The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT) is set to launch a smartphone installment plan to make smartphones more affordable for all citizens. The minister, Dr. Umar Saif, said that the plan will be announced in the next few days.
The minister met with representatives of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), cellular operators, and GSMA to discuss the plan. He stressed the need for cellular operators, investment companies, and banks to roll out innovative packages that allow people to buy smartphones on installments.
The minister said that the policy directives will be based on the recommendations of stakeholders. The aim of the plan is to create a mechanism that ensures that cellular operators, banks, and investment companies can offer smartphones on installments without incurring losses.
Dr. Saif also outlined the consequences for defaulters who fail to meet their installment obligations. Their mobile phones will be blocked, rendering them unusable. The government is also considering blocking the national identity cards of defaulters.
The minister stressed the importance of cellular operators, investment companies, and banks announcing installment packages for smartphones on favorable terms as a top priority. The unanimous decision to block defaulters’ phones aims to deter non-payment and promote smartphone usage.
The surge in demand is expected to benefit the mobile phone manufacturing industry, boost the country’s economy, and create new opportunities for cellular operators to extend their services to remote areas.
Dr. Saif acknowledged the challenges that accompany major decisions but underlined the significance of policies promoting digital inclusion and economic growth.
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