US-based firm keen to invest in Pakistan's IT sector
RECORDER REPORT
ISLAMABAD : Advance Micro Devices (AMD), a US based IT Company, has praised Pakistan's IT policies and expressed the desire to invest in the country.
AMD has earned world-wide recognition making a profit of $3.5 billion in one year.
Addressing a press briefing on 'IT Development' here in a local hotel on Wednesday, Haresh Baharia, Sales Manager of AMD for Saarc countries, said that the present IT policies are satisfactory which will bring further development in said field.
He added that AMD is evaluating market of IT products in Pakistan as Advance Micro Devices Company desires to invest in the country.
AMD' s Executives are about to meet Minister for Information Technology Owais Leghari in order to introduce Advance Micro Devices in Pakistan and want IT Ministry to provide assistance to enhance it's scope in the country, Baharia said.
Environment of Pakistan is ideal for foreign investment. AMD seeks co-operation from the government and ministries to provide protection to its investment, AMD sales Manager maintained.
Aslam Pirzada, Chief Executive of AMD in Pakistan, pointed out that Advance Micro Devices aims to provide qualitative IT products to customers as it is coming with latest technologies.
He claimed AMD products are cheaper and will thus save a lot of foreign exchange.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2004
Full Version: Engineering
That article by Anthony Mitchell is total BS. It makes no sense at all, and the reasons he counted Pakistan to emerge as a new BPO hub have got nothing to do with the topic. Childish content to say the least.
I hope Pakistan does well. But comparing with India won't help. India afterall has been active in the BPO sector for the past 8 to 10 years.
Very misleading! GE is selling off its entire BPO arm GCEIS, and not just operations in India as the article states. GCEIS has 17,000 employees, 12,000 of them in India. With 2003 revenues of 400 million dollars, GCEIS is the largest business processing operation (BPO) in India by a US or European company.
I think Anthony Mitchell deserves a honorary Pakistani citizenship for saying that! No offence.
I hope Pakistan does well. But comparing with India won't help. India afterall has been active in the BPO sector for the past 8 to 10 years.
QUOTE
The biggest boost to Pakistan's efforts to break into the global IT marketplace came on September 28, when India's finance ministry announced an income tax of more than 36 percent on foreign firms with software, R&D and customer service operations in India. This tax proposal had been in the works since the beginning of the year and is expected to prompt U.S. firms to follow GE's lead in selling off assets in India.
Very misleading! GE is selling off its entire BPO arm GCEIS, and not just operations in India as the article states. GCEIS has 17,000 employees, 12,000 of them in India. With 2003 revenues of 400 million dollars, GCEIS is the largest business processing operation (BPO) in India by a US or European company.
QUOTE
4. Good accents: Pakistan's official language is English. Only Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and the Punjabi areas of India can come close to competing with accents in Pakistan, where many families speak English at home and where accent neutralization for non-native speakers of English is substantially easier than in India. Language skills and accents provide Pakistan with a major advantage over all other Asian outsourcing destinations.
I think Anthony Mitchell deserves a honorary Pakistani citizenship for saying that! No offence.
I've got a question on pakistan telecommunications.
I would like to know about pak tele companies investing in the new CDMA technology, and if they do it, in which of the following standard :
CDMA2000....WCDMA or TDS-CDMA...
I would like to know about pak tele companies investing in the new CDMA technology, and if they do it, in which of the following standard :
CDMA2000....WCDMA or TDS-CDMA...
QUOTE(touel @ Nov 4 2004, 01:33 PM)
I've got a question on pakistan telecommunications.
I would like to know about pak tele companies investing in the new CDMA technology, and if they do it, in which of the following standard :
CDMA2000....WCDMA or TDS-CDMA...
[right][snapback]546863[/snapback][/right]
I would like to know about pak tele companies investing in the new CDMA technology, and if they do it, in which of the following standard :
CDMA2000....WCDMA or TDS-CDMA...
[right][snapback]546863[/snapback][/right]
If your talking about the wireless/cell phone tech.
Let me tell you one thing, by next year (2005), Pakistan's cell phone
network will be at par with the developed world, 3G Network.
Currently, Nokia and Erricson are building Pakistan's 3G network.
and if your familiar with this tech, you would know its cool !
well sultan, as you might know 3G network consist of one of the following technologies:
WCDMA - made by EU as it is the best solution to replace the aging GSM.
cdma2000 - made by USA.
TD-SCDMA - made by china.
I was asking about it, cuz i am doing a project about the chinese TD-SCDMA and have found out that with this new technology (CDMA), an telecom company can save alot of money and build the tele infrastructure quite cheap. So i was more interested in to know which one of the folllowing technologies Pakistan would prefer. I have read that Indian companies are heavely investing in both the Europain and american CDMA technologies....
Any way thanx...
WCDMA - made by EU as it is the best solution to replace the aging GSM.
cdma2000 - made by USA.
TD-SCDMA - made by china.
I was asking about it, cuz i am doing a project about the chinese TD-SCDMA and have found out that with this new technology (CDMA), an telecom company can save alot of money and build the tele infrastructure quite cheap. So i was more interested in to know which one of the folllowing technologies Pakistan would prefer. I have read that Indian companies are heavely investing in both the Europain and american CDMA technologies....
Any way thanx...
GandsterNation,
I did not get the impression that writer was comparing Pakistan with India technology wise, off course India is in the 22nd century and we are still strolling in the 19th. We are just better looking and have better english accent, but you dont think so off course.
I did not get the impression that writer was comparing Pakistan with India technology wise, off course India is in the 22nd century and we are still strolling in the 19th. We are just better looking and have better english accent, but you dont think so off course.
Pakistan to install ZTE Next Generation Network (NGN) as key component in modernisation programme; Historic Islamabad contract signing with Dancom marks latest success for NGN pioneer ZTE
Published in M2 PressWIRE on Tuesday, 21 December 2004 at 11:28 GMT
Copyright © 2004, M2 Communications Ltd.
ZTE Corporation, China`s flagship telecommunications company, is to provide its world-leading Next Generation Network (NGN) technology to Dancom Pakistan (Pvt.). The network will cover 14 major cities in Pakistan and help Dancom provide integrated data and voice services to its local subscribers.
This is the latest NGN success for ZTE: the Corporation pioneered the technology as early as 2001 and has already provided networks in Asia and Europe. ZTE commits about 10% of revenues annually to research and development and has helped worldwide operators construct NGN networks, including Postelecom of Romania, Digitel of the Philippines, Wharf T&T of Hong Kong SAR, China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom and China Netcom.
"Since its creation 19 years ago, ZTE`ssolid foundation has been built upon world-class people backed by funding to support the development of world-class products and we are now seeing the benefits of that policy across the world," said Chen Jie, ZTE`sVice President.
"We are very proud of our pioneering position on NGN and Pakistanis now set to have a truly world leading technological system that its people can use and benefit from."
As one of the major LDI/LL (Long Distance International) telecom service providers in Pakistan, holding licences for 14 Telecom regions in the country, Dancom Pakistan (Pvt.). has signed the one of the largest LDI-NGN contracts, with ZTE, on a turnkey basis. The contract covers equipment including ZXSS10 serial NGN products, ZXR10 serial IP Routers, a ZXIN10 Broadband IN Platform and the ZXT10 advanced billing system.
The ZTE NGN solution will be the latest modernisation of the Pakistan network, which is four times the size it was in 1990, with more than four million fixed lines, over 2.5 million cellular users and around 1.5 million Internet users.
The modernisation is all part of government targets to raise teledensity (telephones per population) from the 2002 figure of 2.5% to 7% by 2010.
About ZTE:
ZTE Corporation is China's largest listed telecommunications equipment provider specializing in offering customized network solutions for telecom carriers worldwide. The company develops and manufactures telecommunications equipment for fixed, mobile, data and optical networks, intelligent networks and next generation networks as well as mobile phones.
For more information please visit www.zte.com.cn.
About Dancom Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd:
The organisation was established in 1995 under the Company`s Ordinance 1984. Its major shareholder, Dancom Telecommunication (M) SdnBhdMalaysia, provides total Telecom & IT solutions for the Malaysian market and internationally. The group specializes in Smart technology-based products application, cellular deployments,IT related projects, Digital TV, Broadband wireless and turnkey solutions related to telecommunication projects. Since 1997, Dancom`steam has made consistent efforts to establish services all over Pakistan.
For further information, please contact:
Helen Lyman Smith/Brian Dolby
Tel: +44 (0)115 950 8399
e-mail: helen@gbcspr.com
e-mail: brian@gbcspr.com
Release Date: 12/21/2004 12:00:00 AM
link
Published in M2 PressWIRE on Tuesday, 21 December 2004 at 11:28 GMT
Copyright © 2004, M2 Communications Ltd.
ZTE Corporation, China`s flagship telecommunications company, is to provide its world-leading Next Generation Network (NGN) technology to Dancom Pakistan (Pvt.). The network will cover 14 major cities in Pakistan and help Dancom provide integrated data and voice services to its local subscribers.
This is the latest NGN success for ZTE: the Corporation pioneered the technology as early as 2001 and has already provided networks in Asia and Europe. ZTE commits about 10% of revenues annually to research and development and has helped worldwide operators construct NGN networks, including Postelecom of Romania, Digitel of the Philippines, Wharf T&T of Hong Kong SAR, China Telecom, China Mobile, China Unicom and China Netcom.
"Since its creation 19 years ago, ZTE`ssolid foundation has been built upon world-class people backed by funding to support the development of world-class products and we are now seeing the benefits of that policy across the world," said Chen Jie, ZTE`sVice President.
"We are very proud of our pioneering position on NGN and Pakistanis now set to have a truly world leading technological system that its people can use and benefit from."
As one of the major LDI/LL (Long Distance International) telecom service providers in Pakistan, holding licences for 14 Telecom regions in the country, Dancom Pakistan (Pvt.). has signed the one of the largest LDI-NGN contracts, with ZTE, on a turnkey basis. The contract covers equipment including ZXSS10 serial NGN products, ZXR10 serial IP Routers, a ZXIN10 Broadband IN Platform and the ZXT10 advanced billing system.
The ZTE NGN solution will be the latest modernisation of the Pakistan network, which is four times the size it was in 1990, with more than four million fixed lines, over 2.5 million cellular users and around 1.5 million Internet users.
The modernisation is all part of government targets to raise teledensity (telephones per population) from the 2002 figure of 2.5% to 7% by 2010.
About ZTE:
ZTE Corporation is China's largest listed telecommunications equipment provider specializing in offering customized network solutions for telecom carriers worldwide. The company develops and manufactures telecommunications equipment for fixed, mobile, data and optical networks, intelligent networks and next generation networks as well as mobile phones.
For more information please visit www.zte.com.cn.
About Dancom Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd:
The organisation was established in 1995 under the Company`s Ordinance 1984. Its major shareholder, Dancom Telecommunication (M) SdnBhdMalaysia, provides total Telecom & IT solutions for the Malaysian market and internationally. The group specializes in Smart technology-based products application, cellular deployments,IT related projects, Digital TV, Broadband wireless and turnkey solutions related to telecommunication projects. Since 1997, Dancom`steam has made consistent efforts to establish services all over Pakistan.
For further information, please contact:
Helen Lyman Smith/Brian Dolby
Tel: +44 (0)115 950 8399
e-mail: helen@gbcspr.com
e-mail: brian@gbcspr.com
Release Date: 12/21/2004 12:00:00 AM
link
lads issit just me or did i read cisco is setting up sites in pakistan???? 70% of internet in 1998 ran cisco equipment and much larger section now:)
QUOTE
India shoots itself in the foot with new tax
By Mark Ehr
Network World Outsourcing Newsletter, 11/17/04
On Sept. 28, India shot its outsourcing market in the foot. On that date, India's finance ministry announced an income tax of more than 36% on foreign firms that have software, R&D, or customer service operations in India. The tax was enacted ostensibly to discourage foreign-owned service providers, such as EDS and Perot Systems, from establishing wholly owned operations in the country. Instead, the theory goes, these companies would send offshore outsourcing work to service providers owned by native Indians in order to avoid the tax.
This tax could potentially affect a number of U.S. outsourcers that have set up shop in India. EDS, for example, has more than 1,000 employees in India providing business process outsourcing and help desk/call center outsourcing services as part of its "Best Shore" program. Perot Systems also has a large presence in India, which was expanded in December 2003 when it bought out its Indian joint-venture partner, HCL Technologies, for $105 million.
The tax is not the end of new taxes in the country, however. India also has taxes on the drawing board that would tax activities conducted over international private leased connections, which would affect nearly every company that must transmit voice and data to and from India. The country is also considering the introduction of a national value-added tax, which would replace state-to-state customs duties known as octroi. (And how much do you want to bet that the new taxes will be higher than the ones they replace?)
In my opinion, this approach is inherently flawed and will result in a flood of the country's foreign-owned services operations moving elsewhere. These companies located their offshore subsidiaries in India to help their customers save costs and take advantage of "follow-the-sun" time zone differences. Critics of offshore outsourcing fear higher risks in terms of potential loss of intellectual property and loss of control over projects, but these risks were mitigated to some extent through the creation of wholly- or majority-owned offshore subsidiaries. These units allowed the U.S. parent companies to exert a substantial amount of control - more than if the work was outsourced to native Indian firm.
My impression is that India's government reasoned that if it exacted a large tax on these companies, they would feel encouraged to either send the work to wholly-owned Indian companies or to take on majority partners that are native Indians. This approach is fundamentally flawed-and this is why.
Over the past few weeks, I have been researching alternate offshore outsourcing locations, including Pakistan and Vietnam, and there are some compelling business cases out there (even more so now). For example, I have been in contact with Nguyen Huu Le, who is the Chairman of TMA Solutions in Vietnam. TMA is a 7-year-old privately held outsourcing company based in Ho Chi Minh City with 350 employees (and well on the way to over 600 in 2005). TMA is a software development outsourcer that counts Nortel, Lucent and NTT-Data as its customers.
According to Le, companies are increasingly considering Vietnam as an offshore outsource destination for a number of reasons, including lower cost and attrition rates than other countries, including India. TMA claims that Vietnam's average costs for development resources are 80% less than the U.S., 50% less than India, and 30% less than China. The company also claims that attrition rates of high-tech personnel in Vietnam, currently at 6%, are considerably lower than other countries - India, for example, is currently around 40% and growing (note that turnover rates in some areas, such as call centers, are close to 100% in India). On the downside, telecommunications costs in Vietnam are considerably higher than other countries - a 128K-bit/sec link, for example, can cost as much as $2,000 per month.
Pakistan is also an emerging player in the offshore outsourcing market. Its proximity to India, and lack of taxes such as those described above, could make it a very attractive alternative. Turnover rates in Pakistan currently are less than 20% - not as low as Vietnam, but considerably lower than its larger neighbor. In addition, the average technical Pakistani speaks better English, as Pakistan's official language is English and it is widely spoken by the country's upper class and government workers.
If you are considering an offshore outsourcing venture, or if you are one of the companies affected by the new Indian tax, I would encourage you to consider other countries, including Pakistan, China, and Vietnam. All of these countries have growing bases of highly skilled personnel, and their cost structures are lower than India's (even before the new tax was enacted).
I welcome your ideas, suggestions and comments on the subject of outsourcing; my e-mail address is below. Thanks for reading.
RELATED LINKS
Mark Ehr is a Research Director with Enterprise Management Associates in Boulder, Colo., a leading market research firm focusing exclusively on all aspects of enterprise management software and services. Mark has more than 20 years of experience working with distributed systems, applications and networks. His current focuses at EMA are applications and systems management, mobile and wireless, enterprise application integration, security, and Web services.
He can be reached via e-mail at mehr@enterprisemanagement.com
TMA Solutions
The Extended Enterprise Issue
Network World, 11/15/04
source. http://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/asp/2004/1115out1.html
By Mark Ehr
Network World Outsourcing Newsletter, 11/17/04
On Sept. 28, India shot its outsourcing market in the foot. On that date, India's finance ministry announced an income tax of more than 36% on foreign firms that have software, R&D, or customer service operations in India. The tax was enacted ostensibly to discourage foreign-owned service providers, such as EDS and Perot Systems, from establishing wholly owned operations in the country. Instead, the theory goes, these companies would send offshore outsourcing work to service providers owned by native Indians in order to avoid the tax.
This tax could potentially affect a number of U.S. outsourcers that have set up shop in India. EDS, for example, has more than 1,000 employees in India providing business process outsourcing and help desk/call center outsourcing services as part of its "Best Shore" program. Perot Systems also has a large presence in India, which was expanded in December 2003 when it bought out its Indian joint-venture partner, HCL Technologies, for $105 million.
The tax is not the end of new taxes in the country, however. India also has taxes on the drawing board that would tax activities conducted over international private leased connections, which would affect nearly every company that must transmit voice and data to and from India. The country is also considering the introduction of a national value-added tax, which would replace state-to-state customs duties known as octroi. (And how much do you want to bet that the new taxes will be higher than the ones they replace?)
In my opinion, this approach is inherently flawed and will result in a flood of the country's foreign-owned services operations moving elsewhere. These companies located their offshore subsidiaries in India to help their customers save costs and take advantage of "follow-the-sun" time zone differences. Critics of offshore outsourcing fear higher risks in terms of potential loss of intellectual property and loss of control over projects, but these risks were mitigated to some extent through the creation of wholly- or majority-owned offshore subsidiaries. These units allowed the U.S. parent companies to exert a substantial amount of control - more than if the work was outsourced to native Indian firm.
My impression is that India's government reasoned that if it exacted a large tax on these companies, they would feel encouraged to either send the work to wholly-owned Indian companies or to take on majority partners that are native Indians. This approach is fundamentally flawed-and this is why.
Over the past few weeks, I have been researching alternate offshore outsourcing locations, including Pakistan and Vietnam, and there are some compelling business cases out there (even more so now). For example, I have been in contact with Nguyen Huu Le, who is the Chairman of TMA Solutions in Vietnam. TMA is a 7-year-old privately held outsourcing company based in Ho Chi Minh City with 350 employees (and well on the way to over 600 in 2005). TMA is a software development outsourcer that counts Nortel, Lucent and NTT-Data as its customers.
According to Le, companies are increasingly considering Vietnam as an offshore outsource destination for a number of reasons, including lower cost and attrition rates than other countries, including India. TMA claims that Vietnam's average costs for development resources are 80% less than the U.S., 50% less than India, and 30% less than China. The company also claims that attrition rates of high-tech personnel in Vietnam, currently at 6%, are considerably lower than other countries - India, for example, is currently around 40% and growing (note that turnover rates in some areas, such as call centers, are close to 100% in India). On the downside, telecommunications costs in Vietnam are considerably higher than other countries - a 128K-bit/sec link, for example, can cost as much as $2,000 per month.
Pakistan is also an emerging player in the offshore outsourcing market. Its proximity to India, and lack of taxes such as those described above, could make it a very attractive alternative. Turnover rates in Pakistan currently are less than 20% - not as low as Vietnam, but considerably lower than its larger neighbor. In addition, the average technical Pakistani speaks better English, as Pakistan's official language is English and it is widely spoken by the country's upper class and government workers.
If you are considering an offshore outsourcing venture, or if you are one of the companies affected by the new Indian tax, I would encourage you to consider other countries, including Pakistan, China, and Vietnam. All of these countries have growing bases of highly skilled personnel, and their cost structures are lower than India's (even before the new tax was enacted).
I welcome your ideas, suggestions and comments on the subject of outsourcing; my e-mail address is below. Thanks for reading.
RELATED LINKS
Mark Ehr is a Research Director with Enterprise Management Associates in Boulder, Colo., a leading market research firm focusing exclusively on all aspects of enterprise management software and services. Mark has more than 20 years of experience working with distributed systems, applications and networks. His current focuses at EMA are applications and systems management, mobile and wireless, enterprise application integration, security, and Web services.
He can be reached via e-mail at mehr@enterprisemanagement.com
TMA Solutions
The Extended Enterprise Issue
Network World, 11/15/04
source. http://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/asp/2004/1115out1.html
yet another person saying same thing. somethings cooking. and damn does it smell nice.
i posted a link but withdrew it.
this link is to an very big website with many profesional programmers and managers as members. this topis they are talking about pakistan and india. outsourcing. lads join the batle and helap me advertise pakistan as outsource destination.
i remove the link as i dont want idiots to go there and ruin it for us. i will email link to people i deem suitable and intelectuals. and if any one else wants to get the link just send me a message and you will get it after i read a few of your posts.
this link is to an very big website with many profesional programmers and managers as members. this topis they are talking about pakistan and india. outsourcing. lads join the batle and helap me advertise pakistan as outsource destination.
i remove the link as i dont want idiots to go there and ruin it for us. i will email link to people i deem suitable and intelectuals. and if any one else wants to get the link just send me a message and you will get it after i read a few of your posts.
Sultan send me link this is one of my aims to make people aware Pakistan is also a destination for outsourcing.
QUOTE(omarleeds @ Dec 30 2004, 02:03 AM)
Sultan send me link this is one of my aims to make people aware Pakistan is also a destination for outsourcing.
[right][snapback]563337[/snapback][/right]
[right][snapback]563337[/snapback][/right]
why you calling me sultan??? BTW i sent you the link
Chairman: Pakistani Firm Wants Telespectrum to Grow
Jan. 10, 2005
By: Scott Hovanyetz
Senior Repoter
scotth@dmnews.com
The Resource Group wants to grow Telespectrum, a U.S. teleservices provider it bought recently, and not simply move all its work overseas, the Pakistani firm's chairman told DM News.
Based in Lahore and Karachi, Pakistan, The Resource Group acquired Telespectrum, King of Prussia, PA, in October. Financial details were not made public. ("TeleSpectrum is on Receiving End of Offshore Investment," Dec. 27)
In an e-mail interview with DM News, Zia Chishti, chairman of The Resource Group, said he wants to build Telespectrum's business. He said he expects to see growth in the U.S. teleservices industry, which has been contracting for several years.
"Our business model is to buy mature U.S. customer contact centers and see if we can improve their operations," Chishti said. "We are quite bullish on the sector in the U.S., and we believe that by judicious assistance we can generate above-market returns on our investment."
Formerly a top U.S. teleservices provider, Telespectrum went public in the 1990s and went on a buying spree of contact centers. But the economic downturn in 2001 sent Telespectrum sliding, leaving it with just 10 call centers in 2002. In 2003, Telespectrum returned to private ownership.
According to Dow Jones, Chishti had said The Resource Group would save on labor costs by moving calls from U.S. centers to facilities in Pakistan. However, Chishti said he made no such statement to Dow Jones.
The Resource Group has let Telespectrum offer its clients the option of offshore service, Chishti said. It has not initiated the shifting of work being done in its U.S. call centers to Pakistan.
"No calls are 'shifted' to Pakistan, although I suspect that Telespectrum will increasingly source Pakistani capacity as it adds new business," he said. "So far, customers have taken the enhanced product opportunity with significant enthusiasm."
The Resource Group will continue to look at other U.S. teleservices providers for acquisition or investment opportunities, Chishti said. The company also has a minority investment in Alert Communications, South Pasadena, CA.
"We are very positive on the industry and positive about our ability to build value in our investee companies," he said.
Since the sale to The Resource Group, Telespectrum closed a call center in Huntington, WV, and laid off 70 workers. Eight of those workers filed a federal lawsuit against Telespectrum and The Resource Group, claiming that the companies did not provide them with advance notice of the layoff as required by law.
Scott Hovanyetz covers telemarketing, production and printing and direct response TV marketing for DM News and DMNews.com. To keep up with the latest developments in these areas, subscribe to our daily and weekly e-mail newsletters by visiting www.dmnews.com/newsletters
link
Jan. 10, 2005
By: Scott Hovanyetz
Senior Repoter
scotth@dmnews.com
The Resource Group wants to grow Telespectrum, a U.S. teleservices provider it bought recently, and not simply move all its work overseas, the Pakistani firm's chairman told DM News.
Based in Lahore and Karachi, Pakistan, The Resource Group acquired Telespectrum, King of Prussia, PA, in October. Financial details were not made public. ("TeleSpectrum is on Receiving End of Offshore Investment," Dec. 27)
In an e-mail interview with DM News, Zia Chishti, chairman of The Resource Group, said he wants to build Telespectrum's business. He said he expects to see growth in the U.S. teleservices industry, which has been contracting for several years.
"Our business model is to buy mature U.S. customer contact centers and see if we can improve their operations," Chishti said. "We are quite bullish on the sector in the U.S., and we believe that by judicious assistance we can generate above-market returns on our investment."
Formerly a top U.S. teleservices provider, Telespectrum went public in the 1990s and went on a buying spree of contact centers. But the economic downturn in 2001 sent Telespectrum sliding, leaving it with just 10 call centers in 2002. In 2003, Telespectrum returned to private ownership.
According to Dow Jones, Chishti had said The Resource Group would save on labor costs by moving calls from U.S. centers to facilities in Pakistan. However, Chishti said he made no such statement to Dow Jones.
The Resource Group has let Telespectrum offer its clients the option of offshore service, Chishti said. It has not initiated the shifting of work being done in its U.S. call centers to Pakistan.
"No calls are 'shifted' to Pakistan, although I suspect that Telespectrum will increasingly source Pakistani capacity as it adds new business," he said. "So far, customers have taken the enhanced product opportunity with significant enthusiasm."
The Resource Group will continue to look at other U.S. teleservices providers for acquisition or investment opportunities, Chishti said. The company also has a minority investment in Alert Communications, South Pasadena, CA.
"We are very positive on the industry and positive about our ability to build value in our investee companies," he said.
Since the sale to The Resource Group, Telespectrum closed a call center in Huntington, WV, and laid off 70 workers. Eight of those workers filed a federal lawsuit against Telespectrum and The Resource Group, claiming that the companies did not provide them with advance notice of the layoff as required by law.
Scott Hovanyetz covers telemarketing, production and printing and direct response TV marketing for DM News and DMNews.com. To keep up with the latest developments in these areas, subscribe to our daily and weekly e-mail newsletters by visiting www.dmnews.com/newsletters
link
nice one postman
Cellular network Paktel GSM introduces one rate for all Calls
Pakistan Times Business & Commerce Desk
KARACHI: Paktel GSM has taken a 'ground breaking initiative' by introducing one rate for all calls across the country.
This drastic reduction in tariff has been done to do away with the concept of distance based charging, said a statement on Tuesday.
The new rates will be applicable from 7 a.m till midnight on all prepaid and post paid Paktel GSM packages.
"This step has been taken on the basis of our philosophy where we believe that we can bring more hearts closer every minute, every day," its National Marketing Manager Akbar Khan, said.
The new Paktel GSM tariff structure has been designed to bring an end to nation-wide charging practices,", he said.
Within and Outside Network
Although some other cellular companies have also brought their rates down to equal local call charges, their rates are only applicable within their networks whereas Paktel GSM has slashed all rates for all calls within and outside its network, he said.
This basically means that all calls made from Paktel GSM to PTCL, all other mobile phone networks as well as calls within Paktel GSM network would be treated as local.
Paktel GSM customers can enjoy call rates of Rs 5.75 or less for all nationwide calls made to other mobile phone networks as well as PTCL throughout the day and evening.
Comparison
"This is less than half of what is currently charged on other mobile phone networks," Akbar Khan added.
Free SMS
Apart from this reduction, the first 100 SMS on all prepaid packages are free and value-added options like call waiting, voice mail and conference calling are also included.
Within the Network
"Paktel GSM customers will be charged only Rs 3.75 when calling within network to other Paktel GSM or Tango number anywhere in Pakistan," Akbar further said.
"This is apart from our special late night rates of Rs. 0.99 that have remained unchanged," he added.●
http://www.pakistantimes.net/2005/01/12/business1.htm
Pakistan Times Business & Commerce Desk
KARACHI: Paktel GSM has taken a 'ground breaking initiative' by introducing one rate for all calls across the country.
This drastic reduction in tariff has been done to do away with the concept of distance based charging, said a statement on Tuesday.
The new rates will be applicable from 7 a.m till midnight on all prepaid and post paid Paktel GSM packages.
"This step has been taken on the basis of our philosophy where we believe that we can bring more hearts closer every minute, every day," its National Marketing Manager Akbar Khan, said.
The new Paktel GSM tariff structure has been designed to bring an end to nation-wide charging practices,", he said.
Within and Outside Network
Although some other cellular companies have also brought their rates down to equal local call charges, their rates are only applicable within their networks whereas Paktel GSM has slashed all rates for all calls within and outside its network, he said.
This basically means that all calls made from Paktel GSM to PTCL, all other mobile phone networks as well as calls within Paktel GSM network would be treated as local.
Paktel GSM customers can enjoy call rates of Rs 5.75 or less for all nationwide calls made to other mobile phone networks as well as PTCL throughout the day and evening.
Comparison
"This is less than half of what is currently charged on other mobile phone networks," Akbar Khan added.
Free SMS
Apart from this reduction, the first 100 SMS on all prepaid packages are free and value-added options like call waiting, voice mail and conference calling are also included.
Within the Network
"Paktel GSM customers will be charged only Rs 3.75 when calling within network to other Paktel GSM or Tango number anywhere in Pakistan," Akbar further said.
"This is apart from our special late night rates of Rs. 0.99 that have remained unchanged," he added.●
http://www.pakistantimes.net/2005/01/12/business1.htm
SingTel Interested In Buying Pakistan Telecom Stake-Min
Thursday January 13, 4:56 AM EST
KARACHI -(Dow Jones)- Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. (T48.SG) and four other international telecommunications companies have expressed interest to buy a major stake in state-owned Pakistan Telecommunication Co. (PTC.KA), or PTCL, a Privatization Ministry official said Thursday.
The official told Dow Jones Newswires that Emirates Telecommunications Corp. ( ETISALAT.AD) of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait's Mobile Telecommunications Co. (TELE.KW), South Africa's MTN-International Pty Ltd. and Saudi Oger Ltd. (S0.YY) have filed papers to bid for 26% of PTCL.
The company's market capitalization of PKR190 billion makes it the country's second biggest listed company.
The government owns 88% of PTCL while the rest are held by minority investors. The stock is traded on the Karachi Stock Exchange.
The Pakistan government decided in November to sell a 26% stake in the country's largest full-service telecommunications operator for sale after years of delay, that initially drove off some investors.
The planned sale underscores Islamabad's ongoing economic reforms and commitments to deregulation of the telecommunications sector, and highlights renewed investor optimism toward the fast-growing economy.
Dow Jones Newswires
link
01-13-05 0456ET
Thursday January 13, 4:56 AM EST
KARACHI -(Dow Jones)- Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. (T48.SG) and four other international telecommunications companies have expressed interest to buy a major stake in state-owned Pakistan Telecommunication Co. (PTC.KA), or PTCL, a Privatization Ministry official said Thursday.
The official told Dow Jones Newswires that Emirates Telecommunications Corp. ( ETISALAT.AD) of the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait's Mobile Telecommunications Co. (TELE.KW), South Africa's MTN-International Pty Ltd. and Saudi Oger Ltd. (S0.YY) have filed papers to bid for 26% of PTCL.
The company's market capitalization of PKR190 billion makes it the country's second biggest listed company.
The government owns 88% of PTCL while the rest are held by minority investors. The stock is traded on the Karachi Stock Exchange.
The Pakistan government decided in November to sell a 26% stake in the country's largest full-service telecommunications operator for sale after years of delay, that initially drove off some investors.
The planned sale underscores Islamabad's ongoing economic reforms and commitments to deregulation of the telecommunications sector, and highlights renewed investor optimism toward the fast-growing economy.
Dow Jones Newswires
link
01-13-05 0456ET
PTCL announces 'Eid package' for customers in Pakistan
Pakistan Times National News Desk
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) Friday announced a special Eid package for its customers which is part of PTCL's various incentives announced from time to time, for better customer facilitation.
As per package, the PTCL would provide a free telephone set, with the connections obtained during January-14 to January-19.
This facility would be available throughout the country, says a statement issued here from PTCL.
Connections would, however be given subject to availability of network in the respective areas.
PTCL Charges
However, PTCL charges Rs. 750 for an urban telephone connection and Rs. 500 for rural area connections.
Free telephone Sets
As reported by 'Pakistan Times' earlier, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited will not charge standard telephone set charges for six days from January 14 to 19, 2005 including Sunday as an Eid package from its customers.
During this campaign telephone set will be provided free of cost with new telephone connection charging only normal applicable PTCL installation charges where it is feasible to install phone connection.
Islamabad Telecom region is also offering this 'Bilkul Muft' [absolutely Free] telephone sets to its customers under this scheme where the new telephone connection is requested by the applicant.●
http://www.pakistantimes.net/2005/01/15/national3.htm
Pakistan Times National News Desk
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL) Friday announced a special Eid package for its customers which is part of PTCL's various incentives announced from time to time, for better customer facilitation.
As per package, the PTCL would provide a free telephone set, with the connections obtained during January-14 to January-19.
This facility would be available throughout the country, says a statement issued here from PTCL.
Connections would, however be given subject to availability of network in the respective areas.
PTCL Charges
However, PTCL charges Rs. 750 for an urban telephone connection and Rs. 500 for rural area connections.
Free telephone Sets
As reported by 'Pakistan Times' earlier, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited will not charge standard telephone set charges for six days from January 14 to 19, 2005 including Sunday as an Eid package from its customers.
During this campaign telephone set will be provided free of cost with new telephone connection charging only normal applicable PTCL installation charges where it is feasible to install phone connection.
Islamabad Telecom region is also offering this 'Bilkul Muft' [absolutely Free] telephone sets to its customers under this scheme where the new telephone connection is requested by the applicant.●
http://www.pakistantimes.net/2005/01/15/national3.htm
Cell phone operators to invest $700m
By Aamir Shafaat Khan
KARACHI, Jan 15: As the entry of two new cell phone operators draws near, four current market players have geared up their investment plans in order to lure consumers who are benefiting from the ongoing competition between the existing players.
Mobilink, Ufone, Paktel and Instaphone have planned to invest over $700 million in 2005 in order to increase the subscribers' base up to 15 million by the end of this year, from the current eight million users.
These companies have also expedited their endeavours to slash call rates, which market pundits believe is the only tool to attract a sizable number of subscribers. Dawn has talked to the four existing players of cell phone who unveil their plans for 2005.
Director Marketing, Mobilink, Bilal Munir Sheikh, told Dawn from Islamabad that his company had planned over $410 million investment in 2005. The company has invested $750 million to date. The company has direct employment of 1,800 and created 10,000 indirect employment's.
In reply to a query that Mobilink's monopoly will come to an end with the entry of two new operators this year, he said there had really never been a monopoly. "Consumers have always had a choice to choose between the four operators."
He said that Mobilink, having a 63-per cent market share, was expected to maintain its market leadership because of its extensive coverage and customer service. He said the company did not feel threatened with the entry of wireless local loop (WLL).
"The WLL is a different segment from cellular service and it is not viewed as a direct threat to cellular operators. It is actually a replacement of fixed line, and according to PTA policy guidelines, the WLL could be operated on fixed wireless terminals only," Mr Sheikh added.
"Given that the local cellular market is very competitive -- with new players on the horizon - Mobilink does not feel that the WLL will pose a significant threat to the industry. Even so we are cognizant of the emerging situation in this area and will be in a position to deal with any possible scenarios," he said.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Pak Telecom Mobile Limited, operator of state-owned Ufone, Babar Khan, said the company, which had invested more than $350 million so far, was currently planning the expansion of phase-IV valuing at $166 million.
"This will extend the coverage to 200 new cities, creating additional capacity of 2.5 million customers in 2005. The subscribers' base, which currently stands at 1.9 million, is expected to touch three million in the next six months, he said.
On the entry of two new cell phone players, he said it would benefit the consumers, expand the market and open new options to the users. He said that Ufone had signed an interconnect agreement with Telenor and Warid.
He is of the view that Pakistani cell phone market will expand between 30 and 40 million in the next five years. "There is a room to grow for all cellular operators, incumbents and new entrants," Mr Khan said.
On the launch of WLL operations by two companies, he said globally the WLL and cellular adopted different strategies. "The WLL acts more like a limited mobility wireless based on a within cell site mobility whereas cellular has unlimited mobility across its network."
He said there would be certain areas of overlap as has been witnessed in many markets. The WLL and cellular tread on different strategies and market segments. Chief Executive Officer, Paktel Limited, Xavier Rocoplan, said that his company planned to invest $75 million in 2005 after investing $99 million to date.
"The company has so far created an estimated 234 direct and 1,830 indirect employment's and planned to add another 10 per cent workforce in 2005." Paktel has currently seven per cent market share on AMPS/ TDMA and GSM, he said, adding that the company aims at netting one million customers before the end of 2005. He anticipates that mobile phone users' number will reach 15 million in 2005.
Mr Rocoplan says now the WLL as fixed line operators is certainly positive, but it means that no mobility is offered at all (a wireless fixed line in fact, no mobility), which is technically easy to achieve.
He said that the regulator needed to enforce the existing regulation. "Paktel is watching new WLL operators and the way the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority handles it."
Chief Executive Officer, Pakcom, the operator of Insta phone, Ian Williams, said the company planned to invest $50 million in 2005. "The company has so far invested $106 million in Pakistan."
He sees the entry of Telenor and Warid as a welcome sign for mobile phone lovers. "The 2005 will be a year of real competition. The monopoly of any operator will come to an end.
Mr Williams said his company, which had current staff of 259 and 1,671 associated contractors, enjoyed a seven per cent market share on old technology. "We will be investing in new the CDMA network this year and will have an additional 500,000 subscribers within 2005," he said, forecasting total cell phone subscribers base of 14 million by 2005.
http://www.dawn.com/2005/01/16/ebr2.htm
By Aamir Shafaat Khan
KARACHI, Jan 15: As the entry of two new cell phone operators draws near, four current market players have geared up their investment plans in order to lure consumers who are benefiting from the ongoing competition between the existing players.
Mobilink, Ufone, Paktel and Instaphone have planned to invest over $700 million in 2005 in order to increase the subscribers' base up to 15 million by the end of this year, from the current eight million users.
These companies have also expedited their endeavours to slash call rates, which market pundits believe is the only tool to attract a sizable number of subscribers. Dawn has talked to the four existing players of cell phone who unveil their plans for 2005.
Director Marketing, Mobilink, Bilal Munir Sheikh, told Dawn from Islamabad that his company had planned over $410 million investment in 2005. The company has invested $750 million to date. The company has direct employment of 1,800 and created 10,000 indirect employment's.
In reply to a query that Mobilink's monopoly will come to an end with the entry of two new operators this year, he said there had really never been a monopoly. "Consumers have always had a choice to choose between the four operators."
He said that Mobilink, having a 63-per cent market share, was expected to maintain its market leadership because of its extensive coverage and customer service. He said the company did not feel threatened with the entry of wireless local loop (WLL).
"The WLL is a different segment from cellular service and it is not viewed as a direct threat to cellular operators. It is actually a replacement of fixed line, and according to PTA policy guidelines, the WLL could be operated on fixed wireless terminals only," Mr Sheikh added.
"Given that the local cellular market is very competitive -- with new players on the horizon - Mobilink does not feel that the WLL will pose a significant threat to the industry. Even so we are cognizant of the emerging situation in this area and will be in a position to deal with any possible scenarios," he said.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Pak Telecom Mobile Limited, operator of state-owned Ufone, Babar Khan, said the company, which had invested more than $350 million so far, was currently planning the expansion of phase-IV valuing at $166 million.
"This will extend the coverage to 200 new cities, creating additional capacity of 2.5 million customers in 2005. The subscribers' base, which currently stands at 1.9 million, is expected to touch three million in the next six months, he said.
On the entry of two new cell phone players, he said it would benefit the consumers, expand the market and open new options to the users. He said that Ufone had signed an interconnect agreement with Telenor and Warid.
He is of the view that Pakistani cell phone market will expand between 30 and 40 million in the next five years. "There is a room to grow for all cellular operators, incumbents and new entrants," Mr Khan said.
On the launch of WLL operations by two companies, he said globally the WLL and cellular adopted different strategies. "The WLL acts more like a limited mobility wireless based on a within cell site mobility whereas cellular has unlimited mobility across its network."
He said there would be certain areas of overlap as has been witnessed in many markets. The WLL and cellular tread on different strategies and market segments. Chief Executive Officer, Paktel Limited, Xavier Rocoplan, said that his company planned to invest $75 million in 2005 after investing $99 million to date.
"The company has so far created an estimated 234 direct and 1,830 indirect employment's and planned to add another 10 per cent workforce in 2005." Paktel has currently seven per cent market share on AMPS/ TDMA and GSM, he said, adding that the company aims at netting one million customers before the end of 2005. He anticipates that mobile phone users' number will reach 15 million in 2005.
Mr Rocoplan says now the WLL as fixed line operators is certainly positive, but it means that no mobility is offered at all (a wireless fixed line in fact, no mobility), which is technically easy to achieve.
He said that the regulator needed to enforce the existing regulation. "Paktel is watching new WLL operators and the way the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority handles it."
Chief Executive Officer, Pakcom, the operator of Insta phone, Ian Williams, said the company planned to invest $50 million in 2005. "The company has so far invested $106 million in Pakistan."
He sees the entry of Telenor and Warid as a welcome sign for mobile phone lovers. "The 2005 will be a year of real competition. The monopoly of any operator will come to an end.
Mr Williams said his company, which had current staff of 259 and 1,671 associated contractors, enjoyed a seven per cent market share on old technology. "We will be investing in new the CDMA network this year and will have an additional 500,000 subscribers within 2005," he said, forecasting total cell phone subscribers base of 14 million by 2005.
http://www.dawn.com/2005/01/16/ebr2.htm
QUOTE(touel @ Nov 5 2004, 12:52 PM)
well sultan, as you might know 3G network consist of one of the following technologies:
WCDMA - made by EU as it is the best solution to replace the aging GSM.
cdma2000 - made by USA.
TD-SCDMA - made by china.
I was asking about it, cuz i am doing a project about the chinese TD-SCDMA and have found out that with this new technology (CDMA), an telecom company can save alot of money and build the tele infrastructure quite cheap. So i was more interested in to know which one of the folllowing technologies Pakistan would prefer. I have read that Indian companies are heavely investing in both the Europain and american CDMA technologies....
Any way thanx...
[right][snapback]547262[/snapback][/right]
WCDMA - made by EU as it is the best solution to replace the aging GSM.
cdma2000 - made by USA.
TD-SCDMA - made by china.
I was asking about it, cuz i am doing a project about the chinese TD-SCDMA and have found out that with this new technology (CDMA), an telecom company can save alot of money and build the tele infrastructure quite cheap. So i was more interested in to know which one of the folllowing technologies Pakistan would prefer. I have read that Indian companies are heavely investing in both the Europain and american CDMA technologies....
Any way thanx...
[right][snapback]547262[/snapback][/right]
Probably a competition between WCDMA and TD-SCDMA since Pakistani GSM companies usually employ European companies for infrastructure setup (with the exception of Nortell of course). And now with ZTE gate crashing in a big way the TD-SCDMA might just make the scene. (CDMA2000 thus is out of the question).
By the way I was working with Siemens last summer. The company was setting up Al Warid's network which is going to be 2.5G.
Telenor's network is also going to be 2.5G "upgradable to 3G" in their own words.
Ufone announces major cut in rates all-over Pakistan
Pakistan Times Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Amid growing competition among different mobile phone companies of Pakistan, Federal Minister for Information Technology Awais Leghari Friday announced a major reduction in state-run Ufone’s prepaid tariffs saying that from now onward all the Ufone connection users can call anywhere in Pakistan at the rate of Rs 3 per minute.
Ufone is a limb of Pakistan Telecom, the PTCL.
Awais Leghari accompanied by the CEO Ufone Babar Khan was addressing a press conference Friday. He announced a further 50 pc off after 10 pm that would cost Rs 1.5 on outgoing calls. In addition, Leghari said that Ufone prepaid customers would benefit from the lowest SMS rates ie every SMS sent to any Ufone number would now be priced for Re 1 only.
New Trends in Cellular Industry
The reduction in tariff, according to the IT Minister, would set new trends in cellular industry. Ufone has created a benchmark that clearly demonstrates Ufone’s strategy towards providing its customers the best value for money in the market, he added.
Babar Khan while talking to the journalists said that Ufone would provide further benefits to the Ufone community the Ufone customers will get the best rates and service in the market.
He ensured all the Ufone customers the best network quality and most efficient customers’ service. He said, in addition to over 22 owned Ufone service centers, Ufone would shortly have over 150 franchised sales and customer service centers in Pakistan, and it would offer, and provide the same range of exemplary customer services. A second cell centre would be introduced shortly, with expanded capacity to handle and satisfy Ufone customers’ queries and complaints.
Privatization of PTCL
Replying to a question regarding PTCL privatization assuring transparency and level playground, Awais Leghari said that both Ufone and PTCL would be privatized together and ‘for that purpose different companies, some of which are world leading players in information technology, have come forward in open bidding’.
He said Ufone, being an entity of the PTCL, would compete the leading IT operators not only in lowering the rates but also to ensure coverage and quality network.
The minister said with the privatization of PTCL all the problems regarding appointment of the executives on contract basis will be resolved. He added that all the managerial rights and authorities with the privatization of the PTCL would be given to the private sector and in order to capture the market they would take steps necessary for the uplift of the corporation.
The WLL
To another question, he said it is because of the deregulation policy, that call rates have seen unprecedented decrease in a very short span of time. WLL is another example of new trends introduced in the telecom sector, he said.
Today PTCL too like other private sector players is offering packages and lowering rates in order to ensure its presence in the market. Like other five players PTCL also wants to grasp maximum number of market shares and gone are the days when people used to rely on a single service. Now they have options and can easily switch over to other service for better and stronger performance.
Later talking to 'Pakistan Times', Babar Khan said Ufone owns 25 pc market shares. He hoped the privatization of the Ufone and PTCL would open new opportunities in the IT sector and the competition would guarantee further lowering of prices as well as improvement in the networking.
Mobile Phone Users
With almost 8 million mobile-phone users, there are three other cellular companies, operating in Pakistan. Of them, Mobilink, a prestigious and status-symbol set-up is currently in the processes of up-gradation but with almost flawless service.
Paktel
Another one, Paktel has recently introduced its GSM service, yet comparatively with limited services, if compared to Mobilink or Ufone.
Though, Paktel’s newest venture did receive a wonderful response from the people, who showed leaning towards this company due to its lesser rates of out-going calls, the fresh rates of Ufone, which are lesser have posed a new challenge to the Paktel.
Mobilink
Likewise, Mobilink which still sticks to far-higher rates shall have to revise its rate index by bringing it down to a great extent to attract customers. Else, Ufone shall clutch maximum users, leaving both Mobilink and Paktel far behind.
Instaphone
Instaphone, another cellular operator has not introduced GSM service so far. Resultantly, its clientage is minimal, in a way nominal, if compared with others.
New Companies
Two new mobile companies -- Telenor and Warid, which have been granted license to operate, are close to surface. It is hoped that with the initiation of service by these companies, the call rates of all the mobile set-ups in Pakistan shall reduce to a great extent—expectantly at par with the rates of a land-line PTCL telephone connection, which are Rs. 2.01 per local call during the day and Re 0.51 after 21:30 till 06:30 Pakistan Standard Time.
This facility of quarter rates applies throughout Pakistan.●
link
Pakistan Times Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Amid growing competition among different mobile phone companies of Pakistan, Federal Minister for Information Technology Awais Leghari Friday announced a major reduction in state-run Ufone’s prepaid tariffs saying that from now onward all the Ufone connection users can call anywhere in Pakistan at the rate of Rs 3 per minute.
Ufone is a limb of Pakistan Telecom, the PTCL.
Awais Leghari accompanied by the CEO Ufone Babar Khan was addressing a press conference Friday. He announced a further 50 pc off after 10 pm that would cost Rs 1.5 on outgoing calls. In addition, Leghari said that Ufone prepaid customers would benefit from the lowest SMS rates ie every SMS sent to any Ufone number would now be priced for Re 1 only.
New Trends in Cellular Industry
The reduction in tariff, according to the IT Minister, would set new trends in cellular industry. Ufone has created a benchmark that clearly demonstrates Ufone’s strategy towards providing its customers the best value for money in the market, he added.
Babar Khan while talking to the journalists said that Ufone would provide further benefits to the Ufone community the Ufone customers will get the best rates and service in the market.
He ensured all the Ufone customers the best network quality and most efficient customers’ service. He said, in addition to over 22 owned Ufone service centers, Ufone would shortly have over 150 franchised sales and customer service centers in Pakistan, and it would offer, and provide the same range of exemplary customer services. A second cell centre would be introduced shortly, with expanded capacity to handle and satisfy Ufone customers’ queries and complaints.
Privatization of PTCL
Replying to a question regarding PTCL privatization assuring transparency and level playground, Awais Leghari said that both Ufone and PTCL would be privatized together and ‘for that purpose different companies, some of which are world leading players in information technology, have come forward in open bidding’.
He said Ufone, being an entity of the PTCL, would compete the leading IT operators not only in lowering the rates but also to ensure coverage and quality network.
The minister said with the privatization of PTCL all the problems regarding appointment of the executives on contract basis will be resolved. He added that all the managerial rights and authorities with the privatization of the PTCL would be given to the private sector and in order to capture the market they would take steps necessary for the uplift of the corporation.
The WLL
To another question, he said it is because of the deregulation policy, that call rates have seen unprecedented decrease in a very short span of time. WLL is another example of new trends introduced in the telecom sector, he said.
Today PTCL too like other private sector players is offering packages and lowering rates in order to ensure its presence in the market. Like other five players PTCL also wants to grasp maximum number of market shares and gone are the days when people used to rely on a single service. Now they have options and can easily switch over to other service for better and stronger performance.
Later talking to 'Pakistan Times', Babar Khan said Ufone owns 25 pc market shares. He hoped the privatization of the Ufone and PTCL would open new opportunities in the IT sector and the competition would guarantee further lowering of prices as well as improvement in the networking.
Mobile Phone Users
With almost 8 million mobile-phone users, there are three other cellular companies, operating in Pakistan. Of them, Mobilink, a prestigious and status-symbol set-up is currently in the processes of up-gradation but with almost flawless service.
Paktel
Another one, Paktel has recently introduced its GSM service, yet comparatively with limited services, if compared to Mobilink or Ufone.
Though, Paktel’s newest venture did receive a wonderful response from the people, who showed leaning towards this company due to its lesser rates of out-going calls, the fresh rates of Ufone, which are lesser have posed a new challenge to the Paktel.
Mobilink
Likewise, Mobilink which still sticks to far-higher rates shall have to revise its rate index by bringing it down to a great extent to attract customers. Else, Ufone shall clutch maximum users, leaving both Mobilink and Paktel far behind.
Instaphone
Instaphone, another cellular operator has not introduced GSM service so far. Resultantly, its clientage is minimal, in a way nominal, if compared with others.
New Companies
Two new mobile companies -- Telenor and Warid, which have been granted license to operate, are close to surface. It is hoped that with the initiation of service by these companies, the call rates of all the mobile set-ups in Pakistan shall reduce to a great extent—expectantly at par with the rates of a land-line PTCL telephone connection, which are Rs. 2.01 per local call during the day and Re 0.51 after 21:30 till 06:30 Pakistan Standard Time.
This facility of quarter rates applies throughout Pakistan.●
link
I believed that this site spoke of the military
Telenor seeks level playing field for all mobile operators
KARACHI (February 17 2005): The Norwegian telecom giant, Telenor has demanded of the Government of Pakistan to provide level playing field to all the cellular companies operating in the country. Telenor has asked the telecom watchdog agency, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), to bring all mobile companies under the regulations of 'Cellular Sector Policy' that was announced in January, last year.
With this move, the company added, the new entrants would get a chance to operate smoothly and the policy of providing protection to the state-owned mobile operator will end.
Telenor Pakistan, the new cellular operator, after acquiring mobile operating licence in April last year has for the first time positioned itself to pinpoint the PTA's enforcement flaws.
The President & Chief Operating Officer of Telenor Pakistan, Tore Johnsen said, "We want transparency as far as company's affairs are concerned."
"The company's objective is to implement a policy that is 'customer focused' not the product focused and not of becoming market leader," he said, adding: "we are targeted to prefer quality of mobile operation in Pakistan."
Tore Johnsen did not give any specific date for launching operation in Pakistan, but said that the launch would be made when we could keep our promise. He, however, hinted that the launch would be possible at least by April 2005.
Acquiring a GSM mobile licence in Pakistan is a continuation of Telenor's activities in the Asian countries, he said and added that in the past, the company had successfully focused on the start up of 'green-field' mobile operations.
"The company is looking forward to take part in the expected growth within the mobile phone segment."
Irfan Wahab Khan, Executive Vice President Corporate and Regulatory Affairs of Telenor Pakistan, said that the national framework encourages long-term investments and enhanced economic activities.
He said the landscape of mobile telecom sector was changing rapidly and has registered a growth of over 100 percent, last year.
Irfan Khan added that the new operators were facing unexpected taxes by the local governments on building network infrastructure. It was not justified, he said, to deal a company coming with potential investment in such a manner. These taxes were not notified to the interested mobile companies earlier, he added.
He said the company is investing $1 billion on infrastructure-building and other facilities in the country.
Telenor has ownership interest in 12 mobile operations geographically concentrated in selected countries in the Europe and Asia.
Helge Dietrichson, Director Communications, and Stefan Carlsson, Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer, were also present on the occasion.
KARACHI (February 17 2005): The Norwegian telecom giant, Telenor has demanded of the Government of Pakistan to provide level playing field to all the cellular companies operating in the country. Telenor has asked the telecom watchdog agency, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), to bring all mobile companies under the regulations of 'Cellular Sector Policy' that was announced in January, last year.
With this move, the company added, the new entrants would get a chance to operate smoothly and the policy of providing protection to the state-owned mobile operator will end.
Telenor Pakistan, the new cellular operator, after acquiring mobile operating licence in April last year has for the first time positioned itself to pinpoint the PTA's enforcement flaws.
The President & Chief Operating Officer of Telenor Pakistan, Tore Johnsen said, "We want transparency as far as company's affairs are concerned."
"The company's objective is to implement a policy that is 'customer focused' not the product focused and not of becoming market leader," he said, adding: "we are targeted to prefer quality of mobile operation in Pakistan."
Tore Johnsen did not give any specific date for launching operation in Pakistan, but said that the launch would be made when we could keep our promise. He, however, hinted that the launch would be possible at least by April 2005.
Acquiring a GSM mobile licence in Pakistan is a continuation of Telenor's activities in the Asian countries, he said and added that in the past, the company had successfully focused on the start up of 'green-field' mobile operations.
"The company is looking forward to take part in the expected growth within the mobile phone segment."
Irfan Wahab Khan, Executive Vice President Corporate and Regulatory Affairs of Telenor Pakistan, said that the national framework encourages long-term investments and enhanced economic activities.
He said the landscape of mobile telecom sector was changing rapidly and has registered a growth of over 100 percent, last year.
Irfan Khan added that the new operators were facing unexpected taxes by the local governments on building network infrastructure. It was not justified, he said, to deal a company coming with potential investment in such a manner. These taxes were not notified to the interested mobile companies earlier, he added.
He said the company is investing $1 billion on infrastructure-building and other facilities in the country.
Telenor has ownership interest in 12 mobile operations geographically concentrated in selected countries in the Europe and Asia.
Helge Dietrichson, Director Communications, and Stefan Carlsson, Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer, were also present on the occasion.
Two Global Telecom Firms Planning to Invest US$3 BLN in Pakistan
KARACHI, Feb 25 Asia Pulse - Dr Ishrat Hussain, Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on February 23 that two major international telecom firms are planning to invest $3 billion in Pakistan.
The Governor made this statement while interacting with reporters after receiving the 'Governor of the Year' award conferred upon him by the monthly 'The Banker' magazine of London at a local hotel.
This is for the first time in the history of Pakistan that a Governor of the SBP has been conferred the above-mentioned prestigious award.
Hussain said that a major telecom firm would be investing $1 billion, while another company would invest $2 billion. However, he chose not to name these companies.
He said that international investors are coming back to the country and the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has risen by a record 51 per cent. The stock markets are responding to basic fundamentals of national economy - which are on track. The corporate results are good and expected and anticipated results of other companies are positive too.
He said that the share price of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) is being traded at Rs135 due to excellent performance of the bank.
(PPI) x
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/050224/16/3qud1.html
KARACHI, Feb 25 Asia Pulse - Dr Ishrat Hussain, Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on February 23 that two major international telecom firms are planning to invest $3 billion in Pakistan.
The Governor made this statement while interacting with reporters after receiving the 'Governor of the Year' award conferred upon him by the monthly 'The Banker' magazine of London at a local hotel.
This is for the first time in the history of Pakistan that a Governor of the SBP has been conferred the above-mentioned prestigious award.
Hussain said that a major telecom firm would be investing $1 billion, while another company would invest $2 billion. However, he chose not to name these companies.
He said that international investors are coming back to the country and the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has risen by a record 51 per cent. The stock markets are responding to basic fundamentals of national economy - which are on track. The corporate results are good and expected and anticipated results of other companies are positive too.
He said that the share price of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) is being traded at Rs135 due to excellent performance of the bank.
(PPI) x
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/050224/16/3qud1.html
ZTE to Open Pakistan R&D Center
SHENZHEN, China -- ZTE Corporation, China's largest listed telecommunications equipment manufacturer and wireless solutions provider, is to open a 60,000 square metre facility on the outskirts of Islamabad in Pakistan as part of its growing presence in international markets.
The new centre will be the 12th R&D centre created by ZTE around the world and comes less than a month after the company announced similar plans in India.
"Pakistan is a very important market for ZTE. We already have excellent relationships with our customers and today's announcement further demonstrates our long term commitment and our desire to be close to our customers - offering them locally-based expertise when they need it," said Mr Hou Weigui, ZTE chairman.
"We are now one of the world's leading network solutions providers with year-on-year growth of 34%. Such performance can only be sustained with world-class customer support and presence and that is what this new facility will give us in Pakistan."
ZTE already has more than ten per cent of the fixed line market in Pakistan, while its wireless products are also increasing their penetration. Last December, ZTE built Pakistan's first NGN (next generation network) while a CDMA WLL (wireless local loop) network for local operator Telecard will eventually be enlarged to cover the whole country.
In neighbouring India, ZTE's new facility will manufacture CDMA, GSM, DSL and NGN equipment, as well as handsets. The news came just as a new study from Ernst and Young predicted that the Indian telecommunications network could become the second largest in the world within the next five years.
http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?s...ng&doc_id=71608
SHENZHEN, China -- ZTE Corporation, China's largest listed telecommunications equipment manufacturer and wireless solutions provider, is to open a 60,000 square metre facility on the outskirts of Islamabad in Pakistan as part of its growing presence in international markets.
The new centre will be the 12th R&D centre created by ZTE around the world and comes less than a month after the company announced similar plans in India.
"Pakistan is a very important market for ZTE. We already have excellent relationships with our customers and today's announcement further demonstrates our long term commitment and our desire to be close to our customers - offering them locally-based expertise when they need it," said Mr Hou Weigui, ZTE chairman.
"We are now one of the world's leading network solutions providers with year-on-year growth of 34%. Such performance can only be sustained with world-class customer support and presence and that is what this new facility will give us in Pakistan."
ZTE already has more than ten per cent of the fixed line market in Pakistan, while its wireless products are also increasing their penetration. Last December, ZTE built Pakistan's first NGN (next generation network) while a CDMA WLL (wireless local loop) network for local operator Telecard will eventually be enlarged to cover the whole country.
In neighbouring India, ZTE's new facility will manufacture CDMA, GSM, DSL and NGN equipment, as well as handsets. The news came just as a new study from Ernst and Young predicted that the Indian telecommunications network could become the second largest in the world within the next five years.
http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?s...ng&doc_id=71608
GSM/3G fast Facts
The GSM family of technologies embraces GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA and HSPA, which are fully open standards
GSM networks commercially operational in 200 countries/territories
71 commercial WCDMA networks in service in 33 countries (source: GSA May 12, 2005)
84 commercial EDGE networks in 52countries (source: GSA � May 16, 2005)
141 network operators in 79 countries have committed to the EDGE upgrade on their GSM/GPRS networks
42 mobile operators are deploying combined EDGE-WCDMA networks(Source: GSA)
Number of GSM subscribers reaches 1,358 billion globally (source: Informa Telecoms & Media � March 31, 2005) GSM accounts for 75.5% of the world�s cellular market and over 80% of current net additions
GSM subscribers grew by 78 million globally in the first 3 months of 2005
24.1 million WCDMA subscribers globally (source: Informa Telecoms & Media � April 30, 2005)
FREQUENCY ALLOCATION BOARD PAKISTAN
GSM 900:
UPLINK(MHZ)
PAKTEL 882.5-890.1
WARID TELECOMM 890.1-894.9
UFONE(PTML) 894.9-902.5
TELENOR 902.5-907.3
MOBILINK(PMCL) 907.3-914.9
AVAILABLE/FREE 880.1-882.5
DOWNLINK(MHZ)
PAKTEL 927.5-935.1
WARID TELECOMM 935.1-939.9
UFONE(PTML) 939.9-947.5
TELENOR 947.5-952.3
MOBILINK(PMCL) 952.3-959.9
AVAILABLE/FREE 925.1-927.5
DCS 1800:
UPLINK(MHZ)
WARID TELECOMM 1710.1-1718.9
UFONE(PTML) 1718.9-1724.9
TELENOR 1724.9-1733.7
MOBILINK(PMCL) 1733.7-1739.7
PAKTEL 1739.7-1745.7
DOWNLINK(MHZ)
WARID TELECOMM 1805.1-1813.9
UFONE(PTML) 1813.9-1819.9
TELENOR 1819.9-1828.7
MOBILINK(PMCL) 1828.7-1834.7
PAKTEL 1834.7-1840.7
GSM 900:
UPLINK(MHZ)
PAKTEL 882.5-890.1
WARID TELECOMM 890.1-894.9
UFONE(PTML) 894.9-902.5
TELENOR 902.5-907.3
MOBILINK(PMCL) 907.3-914.9
AVAILABLE/FREE 880.1-882.5
DOWNLINK(MHZ)
PAKTEL 927.5-935.1
WARID TELECOMM 935.1-939.9
UFONE(PTML) 939.9-947.5
TELENOR 947.5-952.3
MOBILINK(PMCL) 952.3-959.9
AVAILABLE/FREE 925.1-927.5
DCS 1800:
UPLINK(MHZ)
WARID TELECOMM 1710.1-1718.9
UFONE(PTML) 1718.9-1724.9
TELENOR 1724.9-1733.7
MOBILINK(PMCL) 1733.7-1739.7
PAKTEL 1739.7-1745.7
DOWNLINK(MHZ)
WARID TELECOMM 1805.1-1813.9
UFONE(PTML) 1813.9-1819.9
TELENOR 1819.9-1828.7
MOBILINK(PMCL) 1828.7-1834.7
PAKTEL 1834.7-1840.7
Engg sector lures Saudi investors
By Syed Rashid Husain
Al-KHOBAR (Saudi Arabia), Feb 6: The engineering sector in Pakistan is attracting attention of a number of major Saudi companies. With the expectation that the Pakistani engineering sector is in for a major growth, some of the private Saudi entrepreneurs are positioning themselves so as to benefit from this expected growth in the industry.
Despite problems, there is a growing consensus here that interesting opportunities are emerging in Pakistan. The oil-rich Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab states, flushing with petro-dollars, are important for Pakistan from foreign direct investment perspective. In the wake of current political environment, the Saudis and the Arabs do not appear very keen to invest in the West. They have their concerns and rightly so. Consequently, the region has witnessed unprecedented flow of cash back from the US and the West. Some banking sources estimate the cash inflow in the region running into hundreds of billions of dollars.
These private investors, definitely, are on a look for secure investments. A considerable portion of this money has gone into real estate and construction within the Gulf. The construction sector is witnessing a boom throughout the region these days.
On the other hand, despite being a front line state in the war on terror, Pakistan does not enjoy a very favourable image in the West for various reasons. Hence, despite stabilization of the economy to a great extent and the local bourses outperforming other regional stock exchanges, Pakistan is yet to benefit in a significant way in the form of foreign direct investment, especially from the West.
With FDI in Pakistan lagging behind other regional players, investment from Saudi Arabia and Gulf remains a viable and interesting option. And, thus despite problems, Pakistan presents somewhat secure alternative from an investment point of view to a number of private investors from Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Gulf.
Pakistan is already witnessing growing investments from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states in recent months. The local Al-Tamimi Group is also proceeding ahead with a $250 million real estate development project in Islamabad. Some of the companies from the Gulf are interested in real estate projects in Karachi and elsewhere.
The local Globe Marine Services is pursuing the stevedoring contract at the upcoming Gwadar port. Another local company is also reported to be working on a major investment in Pakistan.
One of the Saudi groups, that have taken a lead in investments in Pakistan, is the local Al-Tuwairqi Group. The Dammam-based group is already planning a number of projects in Pakistan. Al-Tuwairqi is already putting up a one million tons per year Iron plant in Karachi. This project is being built at an investment of US $130 million and the ground-breaking of the project is expected to be held early next month.
In phase two, the company also intends to build a steel billets plant with a capacity of one million tons per year. This plant would also cost $120 million. Al-Tuwairqi has pursued other business interests in Pakistan. Last year, it was declared the highest bidder for the Pak-China Fertilizer plant at Haripur, Hazara. The group had offered a final bid of Pak Rs514 million. The bid is now with the competent authority for approval.
Currently, the Saudi group, which is already running a steel plant in Dammam and in some other places of the world including the UK, is also in run for Pakistan Steel Mills. They are among the five candidates short-listed by the privatization commission.
Tariq Barlas, the CEO of the Al-Tuwairqi group, delineating his plans for Pakistan, says the group intends to establish industrial parks-sheds in the vicinity of their plants, where engineers and technical people could use their talent to manufacture various engineering products. The company would also be ready to sign a buy-back arrangement with those contracted to undertake the manufacturing.
Elaborating on the justification of investments in Pakistan, he says Pakistan is a growing market for engineering products. The average per capita consumption of steel in Pakistan is currently among the lowest, somewhere around 25 kg per person per annum. This, when compared to the global average of 160 kg per person, is very low and provides tremendous scope for growth.
He thinks that Pakistan has the potential of taking this average to at least around 80 kg, presenting in its wake tremendous growth opportunities.
Enumerating the investment environment in Pakistan, Mr Barlas says that despite assertions that one-window operation is in vague in Pakistan, foreign investors are still required to do a lot of leg-work to get things done. Bureaucratic procedures are still old and needs a complete overhauling.
In order to promote industrial growth, proper infra-structure also needs to be developed further. However, he conceded that some sectors of infra-structure have definitely improved in Pakistan over the recent years.
By Syed Rashid Husain
Al-KHOBAR (Saudi Arabia), Feb 6: The engineering sector in Pakistan is attracting attention of a number of major Saudi companies. With the expectation that the Pakistani engineering sector is in for a major growth, some of the private Saudi entrepreneurs are positioning themselves so as to benefit from this expected growth in the industry.
Despite problems, there is a growing consensus here that interesting opportunities are emerging in Pakistan. The oil-rich Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab states, flushing with petro-dollars, are important for Pakistan from foreign direct investment perspective. In the wake of current political environment, the Saudis and the Arabs do not appear very keen to invest in the West. They have their concerns and rightly so. Consequently, the region has witnessed unprecedented flow of cash back from the US and the West. Some banking sources estimate the cash inflow in the region running into hundreds of billions of dollars.
These private investors, definitely, are on a look for secure investments. A considerable portion of this money has gone into real estate and construction within the Gulf. The construction sector is witnessing a boom throughout the region these days.
On the other hand, despite being a front line state in the war on terror, Pakistan does not enjoy a very favourable image in the West for various reasons. Hence, despite stabilization of the economy to a great extent and the local bourses outperforming other regional stock exchanges, Pakistan is yet to benefit in a significant way in the form of foreign direct investment, especially from the West.
With FDI in Pakistan lagging behind other regional players, investment from Saudi Arabia and Gulf remains a viable and interesting option. And, thus despite problems, Pakistan presents somewhat secure alternative from an investment point of view to a number of private investors from Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Gulf.
Pakistan is already witnessing growing investments from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states in recent months. The local Al-Tamimi Group is also proceeding ahead with a $250 million real estate development project in Islamabad. Some of the companies from the Gulf are interested in real estate projects in Karachi and elsewhere.
The local Globe Marine Services is pursuing the stevedoring contract at the upcoming Gwadar port. Another local company is also reported to be working on a major investment in Pakistan.
One of the Saudi groups, that have taken a lead in investments in Pakistan, is the local Al-Tuwairqi Group. The Dammam-based group is already planning a number of projects in Pakistan. Al-Tuwairqi is already putting up a one million tons per year Iron plant in Karachi. This project is being built at an investment of US $130 million and the ground-breaking of the project is expected to be held early next month.
In phase two, the company also intends to build a steel billets plant with a capacity of one million tons per year. This plant would also cost $120 million. Al-Tuwairqi has pursued other business interests in Pakistan. Last year, it was declared the highest bidder for the Pak-China Fertilizer plant at Haripur, Hazara. The group had offered a final bid of Pak Rs514 million. The bid is now with the competent authority for approval.
Currently, the Saudi group, which is already running a steel plant in Dammam and in some other places of the world including the UK, is also in run for Pakistan Steel Mills. They are among the five candidates short-listed by the privatization commission.
Tariq Barlas, the CEO of the Al-Tuwairqi group, delineating his plans for Pakistan, says the group intends to establish industrial parks-sheds in the vicinity of their plants, where engineers and technical people could use their talent to manufacture various engineering products. The company would also be ready to sign a buy-back arrangement with those contracted to undertake the manufacturing.
Elaborating on the justification of investments in Pakistan, he says Pakistan is a growing market for engineering products. The average per capita consumption of steel in Pakistan is currently among the lowest, somewhere around 25 kg per person per annum. This, when compared to the global average of 160 kg per person, is very low and provides tremendous scope for growth.
He thinks that Pakistan has the potential of taking this average to at least around 80 kg, presenting in its wake tremendous growth opportunities.
Enumerating the investment environment in Pakistan, Mr Barlas says that despite assertions that one-window operation is in vague in Pakistan, foreign investors are still required to do a lot of leg-work to get things done. Bureaucratic procedures are still old and needs a complete overhauling.
In order to promote industrial growth, proper infra-structure also needs to be developed further. However, he conceded that some sectors of infra-structure have definitely improved in Pakistan over the recent years.
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