure.

Ufone 4G’s latest offering, ‘Sab Se Bari Offer’ is yet another effort to deliver ease, convenience, and an unparalleled telecom experience to the customers. The bundle offers the most MBs for the lowest charges in the industry in order to help bring quality voice and data services within the reach of every customer. Ufone 4G’s ‘Sab Se Bari Offer’ offers free calls to Ufone and PTCL numbers and 40 GB data for a week on only Rs.299 load. The huge data bulk will improve the customers’ experience on social media, entertainment, gaming, education, work, and other uses, while voice calls can really go on forever.

Ufone 4G has continuously improved and modernized its network and services to cater to the evolving voice and data requirements of its customers. Following the acquisition of 4G spectrum, the company made aggressive advances on the data front while ensuring the highest quality of service delivery. Its renewed focus on quality and innovative services eventually translated into enhanced customer loyalty and expansion of the company’s subscriber base. The latest PTA indicators show that the company has acquired significant data subscribers making it the leader in new customer acquisitions.

Similarly, Ufone 4G was recently declared the best voice and data service provider by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in its ‘Mobile Networks Benchmark Report for 2022. PTA had conducted systemic tests and trials of all telecom operators across all federal and provincial capitals including major motorways & highways to ascertain the quality of service, which affirmed Ufone 4G’s continued focus and commitment to delivering the highest quality connectivity to its customers.

This is also due to Ufone’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in the country by bringing more and more unserved and underserved segments of the population into the fold of digital inclusion. The company is particularly focusing on increasing its women user base so that society can collectively harness the fruits of high-speed internet. Ufone 4G’s recent efforts are testaments that its customers continue to comfortably lounge at the heart of Ufone 4G’s business philosophy as is evident from its long-cherished corporate slogan: ‘Tum Hi Tou Ho! (It’s all about U!).

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

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.

Pakistan tops Asian telecom users and investment destinations

Pakistan takes the first place in the South Asians as telecom users, a destination for investment and many multilateral institutions, the World Bank this week said. Pakistan leads the region in e-commerce, digital finance and branchless banking in the forward movement expanding of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy campaign.

A maximum sweep and use of mobile telephony, other equipment, commercial, business, industrial, education and media sectors is seen from the Arabian Sea shores, beside the United Arab Emirates to the Himalayan heights and the K-2 peaks in north extreme of Pakistan. E-commerce sights and businesses are coming up in these snow regions. Vendors sell fancy Pakistani handicrafts as far as Germany, Norway and Japan via the Internet. While this change of the telecom and IT users is in progress, Pakistan is the first destination for foreign investors and the market is changing to being the kind where all types of mobile telephony, telecom and ICT related services and products are used.

The sister countries include production and assembly of computers, laptops and other It equipment is growing with these developments. The production activities are likely to expand and the proposals to reduce the present taxes and other concessions are being considered by the government. Pakistan Computer Association (PCA) has proposed a withdrawal of some taxes and the levy of fixed customs duties and taxes on IT products.

Our proposals will encourage legal import of IT products, remove taxes relating to the Generalized Scheme of Preferences. It will provide the IT industry a level playing field, reduce consumer prices, and cut down large scale smuggling,

Says PCA chairman, Munawwar Iqbal.

If the government agrees to levy a fixed tax on each IT product, it will bring Rs5.5 billion a year in the form of new revenue.

Abdul Rauf Alam, president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCC&I) says:

The computer industry in Pakistan plays a significant role in the development and progress of the overall economy. The problems being faced by PCA and other sectors of the private sector are being discussed with Finance Minster Ishaq Dar, who is busy preparing the budget and the tax proposals for the National Budget for 2016.

The budget will be unveiled in June. Meanwhile, the World Bank Group and its 25 associates in the programme to reach Universal Financial Access -2020, of which Pakistan is a member, reported that

Around six per cent of adults in Pakistan have mobile accounts as compared to South Asia’s average of less than 2.6 percent.

Pakistan having a formal and regulated transaction account is opening a channel to other financial services as savings payments, insurance, and credit, which can be helping people manage their lives better. Confirmed by the statistics are the prospects for IT-mobile telephone services and banking for moving forward hand-in-hand and enjoying growth in the various sectors.

It is shown that 13 percent of adults have a formal account, less than 5% women are included in the formal finance sector, 27.5 million adults say distance to a financial organization a barrier for the opening of a financial account while 2.9% adults have a debit card. The telecom sector is seeing a growth in the form of new equipment import, new connections and the state of the art technology, private use, and its applications from e-commerce to banking and fintech. The Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA), World Bank and internationals say that this number is in millions.

The number of broadband subscribers is over 26 million people, PTA said which increases the broadband usage from 3 to more than 15 percent. A 10% increase in the high speed internet connections will increase the GDP by 1.38% World Bank says. A good and positive effect of coming of broadband in Pakistan is set to happen on the growth of the economy. This shows the speed and size of the rate of dividends and profits is in this modern telecoms and the reason as to invest foreign and domestic funds in Pakistan.

Leading Positions for Consumer Complaints taken by PTCL, Telenor – Review 2015

40,445 complaints against local telecom operators (ISP’s, LDI, WLL, mobile operators) were received by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority in the year 2014-15. PTCL have 15,593 complaints against it while Telenor Pakistan has 6,862.

Note: Below given data and statistics from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.

PTA data shows that there was a 10% growth in consumer complaints in FY 2014-15 from 36,092 in FY 2013-14 to what it is today.

PTCL has the most complaints against it while complaints against CMOs increased mainly due to biometric verification exercise.

PTA has said that it has successfully resolved about 99% of complaints in the year.

Consumer Complaints During 2014-15

Most of the complaints against PTCL were for fault in telephone lines / services and others included poor customer support, Qos, billing issues and provision of services.

98.7% of complaints out of 24,510 registered against all mobile operators were resolved by PTA.

45.3% complaints were related to service misuse, fraudulent and undesired communication (SPAM) from telcos and blocking SIMs that were involved in SPAM messages. Others were related to SIM verification and non legal practices.

Maximum number of complaints — for mobile phone companies — were received against Telenor (28%), Mobilink (22%), CMPak (22%), Ufone (17%) and Warid (with 11% share).

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Government’s Terms are agreed by Blackberry to stay in Pakistan

We’ve confirmed from the well placed sources that the Government will not going to suspend Blackberry Enterprise Service (BES) from December 30.

By resolving the access issue through negotiations and discussions between Blackberry and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in their formal contact and agreed to the terms. On government legal matters BES has given its consent to assist the government.

Government stake holders are receiving a circulated proposal and final decision will be taken shortly, as BES is unlikely to suspended in the country.

Earlier Pakistan Government decided to stop the BES due to security concerns as conversation under BES could not be decoded. Now, the monitoring system could not keep check on BES.

Now Blackberry has allowed access to its communication services in many countries. As its legal requirement and government wants to monitor all BES traffic in the country.

There is a disagreement on monitoring between the Indian government and Blackberry. The issue resolved in 2013, only after BlackBerry agreed to some of the demands made by the Indian government’

At the time of issue of statement, BlackBerry stated:

BlackBerry has delivered a solution that enables India’s wireless carriers to address their lawful access requirements for our consumer messaging services, which include BlackBerry Messenger and BlackBerry Internet Service email. The access to BlackBerry services is also allowed in most of the gulf countries including UAE and Saudi Arabia.

In July PTA demanded access to BES, by which encrypt data such as emails and instant messages possibility is there, or by Nov 30 shut it down. PTA also directed the mobile operators to stop offering BES to its customers after Nov 30’ 2015. PTA also directed the mobile operators through a letter to give 90 days notice before closing the services. In the country around 4,500 to 6,000 customers are using BES according to the officials sources.

As too much pressure from Pakistan government BlackBerry announced its exit from Pakistan on November 30, 2015.

However PTA has given a one month extension to BlackBerry for further discussion on how it will allow Pakistani government access to its communication services. After the extension from Pakistani government, BlackBerry stated on its website:

PTA extended one month to BlackBerry for further discussion about the access to its communication services to allow Pakistan government access. As extension given by Pakistan government BlackBerry on its website stated like:

Government of Pakistan has notified BlackBerry that it has extended its shutdown order from November 30 to December 30. BlackBerry will delay its exit from the Pakistan market until then.

Supreme Court restricts 3 Data SIMs and Voice SIMs CNIC

While listening to CMPak (Zong) application for the evacuation of 5 SIMS limitations for each CNIC, the Supreme Court of Pakistan here on Thursday gave decision for CMPak (Zong) and removed the confinement by permitting most extreme of three Data SIMs on top of five Voice SIMs per CNIC.

Zong was challenging the case for evacuation of 5 SIM per CNIC limit and recompense of any number of information SIMs, nonetheless, Supreme Court — amid a listening to today — said that one CNIC holder cannot hold more than 5 voice SIMs and 3 information SIMs at one time.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, which was likewise a gathering for the situation, kept up that since all old and new SIMs issued are presently are bio-metrically confirmed and every last SIM is connected with a living individual so this farthest point of 5 voice SIMs per CNIC ought to be uprooted.

PTA said that it won’t have any issues if this limit is removed, be that as it may, different partners, for example, law enforcement agencies, ought to likewise be tackled board before removing the cutoff.

PTA likewise presented that Wireless Local Loop administrators —, for example, PTCL — are permitted to issue three information SIMs on single CNIC.

While talking on this decision Niaz A. Malik, Deputy CEO CMPak (Zong) said, “We are satisfied with the decision given by the honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan. This decision will surely cast a positive impression on businesses of the telecom industry of Pakistan. Being the only 3G and 4G operator, we take pride to lead the industry for its goodness”. “We are taking this decision as an initial success and CMPak (Zong) will continue to reshape the Pakistani markets as a digital leader with its huge investment in 4G. Our cutting edge technology provided our users with unique satisfactory experience compare to other available platforms”, he finished.

Definite judgment on the issue was saved and will be issued at a later time. It perhaps reviewed that Supreme Court of Pakistan had bound the utmost of greatest of 5 SIMs per CNIC because of security reasons in 2012 when mysterious SIMs, with no enrollments were utilized as a part of terrorist exercises. In any case, subsequent to the circumstance changed after bio-metric verification drive with

every last SIM enrolled against a CNIC, administrators believed this limit could be evacuated. The phone operators trusted that the choice had brought about monstrous cut in their deals and incomes.

This boycott was harming the operators, particularly after the auction 3G/4G as they were not ready to offer even the data SIMs because of the confinement of 5 SIMs per CNIC. Also, data SIMs can’t receive inbound calls or make an outbound call, making it incomprehensible for the SIMs to be utilized as a part of any terrorist action.

After the choice, mobile phone organizations will keep on keeping the top on voice SIMs, then again, they will be permitted to offer three extra information SIMs per CNIC.

Just on the off chance that on the off chance that you pondering, mobile phone organizations were pushing for evacuation of maximum limit, particularly from data SIMs, because of expanded number of contraptions, for example, tablets, laptops, smartphones, Dongles, IP cameras, IP phones, GPS devices and so on that require information SIMs for internet activity. What’s more, with time, the requirement for more information SIMs per individual will just increment.

PTA banned on BlackBerry Enterprise Server Due to security concerns

In the latest move regarding the security concerns, the telecom department PTA has contacted the cellular operators of Pakistan via notification to shut down BlackBerry Enterprise Server ( BES) before December 1, 2015.

The letter received by the operators states that:

Due to serious concerns expressed by security agencies, Mobilink, Ufone and Telenor are requested to give their BES customers 90 days notice for closing their connections by or before Nov 30, 2015.

BES is company’s well-secured service that encrypts data such as emails and BlackBerry Messenger messages sent between a user’s phone and public networks to enhance user’s privacy level.

Usually these services are preferred by the corporate sector and foreign mission for email sharing an access the internet through a dedicated server that is isolated from the whole world, averting them from scrutiny by police and intelligence agencies.

According to an estimation, “there are nearly 4,000 to 7,000 BES customers in Pakistan who will be affected by this decision of PTA however, the authority is of the view that it is providing enough time to the consumers so that they can convert their communication mechanism to other services”.

According to a spokesperson of PTA, Mr. Khurram Mehran,

the decision to block the BES has been taken on the directives of the Interior Ministry due to security reasons as Blackberry Enterprise Server is hard to be tracked or decoded.

It is positive impact for Pakistan that it is listed one of the countries who has banned the BlackBerry Enterprise Servers as the Company had similar problems in past India, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.

However, this ban will not affect the BlackBerry’s Internet Services (BIS) in the country and hence Blackberry users in the country will be able to continue using internet, voice and SMS services on their phones.

On the other hand, the operators don’t have any affect by this decision of PTA as a large number of public has switched to smartphones from Blackberry phones.

Breaking: Punjab Government withdraw Taxes Imposed on Internet

A recent news in Lahore confirmed that Punjab Government has decided to withdraw taxes imposed on internet. Taxes withdrawals on internet were declared in today’s budget Speech by Dr Ayesha Ghaus, FINANCE Minister Punjab, in Punjab Assembly. She also added that Punjab government has finalized to not to tax internet in the province.

On 28 May 2015, using an SRO Punjab Government had imposed 19.5% taxes. Taxes were applicable on all kinds of data comprising DSL, 3G, 4G, EVDO, WiMAX, FTTH, etc. from May 29th, 2015. It was scared that other provinces can pursue Punjab by TAXING all kinds of internet, including mobile data.

Punjab’s decision for internet taxing met with great criticism through industry and consumers alike. Stakeholders raised different statements against the taxes and concerned the provincial government of the monetary losses that national economy can face because of internet taxes.

Digital publishers also raised voice against the taxes and blacked out their websites in protest against the said TAXES.

Leading websites including UrduPoint.com, Ilmkidunya.com, Siasat.pk, HamariWeb.com, Comics by Arsalan, The News Tribe, Pak Hungama, NetMag, Pakistan Tech News and dozens of other websites and internet celebrities joined the campaign and kept their home-screens black in protest against internet TAXES. All protesting digital publishers and bloggers declared the quick stoppage of black-out campaign.

CHAIRMAN Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, Dr. Ismail Shah, also rejected the taxes and played a role in convincing Punjab government for taking back the TAXES.

ICT3, a think tank on telecom, through its president Sohaib Sheikh, also played a vital role in raising the concerns of the industry.

Taxes turnaround on internet will act as a catalyst for internet uptake in the country. No need to declare internet users grew 500% during past one year and this development is likely to sustain for at least next three years.

Punjab decision to take back the internet taxes will discourage any future efforts from federal and other provincial governments for taking the internet.

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