Flare Nov Dec 09

CONTENTContentContent

6

October 15 , 2009- November 15 , October 15 , - November 15 , 2009

48Page

Cover Story

24Page

Ufone nominated for the Telecoms World Awards!

Telenor hurting millions hearts

36Page

Sukuk Al Musharaka of Rs660m for Al Razi Healthcare

10Page

CONTENT

Editor's Note

Reader's Response

Telepedia

Cover Story

InsighT

Exclusive

Events

Tech Tools

Mosaic

Synopsis

Editorial 8

Letters to the Editor 9

Hoax SMS effecting day to day life 11668: More than 4m illegal SIMs cut off 12Kashmir: India bans pre-paid mobile phone 13Ufone indulging millions in hidden interest 14SIM statistics: Pakistan fails to surpass Sri Lanka 16Rs7.75bn irregularities in telecom sector 17Eid: 660m texts exchanged nationwide 19Revised framework for MVNO services 21Telenor hurting millions hearts 24Journey of handset and its expansion 28Battle of smartphones changing the technology scenario 30Lights, mobile camera, action 70

Between the devil & the deep blue sea 48

Bakra online through SMS, internet 18Net Neutrality Rules by FCC 22Growth of mobile, internet usage 25Solar speeding up cellular revolution 34Samsung's LED TV igniting the TV revolution 42

Mobilink salutes Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal 10Not easy to make public fool 24Leading from the front (Mr. Salman Mahmood CEO, Averox) 26Ufone nominated for the Telecoms World Awards! 43ZTE setting goals of excellence 46

Ali Zafar unplugged by Mobilink 20Microsoft awards Warid 35Sukuk Al Musharaka of Rs660m for Al Razi Healthcare 36Al Razi Healthcare sponsoring pink ribbon 37Touch the music 38

Video games review 44Mobile review 53Current mobile 57Low range mobile 61High range mobile 62Upcoming mobile 63ZTE exclusive mobiles 65Computers 66Laptops 67Accessories 66

National 88International 91

National 96International 98

Touch the Music38

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Editor sEditor sNovember 15 - December 15, 2009

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) incollaboration with NADRA (National Database andRegistration Authority) is prepared to curb the issue of illegalSIMs (Subscribers Identity Module) with respect to emergingsecurity concerns. The initiative is commendable in itsstrength and effectiveness. By spending only Rs2 per enquiryone can send SMS (short message service) of his or herNational Identity Card Number to 668 and get the data ofnumber of SIMs issued on his or her ID card number. There isalso a web page supported by NADRA and PTA that providesfree information of number of SIMs issued on one’s ID card.

A number of unbelievable cases of unknown SIMs issuedon ID cards have been reveled. The most important of all theseissues is the dilemma of a parliamentarian whose ID card isresponsible for giving away 1100 SIM cards. Unusual but true.

Earlier this year, the campaign of PTA to encourage allcellular operators to block their respective connections that arebeing issued without any identity provision resulted in theabolishment of millions of connections. But interestingly alloperators ensured that not more than 10 SIMs issued to singleperson but still we see the case of many people who arecomplaining for having seen themselves unknowinglyindulged in acquiring many SIMs. It is only by the virtue of668 that people themselves have taken stand to blockunknown SIM issued on their ID cards.

Illegal or unregistered or fake SIMs can be used in potentialsuicide attack and bomb blasts that are already threateningthe integrity of Pakistan. PTA has rightfully taken the decisionto indulge public in correcting the SIM data but the story doesnot end with the knowledge that how many SIMs are issuedon one ID card.

The complainer then moves to the franchise of thosecellular operators whose connections are unknowingly issuedon his or her ID card to correct the status. And it is a tiresomeprocedure. However, there is no other way to correct themistakes of ex-chairman. We must applause PTA for its bolddecision to ask public help to resolve the issue. Time isrequired but things will be straight after some time. It is notpossible for everyone to visit the web page so Flare advisesPTA to eliminate the Rs2 inquiry fee on SMS so everyone canavail the service without any hindrance.

Miles to go beforewe sleep

8

Note

Zubair Ahmed Kasuri, publisher of FLARE

leading telecom magazine, printed it from

Akkaz Printers, Shama Plaza, Lahore and

published from 46J, Gulberg III, Lahore.

9

Poor cable service in Barakahu, Islamabad

Respect Chairman PEMRAI want to convey my concern regarding the poor cable services in

our area of Bahrakahu, Islamabad that is not far away from city. It is worth mentioning here that the cable revolution is still

expanding with more penetration in the villages now. According to figures published in Arura magazine, now we have over 40 million cable connection with 80 per cent houses in the urban population and 35 per cent semi urban areas. Now it has changed our attitude towards our social life with more impact on news and sports.

Geo is the most favourite news channels with ARY standing second. Geo Super is no doubt the supper channel of the sports world. PTV is the only choice in the villages and towns free of cable.

There is different fee structure in the country for cable operators. It ranges from Rs200 to 1000 in the capital. While PTCL smart TV an advance shape of the cable has Rs2000 monthly rent. In cities almost every 1.5 house has cable connection. Cable has eliminated the video business. In the villages where some people still think that it is against our values and religious norms are far away from the cable TV.

It has the one setback in case of its services are very poor. According to one study, although cable operators are offering over 100 channels but most of the channels are repeated or very poor. The cable shows nothing after 60 No. Hence it is the worst. I have contacted the cable operators but no one is ready to solve the problem. In this era of information and technology, it is very sad to note that we are not able to enjoy the cable facilities in our area. Kindly take necessary action to solve our problem.Tajaml Abbasi

Telenor Easy Paisa… where to protest?

Dear Editor,

I want to discuss the pros and cons regarding Telenor Easy Paisa.

Last month or so, we have learned a lot about this service but now there

are complains about the service.

First I would like to discuss the service. Telenor Easy paisa was

launched during last month. If we see the scope of Easy Paisa right now

it is little disappointing, due the amount of time and money Telenor

invested into the project. However, one can get excited because of the

potential Telenor has got due to its stakes in Tameer Bank. As Telenor

already claims, they can/will offer financial transactions related to

sending/receiving money within Pakistan and from abroad through

mobile phones.

Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has not authorised

Tameer Microfinance Bank along with Telenor to collect electricity bills

from its consumers through Easy Paisa shops. LESCO spokesman said

that advertisements given in electronic and print media by

Microfinance Bank and Telenor regarding utility bills are not clear.

No agreement between LESCO and above mentioned bank has been

executed for collection of electricity bills through Easy Paisa shops, he

added. The spokesman further said that LESCO is taking the matter

with Tameer Microfinance Bank to stop collection of electricity bills of

LESCO consumers through Easy Paisa shops, if any.

Telenor can enjoy the benefits of no e-commerce infrastructure in

Pakistan, by offering payments through Easyload and then redemption

through their outlets. We are aware that there needs a legislation in the

process but after the study of branchless banking regulation it is evident

that such a mechanism is possible. However, it is a good start - but true

return on Telenor's investment is highly based on upcoming products

from Easy Paisa.

According to some sources as this service was not started after any

agreement between PTCL, PEPCO and Gas companies, so there are

many problems being faced by the customers. Once they pay their

money and bill at Easy Paisa, they are receiving bills again with

surcharge, who will pay this amount.

I am a resident of Sialkot and facing the same problem, our

franchise says that I have paid money to Pepco. The result is that I have

to pay again. If this happened to all or at least 30 per cent people who

trust Telenor Easy Paisa. Then this will be the biggest scam in our

telecom history.

Kindly convey the public concern to PTA regarding this service.Ch Mushtaq, Samberial, Sailkot

Over billing by Ufone

Dear Madam,I am using Ufone post paid but in spite of various reminders I

didn't get my bill in time moreover the charges in bills doesn't match with my details of calls.

While in my package 400 minutes are complementary but I don't think so Ufone is giving those minutes therefore I want to get rid from post paid and going to shift to prepaid just because this was my business number and I will use this number until my all contacts shift to some other operator's post paid.

Thanks Asad Yar Khan, Sales Manager, Xebec Pharma, Pakistan

Controlling ATM crimes Recently, a private television channel aired footage about a robbery at an ATM machine in Gulistan-i- Jauhar.

As soon as the footage went on air, a citizen called the area police and identified the person, who was involved not only in the robbery but in the murder of the person who was drawing the money from the ATM machine.

Banks will have to make sure that the room where ATM machines are installed must have a proper lock system in place. Awareness needs to be created among the ATM machine users that they lock the room from inside while doing transactions.

No doubt some banks have proper lock system but many banks have either installed ATM machines facing the footpath or road whereas some banks don’t have door locks in place. Banks should install close circuit cameras of good quality so that robbers involved in looting ATM users can be identified promptly and easily just as it happened in the above case.

M. RAFIQUE ZAKARIA, Karachi

Ufone's poor decision to withdraw delivery report

Dear,I want your attention regarding SMS service of Ufone prepay. I am

a Ufone subscriber. It offers different packages of SMS. Earlier I received delivery report for sent items but now there is no confirmation that message has been delivered to recipients.

After sending message it display only Sent but there is no confirmation that rather it has delivered or not. Sometimes sent messages received after long time when that message becomes useless. So I request you to pay a special attention on this issue so that messaging service of Ufone become more effective.

It is really hurting us that we are most of the time feel uncomforting with the idea that our message may not reach the dear ones and we have to make a call to check the delivery. PTA should take notice of this poor decision by Ufone and service should be reinstated.Ahsan Ali, Rawalpindi

Misuse of CNIC by mobile firmI approached the mobile company from whom I have obtained

two SIMs. I was astonished to know that nine SIMs had been issued against my CNIC. The SIMs I obtained were issued on production of the original CNIC, copy of which was retained by the SIM provider. I also had to sign a form and put my thumb impression on that form.

When I inquired from the company as to how nine SIMS could be issued against my card, there was no satisfactory reply. All they did was to get a form signed by me with the number of SIMs that are in my use, with my signatures and thumb impression, saw my original CNIC and kept a copy of that with them. They assured me that all other numbers will be immediately closed.

Is the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority going to ask the mobile companies as to how such unasked for SIMs were issued against some cards? There were many people like me at that one mobile provider’s office. Who were the people responsible for such illegal act and what action will be taken against such persons/companies?A MOBILE USER, Karachi

Mobilink has a tradition of payingtribute to national legends. In thepast, Mobilink has showcased thewonderful works of Noor Jehan,

Mehdi Hasan, Fareeda Khanam and UstadAmanat Ali Khan all of which are available onMobilink ka Pakistan<http://www.mobilinkgsm.com/pakistan>, asection on Mobilink’s official website dedicatedto highlighting the culture and beauty ofPakistan.

Who can forget the captivating imageryexposing Pakistan’s natural beauty, culture andheritage used by Mobilink to bring to life theperfect rendition of the song “Ae watan pyarewatan” on the eve of Independence Day, or thebefitting tribute to Nur Jehan through hermotivational song “Ae watan kay sajeelayjawanon.” Earlier this year, Mobilink revivednational fervour by airing Ghazal King Mehdi

Hassan Khan’s evergreen Melody “Yeh WatanTumhara Hai.” Mobilink also presented theailing maestro’s family with a cheque includingMobilink’s humble contribution towards theailing maestro’s medical expenses in addition todonations generated from a recent SMScampaign paying homage to the legend.

The latest addition to Mobilink’s library is aman with great vision and wisdom, Allama DrMuhammad Iqbal. He has undoubtedly played avital role in shaping our identity as a nation. Tocommemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Iqbal,also our national poet, Mobilink weaved togethera refreshing campaign paying ode to this greatreformer who has been living in our memoriessince our childhood.

You may visit the Mobilink website todownload narrations of select verses of Iqbal inmp3 format<http://www.mobilinkgsm.com/iqbal> foryour listening pleasure. Featured poetry includes

Tu Shaheen Hay, Naheen Tera, Khudi Ko Kar,Uth Kay Ab and other notable works of thisnational icon. Users may also downloadexclusively designed wallpapers of Dr Iqbal toadore their desktops. Mobilink users can alsodial 555, say “Iqbal” and send poetry asdedication to their loved ones.

Development is inseparable from culture. It isonly when we are connected to our roots that wecan stand firmly on the ground. It is commonheritage that links and connects a nation andhence, is vital for holding together the socialfabric. At a time when one may feel disconnectedor disillusioned, such reminders from ourglorious past act as much needed refreshers. It isan onerous task to generate pride in one'sindigenous heritage and one must appreciate

Mobilink, the only telecom operator to celebrateIqbal Day with such grandeur, for continuallytaking the lead. �

Mobilink has a tradition ofpaying tribute to national

legends. In the past, Mobilinkhas showcased the wonderfulworks of Noor Jehan, MehdiHasan, Fareeda Khanam andUstad Amanat Ali Khan all of

which are available on the website of Mobilink

Free download | flare.com.pkExclusive Flare Report

The latest addition to Mobilink’s library is a man with great vision and wisdom, Allama DrMuhammad Iqbal. He has undoubtedly played a vital role in shaping our identity as anation. To commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Iqbal, also our national poet, Mobilinkweaved together a refreshing campaign paying ode to this great reformer who has beenliving in our memories since our childhood

10

The situation of terrorism is terrifying inPakistan. It is seen that the terrorist areusing latest technologies especially thefacility of mobile phone to meet their

targets. We have heard a lot about the hackers oninternet but these terrorists are indulged in hackingyour SIM (subscriber identity module) to use it forcruel purposes while leaving the blame on you.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)is striving very hard to curb such factors and theirefforts are, although late and long awaited, provinghelpful in developing public awareness.

The role played by the users is very significantas every one on his or her behalf is trying to shareall possible and available information. The SMS(short message service) of ISPR and other publicservice messages are widely circulating. It is alsointeresting to bother that millions of people aresending their ID (identity card) numbers to checkhow many SIMs are issued against it. Many havevisited their respective franchise to block unknownSIM on his or her ID cards. Complains are lodgedwidely against those who are making obnoxiouscalls and threatening messages. The role public isplaying is a proof that they are ready to do all thatis in their capacity.

The Pakistan Army is investigating mobilephone messages while warning the recipients thattheir SIMs could be hacked by the terrorists if theyfollow instructions given in some messages ordelivered on some anonymous phone call.

One such message pronounces: Attention: Ifyou receive a call on your cell phone informing youthat they are from quality control department of aGSM company and checking your line and they[terrorists] will also request you to press a specifickey on your mobile phone, do not follow theirinstructions.

An official of the Federal Investigation Agency’scyber crime cell said his unit was also probing intothe matter. He said strict action would be takenagainst the senders of these false messages and theywould be booked under the Prevention ofElectronic Crime Ordinance, 2008.

The statement reveals that these circulating SMSare only to fuel anarchy. If yes then who is behindall this? Amy be the terrorist themselves or themobile phone operators who want customers to goon forwarding long messages to keep the networkrunning and the SMS count burning from bothends? PTA must look into the issue and sort outwhoever is behind it and held the personresponsible for spoiling the credit as well as thetime of so many people.

The best part played by such circulations is thefact that they have made people so conscious thatthey are always on their watch. The ratio of misscalls has also decreased. Pakistan is currently in astate of civil war. With every passing day we arewitnessing very unpleasant situation throughoutthe country. What could be a better friend than acellular phone in such conditions? Yes, our cellphone is our best tool at the time of crisis.

One must make sure of following necessitiesbefore leaving home and some pieces of advices soyou can avoid panic in case you are encountered byany unpleasant situation.

o Do not forget to fully charge the cell phonebattery and try to keep a charger in your hand bag’spocket or pant pocket to keep the charging full.

o SMS packages are almost activated on thecell phones of youngsters. Remember to avail thedaily package in case your monthly subscription isexpired.

o Make sure that you have enough balancein your handset by which you can make at least fiveto 10 emergency calls.

o In case you have less credit do not forgetto avail the emergency loan or pre-credit.

o Try to keep your handset in some pouchthat is tightly held with your jeans of arm so no onecan snatch it. Moreover, try to use hands-free in

crowded places you can hear the caller better whiletaking no security risks.

o In case you are out of balance do not forgetthat you can make calls to emergency help lines likeambulance (115), rescue 1122 and 5 even without

balance. o Network congestion occurs when many

people stat to make calls or messagecommunication at the same time. When everyone ismaking call try to send SMS so you can face lessdegree of problem. Try to send the same SMS tomulti-friends so you can save time.

o Do not use your cell phone excessivelybecause it can jam the traffic for other people. Makeless calls and send more messages.

o In case service is jam or your cell phone ishalt then switch off your device and turn on aftersome time.

o In case some one needs to make a call thenlend him or her cell phone. Be sure that you are notgiving your cell phone to some one suspicious.

Owing to growing uncertainty and excessiveuse of SMS on mobile phones has aggregated theworry of people nationwide especially in NorthWest Frontier province where hoax messages andcalls have started to affect daily routines.

People are getting warnings and alerts on“expected” suicide bombings. And out of theiraffection and care spreading the word to theirfriends and relatives without verification arespreading fear and panic.

A representative of PTA made clear that PTAhas launched a campaign to ensure the registrationof SIMs on names and National Identity Cardnumbers of the subscribers. �

Hoax SMS effecting day to day life

The role played by the users is significant aseveryone is trying to share all possible and availableinformation. The SMS from ISPR and other publicservice messages are widely circulating. It is alsointeresting to bother that millions of people aresending their ID numbers to check how many SIMsare issued against it

Such messages have widelyaffected the business of

popular food outlets, hotels,and recreational places dueto unauthorised, but widely

circulated rumours. It isstrictly advised not to for-

ward any rumour messagewithout verification as it willonly add into the existing

panic

Free download | flare.com.pk Khawar Shahzad Telepedia

11

Regional Director PakistanTelecommunication Authority (PTA),Wasiullah Gandapure informed thatabout five million mobile phone

subscribers have so far benefited from the PTA'sSIM Information System 668 and about 600,000connections have been registered in the name ofreal owners.

Talking to Flare representative at his office,Regional Director PTA said the SIM InformationSystem of the authority has received positiveresults as within few days of its launch about fivemillion mobile users have submitted forms forcancellation of additional connections issued bymobile companies against their names.

He informed that currently in Pakistan thenumber of mobile subscribers is around 90million and correction of all connections will takesome time.

Wasiullah Gandapure said it is veryencouraging to note that people are now gettingaware of complications due to double issuance ofmobile phone connections against single identitycard.

"Common people who are illiterate and cannoteven write their names are seen standing inqueues to get their connections cleared andregister in their names," he remarked. PTA, headded, is making a follow up of SIM InformationSystem service by sending its officials to theCustomer Service Centres of different cellularcompanies.

A public awareness campaign would also belaunched to educate people about utilisation ofthe service. Presently, he added, people areconfused and approaching PTA for thecancellation of additional numbers of theiridentity cards.

PTA has now made it compulsory for allmobile users to have their SIMs registered in theirnames, he informed. The unauthorised SIMowners have been advised to register the SIM intheir names within seven days of notificationfrom concerned Customer Services Centreotherwise their calling facility will be stoppedafter thirteen days and the SIM will be completelyblocked after seventeen days of the notice.

Gandapure said PTA is now focusing onconsumer convenience as the quality of mobilecompanies is satisfactory. A consumer protectioncell has been set up in PTA which can beapproached by anyone to register his complainton which proper action would be taken.

Regional Director PTA also informed thatPakistan Telecommunication Authority and FIAhave jointly launched an operation against illegalGateways being operating in Pakistan. The PTAand FIA have detected illegal use of gateways inmajor cities of Pakistan and arrested culpritsbesides seizing the equipment causing heavy losson national exchequer.

Around 1.75 million complainants have so farvisited the Customer Service Centres (CSC) ofconcerned mobile operators for their SIM data

correction, while more than four million (4,00,000)illegal SIMs have been removed from thecomplainants' CNICs after they providedundertaking.

Those who have visited CSC are 5.9 per centof total complaints received at PTA's systemthrough text messages in wake of the informationprovided by "SIM Information system 668".

Since the launch of this service, PTA hasreceived on its system, more than 2.96 millionrequests of mobile subscribers seeking their SIMinformation data through SMS and about 0.86million through web-link available at PTAwebsite.

The data currently available provided by thePTA at 668 service is updated till January 31, 2009.This data had provided by mobile operators. Dataof mobile SIMs issued after January 31, 2009 willbe updated soon. PTA has also been conductingcontinued monitoring and customers'perception/satisfaction surveys which haverevealed that the customers are concerned thatwhy and how SIMs has been registered againsttheir CNICs without their knowledge.

The survey results and continued analyses saythat mobile customers used to buy SIM fromunauthorised sale points and did not fulfil theresale formalities including proper filling ofCellular Service Agreement Form (CSAF). PTAfound that customers did not take interest inregistering SIMs in their own names despite theinformation that it is illegal to use unregisteredSIMs and repeated warnings by PTA and mobileoperators on it.

Another reason of this problem had beenmisuse of CNIC copy at franchisees and retailersof those customers who did not properly fill upthe CSAF. In some cases negligence on part ofconsumers while making photocopy of CNIC atdifferent photocopies shops where the copy areretained by shop owners for ulterior motives hasalso served in bringing up this situation.

PTA had informed the mobile subscribers thatthey should write the number of a particularmobile connection on copy of their CNIC beforeproviding it to CSCs, franchises and retailers fora new connection.

To facilitate the mobile users of small citiesand towns, PTA has taken number of steps. It hasallowed the selected franchises to receive thecomplaints regarding SIMs data. TheseFranchisees are only allowed to register thecomplaints by filling the undertaking forms, copyof which they return to the complainant.

Streamlining of mobile users' data may takefew months but once this process is completed, itwill eventually benefit the telecom consumers.The purpose of this practice is to streamline thedata of mobile users which cannot be achievedwithout their cooperation. �

Free download | flare.com.pk

12

Telepedia Flare Report

The data currently availableprovided by the PTA at 668

service is updated till January 31, 2009. This data

had provided by mobile operators. Data of mobile

SIMs issued after January 31,2009 will be updated soon

The unauthorised SIM owners have been advised toregister the SIM in their names within seven days ofnotification from concerned Customer ServicesCentre otherwise their calling facility will be stoppedafter thirteen days and the SIM will be completelyblocked after seventeen days of the notice

4m illegal SIMs cut off

Hundreds of activists from occupiedKashmir's main opposition protestedagainst New Delhi's decision to banpre-paid mobile connections in the

revolt-hit region. The Indian government announced the ban

on pre-paid connections earlier this month, citingconcerns that militants were using them totrigger bombs in Kashmir, the scene of a deadly20-year-old insurgency against New Delhi's rule.

Carrying placards reading: Stop SuspectingKashmiris, protesters from the pro-India People'sDemocratic Party (PDP) marched through thestreets of the state's summer capital Srinagar.

They were led by party chief Mehbooba Muftiwho called the ban a "manifestation of India'sdiscriminatory policies in Kashmir." Shedemanded to know why the government hadbanned pre-paid connections in Kashmir when ithad not taken similar steps in areas of thecountry where Maoist insurgents are operatingor in the insurgency-racked northeast.

The ban has affected 3.8 million users inKashmir.

Post-paid mobiles, billed on a monthly basis,can still be bought. But buying them requires aseries of security checks and official registrationof personal details and passport photographs.Pre-paid phones, popular because of their easyavailability and payment flexibility, come with aset number of minutes charged on them, have nobills and had been sold without detailed identitychecks.

Three-month pre-paid connections still validafter the deadline will continue to function butsubscribers will not be allowed to buy newcredit. All pre-paids will be switched off onJanuary 31 next year.

The ban has also hit phone sellers. There are some 20,000 people in the business

of selling pre-paid phone cards across Kashmir,according to the Public Call Offices Association(PCOA), which represents the shops where mostpre-paid phones are sold.

"We are saddened by this ban. Many of ushave started looking for new business," saysBashir Dar, the head of the association.

The last militant bomb attack in Kashmir wasin September in Srinagar when four people died.Police said at the time they suspected a mobile

phone might have been used to detonate theblast. However, opponents of the ban say thatmilitants can easily get pre-paid mobileconnections outside Kashmir. The governmenthas said it will review the ban once securityconcerns are addressed.

"I think that service providers will meet thegovernment and present a plan by which we canreconcile security interest and the interests ofconsumers," Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram said.

"The ban is not justifiable. For a few

undesirable elements you are making 3.8 millionpeople suffer," said Saifudin Soz, local leader ofIndia's ruling Congress party. He says the stategovernment will take up the matter with NewDelhi soon.

"It is a decision taken by the uniongovernment. We will monitor its impact ongenuine users and take appropriate measuresaccordingly. It is not a positive development.Genuine user will have to face the brunt due tothe lackadaisical attitude of the telecomcompanies which did not verify the antecedentsof subscribers before issuing SIM cards," thespokesman said.

Recently, SMS services on mobile telephoneswere restored in Jammu and Kashmir after a five-month ban. The services were suspended August1 when the Amarnath land allotment agitationwas at its peak. Authorities had banned SMSssaying agitators were spreading provocativemessages and rumours to fuel communaltensions over the land dispute.

In the Kashmir Valley, one of the first SMSswas ‘Khul ja SIM, SIM’, congratulating mobilesubscribers for the restoration of the services. ABSNL spokesman in Jammu said that soon afterthe services were restored the first message thesubscribers circulated was ‘Congratulations, SMSis back’.

An estimated 47,000 lives have been lost in theKashmir conflict, according to official figures,though violence has declined in recent years afterthe start of a peace process between India andPakistan in 2004.

Mobile services were launched in Kashmir in2003 after security agencies gave the go-aheadfollowing appeals by the then ruling PDP party. �

Post-paid mobiles, billed ona monthly basis, can still be

bought. But buying themrequires a series of security

checks and officialregistration of personal

details and passport

It is a decision taken by the indian government. We will monitor its impact ongenuine users and take appropriate measures accordingly. It is not a positivedevelopment. Genuine user will have to face the brunt due to the apatheticattitude of the telecom companies which did not verify the antecedents ofsubscribers before issuing SIM cards


13

Muhammad Asif Telepedia

Kashmir: India bans pre-paid mobile phone

After lowest call rates and free minutesoffering, mobile companies are makingall out efforts to retain their customersand increase the usage of the mobile. For

now almost all companies are offering advancebalance. Mobilink has a very catchy line {Jab baatkhatam naa ho tu balance kio khatam ho}. Needycustomers are using this package for the sake ofcontinous communication. The offer is very usefulin case someone is far away or at such a locationwhere instant load is not available, this is awonderful offer. Interestingly Warid has notoffered the loan service yet.

Mobilink’s Jazz advance was the pioneer offerand welcomed by the sector. The service allows youthe comfort of keep talking. Rs5 is allowed on Jazzadvance request for a balance below Rs3.50.

Mobilink with over 25 million customers isahead of other companies and the offer hadstrengthened the reputation of the company. Thenew feature allows the customers to access instantcredit Jazz Advance from their prepaid accountsonce the balance reaches a minimum threshold. Therecharge amount is transferred to the user’s accountby simply dialing the required number from theJAZZ connection and following a simple one-touchprocedure. On each Jazz Advance request, thecustomer gets instant balance that will be deductedon next recharge. There is no concept of any kind ofinterest or service charges on this advance.

Akbar Khan, Director Brands while talking tothe Flare said that during the last 28 months over500 million customers has benefited from the offerwhich shows the popularity of JAZZ loan. “Jazzcustomers are our greatest strength and we wouldlike to facilitate as much as possible. This facilitywill give the Jazz subscribers freedom, flexibilityand also provides a safety net when there is anemergency and allows the users to talk freelywithout worrying about insufficient balance.”

On the other hand Ufone has the same service inthe name of Uloan but the difference is that thecompany is charging 60 paisa that is not customerfriendly. Some religious scholars are agreed thatthis is soud and thus prohibited or haram in Islam.It is one of the major sins and is strictly abandoned.

Since last couple of weeks, Ufone’s customersstarted complaining about the additionaltransaction charges which were being applied onthe ULoan service. Customers have started sendingmessages saying that the extra charges whichUfone takes is actually interest and prohibited,alarming people to stop using Uloan as it ispropagating haram among the public. \

If you check out ULoan’s details it is clearlymentioned that transaction charges of Rs0.50 willbe applied. It’s a general notion that we don’t givemuch emphasis to the terms and conditions of anyservice. So, we can’t say how many people read thedetails before using this service. Those who read itbut continue to behave so demonstrate that theydid not consider it.

To clear this confusion we contacted Ufone andasked for its viewpoint, which is given below:

It is absolutely clear that any charges deductedon Uloan cannot be classified as interest. Interest inany circumstances means that it has a compoundeffect and it is multiplied with time. Also those who

fail to pay are penalized with extra charges in allthe interest based products. In the case of ULoan

the customer has to pay onetime fixed charges.These charges remain the same whether thecustomer reloads the account after a month orafter four months. There are also no penaltycharges for not reloading in a fixed time period.These charges on ULoan are simply a transactionfee. All other cellular operators also charge fordifferent services where amounts are transferredeither from the company or even between thecustomers themselves.

On the other hand, an Aalim of Jamia Aloom-e-Islamia, Banori Town, Karachi said that the extracharges which Ufone is taking is interest which isharam in our religion.

It is true that in our country we normally donot care about our religious obligations andresponsibilities but as a nation we should notallow any one to make such jokes with themillions of customers any way and on any cost.

On the other hand the regulator is primarilyresponsible for such type of initiavies from thecompany. There is no check and balance andtelcom companies are doing whatever goes intheir favour.

It is worth mentioning that India is also givingadvance balance or loan to their cellular customersbut no one is charging interest for that. Throughthis article we appeal to Chief Justice of Paksitanto take notice of the matter and make itcompulsary for all the companies to ensuretransparent and unobjectionable dealing of publicmatters. �


14


JAZZ advance is also offering Rs5 to its

customers as an emergencybalance to any prepaid

customers but Mobilink is notcharging any interest on it

Since last couple of weeks, Ufone’s customers startedcomplaining about the additional charges which werebeing applied on the ULoan service. Customers havestarted sending messages saying that the extracharges which Ufone is taking is actually interest(soud), that is prohibited in Islam

According to the ITU ICT eye which isnow carrying 2008 data, Pakistan’ssurge to overtake Sri Lanka haspetered out, leaving the Maldives (143

active SIMs/100 people) as the undisputedleader in mobile connectivity (apparently alladult Maldivians carry two active SIMs; thereare only two operators in the Maldives), and SriLanka second with 52 SIMs per 100 people.

On the fixed side, assisted by CDMA phonesthat are counted as fixed, Sri Lanka is the leader(17 connection per 100 people), followed byMaldives (15 connections per 100).

Like in cricket, the middle of the rankings isthe most interesting. Both Pakistan (50/100) andBhutan (37/100) are ahead of India (29/100) inmobile phones. This shows that India cannotafford to let up the pace of 10 millionconnections a month for some time. If it does itmight be overtaken by Afghanistan (29/100) andeven Bangladesh (28/100).

Of course, the fact that Afghanistan is aheadof Bangladesh in mobile penetration shouldcause all sorts of palpitations in governmentoffices in Dhaka. Bangladesh was one of theearliest in South Asia to adopt mobile and is themost densely populated country in the world.How they were overtaken by Afghanistan, awar-torn country with difficult terrain, should

cause serious re-examination of policies such asthe BDT 800 SIM tax. The fact that Afghanistan’sCAGR for 2003-08 is 109 per cent, higher thanBangladesh’s 2003-08 CAGR of 101 per cent,suggests that the gap between the two countriesis more likely to increase than decrease.

In the fixed rankings, we find Afghanistanoccupying the cellar (0.37/100 people) behindBangladesh (0.84/100). Pakistan (2.5/100) isbehind Nepal (2.8/100). This is very surprisinggiven the apparent superiority of the Pakistanpolicy and regulatory framework. Both useCDMA on the fixed access side, so that cannotbe the explanation.

India is the only country showing negative

growth in fixed over the 2003-08 period (-2 percent), but this simply because India is morehonest in its reporting, counting CDMA on themobile side instead of on the fixed side. Forexample Sri Lanka is experiencing negativegrowth in wireline that is masked by CDMAgrowth.

From 2003 to 2008, the number of active SIMshas increased by over 12 times, while thenumber of fixed connections has decreasedmarginally, the negative growth in India wipingout all the gains in the rest of South Asia. SouthAsia is clearly the territory of the mobile.

As a United Nations agency, the ITU has anobligation to identify, define, and producestatistics covering its sector - thetelecommunication/ICT sector. This is in linewith other specialised agencies that publishstatistics covering their respective field ofoperations and forms part of the global statisticalsystem of the UN.

The collection of over 100telecommunication/ICT indicators is one of themain activities of the unit. The ITU's MarketInformation and Statistics (STAT) Unit collects

its Telecommunication/ICT data directly formgovernments by means of an annualquestionnaire that is sent to the governmentagency in charge of telecommunications/ICT.This is usually the Ministry or the regulatoryagency. The STAT Unit verifies and harmonisesdata, carries out research, and collects missingvalues from government web sites andoperators' annual reports, particularly forcountries that do not reply to the questionnaire.Market research data are also used to cross-check and complement missing values.

The indicators/statistics published in thispublication are used to back up ICT sections ininter-governmental publications such as theUNDP Human Development Report, the WorldBank World Development Indicators and theUnited Nations Statistical Yearbook. Data areavailable in a number of formats includingprinted publications, CD-ROM, and byelectronic download.

The flagship publication, the Yearbook ofStatistics, has been published annually foralmost three decades and is widely respected asthe world's leading source of ICT statistics. �


16


In the fixed rankings, we findAfghanistan occupying thecellar (0.37/100 people) be-hind Bangladesh (0.84/100).Pakistan (2.5/100) is behindNepal (2.8/100). This is very

surprising given the apparentsuperiority of the Pakistan

policy and regulatory frame-work. Both use CDMA on the

fixed access side, so thatcannot be the explanation

SIM statistics: Pakistan fails to surpass Sri Lanka

Maldives is the undisputed leader in mobileconnectivity (apparently all adult Maldivians carrytwo active SIMs; there are only two operators in theMaldives), and Sri Lanka second with 52 SIMs per100 people. Both Pakistan (50/100) and Bhutan(37/100) are ahead of India (29/100) in mobile phones

The Auditor General of Pakistan hasdetected irregularities, embezzlements,unauthorised expenditure, non-recoveriesand losses, amounting to Rs7.75 billion in

various sections of telecommunication. The AGP,in its report on accounts of this sector for 2008-09,observed that the national exchequer suffered atotal loss of Rs7.247 billion in the NTC; Rs464.11million in Special Communication Organisation(SCO) and Rs8.399 million in PakistanTelecommunication.

The telecommunication sector comprisesPakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA),Frequency Allocation Board (FAB), National RadioTelecommunication Corporation (NRTC), NTCand SCO. The AGO conducted audit on test checkbasis, and observed irregularities of Rs3879 million.The report says that the PTA management has notsettled the issue of pay and allowances and otherfringe benefits to its employees since 2004.

As a result, irregular payments were made onaccount of pay and allowances, honorarium, cashreward, leave encashment and foreign TA/DA,amounting to Rs69.669 million, although the paypackage was approved and rules were quite clearabout the grant of these benefits, the report reveals.

The report says that "receivables" remained aweak area, which resulted in non-recovery of hugeamount of Rs1008 million from varioustelecom/mobile operators "The PTA incurredirregular expenditure on purchase of vehicles andlaptops worth Rs13.979 million.

"The instances of misappropriation and misuseof public money, totalling Rs82.307 million,showing the inability of the management to avertlosses," the report says. The report laments that theFAB prepares only its "Receipt and ExpenditureAccount," which does not reflect the status of itsliabilities and assets.

"It made irregular payments on account of payand allowances, leave encashment and house rentallowance, despite the approval of its pay package.The foreign TA/DA worth Rs25.595 million wasalso paid without the approval of the FinanceDivision. The FAB also incurred irregularexpenditure on purchase of vehicles worth Rs1.628million," says the report.

The NRTC management also incurred irregular

expenditure on purchase of vehicles worth Rs2.617million. The report says that it was not adhering tothe Public Procurement Rules, which resulted inirregular procurements worth Rs7.187 million. Thereport further says that the government exchequersustained a huge loss due to non-deduction ofincome tax and sales tax worth Rs1.089 million.

According to report, the NTC incurredirregular expenditure of Rs18.925 million inviolation of the Public Procurement Rules. “Stores,amounting to Rs39.668 million, were purchasedun-necessarily, resulting in blockage of publicmoney.” It could not recover an amount ofRs20.532 million from different agencies and madeirregular payments on account of cash rewardworth Rs8.987 million without obtaining approvalof Finance Division."

The report says that the SCO managementmade unauthorised re-appropriation of funds ofRs1100 million without the approval of the FinanceDivision. The AGP recommended that themanagement of these organisations was sensitisedwith the importance of effective internal controlsystems.

The AGP recommends that the PrincipalAccounting Officers and management of theseorganisations should exercise due diligence andadherence to Generally Accepted AccountingPrinciples (GAAP) and International FinancialReporting Standards (IFRS) while maintaining thebooks of accounts. It recommends that theorganisations should ensure observance of therules and regulations and introduce effectivesystems of stores and inventory management. �

Free download | flare.com.pk TelepediaFlare Report

"The instances ofmisappropriation and misuse

of public money, totallingRs82.307 million, showing theinability of the management to

avert losses"

The telecommunication sector comprises of PakistanTelecommunication Authority (PTA), Frequency Allocation Board(FAB), National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), NTCand SCO. The AGO conducted audit report says that the PTAmanagement has not settled the issue of pay and allowances andother fringe benefits to its employees since 2004

17

With advancements in technology andincrease in buying power, most ofthe city dwellers are looking forways to cut the steps between order

and delivery. People are relying on phone andinternet to place orders and receive goods,eliminating the hassle of physically visiting themarketplace. One can get Bakra Online throughSMS, Wap or via web.

The worst power crisis grip over the countryas the shortfall bulged to 3000 Megawatts in July2009. The people were facing problems in watersupply as well owing to the power crisis. Almostsix to eight hours of loadshedding on equal basisthroughout the cities of Pakistan. After theloadshedding, floor crisis surging in the country,the people queued for getting flour at the highestprices. Now there is no sugar stock after theSupreme Court ordered to sell the sugar at Rs40per kg.

Eidul Azha is a festivity independent of allcrises. Children like the animals and desire to buythem not as early as possible but also muchhealthy, the price of an average goat is 12000 to15000. It is not possible to buy an averagesacrificial animal for the middle or lower middleclass people. It is feared the crises of sacrificialanimals will be deepen this year.

The trend of purchasing sacrificial animalsthrough internet is gaining popularity. A largenumber of web sites offer goats, cows and camelsfor the upcoming Eid ul Azha have appeared onthe internet. These web sites claim that browsingfor animals on the internet is better thanpersonally going to a cattle market to select asacrificial animal. These said that people wouldbrowse for animals by their pictures and rates andcould place orders.

These web sites accept credit cards and othermodes of payment through internet and say thatthe selected animal will be delivered at thedoorstep of the purchaser the next day. Eid ulAzha is marked with the ritual of sacrifice andmillions of Muslims across the globe makesacrifices of cows, goats, sheeps and camels toremember the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) aswell as to celebrate the end of Hajj.

While making sacrifice is not an issue inMuslim countries, it is really a task for Muslimsliving in the western world. People usually sendfunds to their relatives and friends in Muslimcountries to make sacrifice on their behalf or givemoney to charities for the purpose. But now theyhave got control on their sacrifices, thanks to theinternet.

Online Bakra is a buying service that providesphoto, video, voice and other descriptionsincluding types and prices of the goats and othersacrificial animals on the internet which assistscustomers to make their choice.

Different chains of big stores as well asindividuals manage these web sites. They claimthat buying a sacrificial animal on the internet washassle free and without any bargaining because ofcompetitive prices. It also saves precious time ofbuyers. Most of the web sites are havingadvertisements from different religious parties fordonation of the sacrificial animals’ skins whilemany other are offering the facility of performingQurbani and then delivery the meat to customers’homes.

They are also offering Qurbani to expatriatePakistanis and one of their packages is that theywill sacrifice an animal here in Pakistan, distributeits meat among the poor and send pictures of liveand sacrificed animal to the customers abroad.Likewise, some web sites are also offering theexpatriates the option of viewing the sacrifice ontheir web site. These web sites said they willdedicate an IP address and people could watch thesacrifice no matter which country they were in.

The idea of purchasing sacrificial animalsthrough internet was introduced in the countrysome two or three years back. People said thatcompanies and individuals were selling all kindof stuff on internet then why not sacrificialanimals and termed this idea brilliant.

Khurram, a resident of Faisal Town said, onlast Eidul Azha he purchased a goat through oneof such web sites and this year he was againplanning to do the same. It saved my timeotherwise I have to go to some stinking cattle

market in this heavy traffic of the provincialmetropolis and then after reaching there I have tobargain a lot with the sellers and then look for avan to get the animal home. “The internet hasmade it very easy now,” he said.

Waqar, a resident of Defence area, said all suchweb sites were showing the pictures of theanimals as well as their bio data like their weight,age and teeth and after we purchased the animalonline, they send us the same and in case of achange we can deny our order.

The people however said that prices on theweb sites right now were quite exorbitant but theyhoped that the prices would come down near Eid.They said the City Government should promotethis type of selling of sacrificial animals to keepthe city neat and clean on Eid as usually peopleset up cattle markets on every city road and greenbelt.�


18

InsighT Azhar Javed

Bakra online throughSMS, internet

Online Bakra is a buying service that provides photo,video, voice and other descriptions including typesand prices of the goats and other sacrificial animalson the internet which assists customers to make theirchoice

City Government shouldpromote online selling ofsacrificial animals to keepthe city neat and clean on

Eid ul Azha as usually people set up cattle markets

on every city road andgreen belt

Acision has announced that over 660million text messages were deliveredacross its messaging systems during a48 hour period in Pakistan, over the

2009 Eid festive season. With 95 million mobilesubscribers representing 58 per cent of themobile penetration rate, Pakistan is one of thefastest growing mobile markets in the world.

“It is becoming very normal for SMS volumesto peak during festive seasons, mainly due toconsumers opting to send SMS greetingsbecause it is inexpensive, easy to use andsupported by all mobile handsets in the market.

“One of the key drivers for SMS trafficgrowth in this market is the introduction of SMSbundles this year for the prepaid segment. Withmobile users taking advantage of such bundles,SMS volumes are rising to new record levels toover half a billion being processed in just twodays. These figures demonstrate that SMS is stillthe preferred choice for communicating and isset to remain the most dominant data revenuedriver for Pakistan mobile operators.” Sherif

Hamoudah, Senior Vice President and GeneralManager for Acision in Middle East, Africa andPakistan said.

With SMS volumes continuing to increaseyear on year, Acision sees ample opportunitiesfor operators to double SMS service revenuesthrough innovations in messaging, anddifferentiation in the messaging experiencethrough value added enhancements that provideconvenience and productivity.

“Operators too, are realising that SMS mustbe managed in parallel to its overall business. Bygrowing a messaging business on an openarchitecture mobile operators can rapidly rollout new services. The scalable nature of theAcision SMSC means that operators messagingsystems can effortlessly handle substantialincreases in volumes of messages withinseconds. As the world’s leading messagingcompany, Acision has extensive global marketreach which means we have a better insight intothe present and future requirements of mobileoperators and mobile subscribers.” Hamoudahadded.

This Eid has seen a strange trend ofsuspending SMS services. Unfortunately, it wasTelenor who informed its users via SMS that ithas postponed the packages on Eid to sustain thenetwork. The packages remained inactive sinceSeptember 24, 2009.

Dear Customers, SMS Bundles have beensuspended till 24th September 09 to provide youbetter service during EID. Please subscribe againon 24th September after 2pm. We apologise forany inconvenience.

Such lawful activities are waiting for theconcern of Pakistan TelecommunicationAuthority. There is apparently no reason forwhy Telenor halt the SMS bundles where othercell phone mobile operators were serving thepeople nationwide. We hope that PTA will takenotice of the violation of customer’s rights. �

Unfortunately, it was Telenorwho informed its users viaSMS that it has postponed

the packages on Eid to sustain the network. The

packages remained inactivesince September 24, 2009

It is becoming very normal for SMS volumes to peakduring festive seasons, mainly due to consumersopting to send SMS greetings because it isinexpensive, easy to use and supported by all mobilehandsets in the market

Eid: 660 million textsexchanged nationwide

Free download | flare.com.pk Flare Report Telepedia

19


20

InsighT Flare Report

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority(PTA), in the fulfilment of obligation underMobile Cellular Policy 2004, has revisedand issued framework for Mobile Virtual

Network Operator (MVNO) services to bring it inaccordance with the present trend and dynamics oflocal telecommunication market scenario.

In the revised framework, PTA has made itcompulsory for prospective MVNOs to first sign anagreement with at least one Mobile NetworkOperator (MNO) before applying for the permissionfrom PTA.

The MVNO framework restricts the deploymentof self-owned network elements i.e. Radio Access,Transmission, Switching and Network equipmentsetc by MVNOs. Further, MVNOs will be allowed tomake commercial arrangements with more thanone conventional MNO for provision of mobilecommunication services to their own customers.

MVNOs shall be allowed to enter into roamingagreements with other operators on mutuallyagreed terms and conditions, and they shall holdtheir own brand name and customer ownershipwhile marketing their own SIMs.

The MNO(s) shall be responsible for the nationalsecurity issues, and appropriate clauses will beincluded in their agreement with MVNO(s) toensure efficient resolution of such issues.

To provide MVNO services, PTA has set aninitial fee of USD five million. PTA has determinedUSD five million for keeping in view Pakistan'smarket and its dynamics. Initially, the license shallbe issued for period of 10 years which would beextendable for another term of 10 years subject tomutual agreement between the parties and consentof the Authority. However, the license shall beterminated on expiry of agreement between MNOand MVNO or upon expiry of the license of the

parent MNO. In case PTA, for any valid reason, terminates the

license of a parent MNO, licence(s) of attachedMVNO(s) shall also stand terminated. It may benoted that like other PTA licensees the MVNOs willalso be liable to pay all other regulatory fees andcontributions in addition to the initial license fee.

The new MVNO framework says that provisionof Quality of Service (QoS) shall be the soleresponsibility of licensed MVNO therefore, it mustensure that its users receive good QoS as perbenchmarks set by PTA. While entering into anagreement with MNO, individual responsibilities ofMVNO including provision of QoS should clearlybe pronounced in the agreement.

The MVNO(s) shall be responsible for makingnecessary arrangements to facilitate its users and forthe purpose it shall establish at least one CustomerCare Centre and 24/7 helpline in each city of itsoperation. The MVNO shall not stop provision ofservices to its customers without at least a threemonths notice and prior approval from PTA.MVNO shall also be responsible for resolution ofbilling or other disputes with its customers.

PTA shall approve the contents of StandardContract of Service and Customer Agreement Formof MVNO(s) prior to the commencement of itsservices. MVNO(s) shall submit Code ofCommercial Practice to PTA and shall follow thesame with true letter and spirit.

It is pertinent to mention that this frameworkmay be reviewed by PTA from time to time if PTAdeems fit or circumstances require so. It is expectedthat this new framework will enhance the chances offurther growth in the telecom sector of Pakistan byproviding opportunities of new investments in thesector and hence making the market friendlier forconsumers. �

Revised framework forMVNO services


21

Flare Report Telepedia

To provide MVNO services, PTA has set an initial feeof USD five million. Initially, the license shall beissued for period of 10 years which would beextendable for another term of 10 years subject tomutual agreement between the parties and consent ofthe Authority

Internet is usually perceived to be a law-lessworld of communication. You can doanything, any time, from anywhere.Freedom of expression is the motto of the

world of web sites. However, all those glitters arenot gold. The world of internet is not as free as itappears to be. There are certain hiddeninterventions that are made by ISPs to control theinternet traffic. The regulation of the internet isvery important to make sure the rights ofNetizens.

The US Federal Communications Commissionhas proposed a number of rules to limit the abilityof ISPs to restrict their customers' access toservices and content on the internet. Whileoperators could still engage in "reasonable" trafficmanagement, such as to prevent congestion, therules seek to limit the increasingly commonefforts by ISPs to restrict customer access toservices such as P2P sites, VoIP services or otherhigh-bandwidth activities.

In addition, internet users should be able toconnect any device to the network, according tothe proposed 'net neutrality' rules. As the FCCalso wants the rules to apply to wireless andmobile internet providers, this could mean an endto operator-exclusive handset deals and rulespreventing Wi-Fi devices on mobile networks.

The six proposed rules are open for publicconsultation until 14 January, 201. The rules meanISPs would

1) Not be allowed to prevent users fromsending or receiving the lawful content of theirchoice over the internet;

2) Not be allowed to prevent users from

running lawful applications or using lawfulservices of the user’s choice;

3) Not be allowed to prevent users from

connecting to and using on its network the user’schoice of lawful devices that do not harm thenetwork;

4) Not be allowed to deprive users of the

entitlement to competition among networkproviders, application providers, serviceproviders, and content providers;

5) Be required to treat lawful content,applications, and services in a non-discriminatorymanner; and

6) Be required to disclose such informationconcerning network management and otherpractices as is reasonably required for users andcontent, application, and service providers toenjoy the protections specified in the rules.

ISPs would still be permitted to addressharmful traffic and traffic unwanted by users,

such as spam, and prevent both the transfer ofunlawful content, such as child pornography, andthe unlawful transfer of content, such as a transferthat would infringe copyright.

In addition, the FCC is seeking comments on"managed" or "specialised" services, which mayfall outside the basic rules. These are customisedIP-based services for businesses and other distinctusers, such as the healthcare, energy or educationsectors.

The regulator is also leaving the door open fora different application of the rules to mobileoperators, calling for comments on "in what time

frames or phases, and to what extent theprinciples should apply to non-wireline forms ofbroadband internet access, including mobilewireless". �


22


Net neutrality rules by FCC

As the FCC also wants therules to apply to wireless

and mobile internetproviders, this could meanan end to operator-exclu-sive handset deals andrules preventing Wi-Fi

devices on mobile networks

The International TelecommunicationUnion has given its approval for an energy-efficient one-charger-fits-all new mobilephone standard. Every mobile phone user willbenefit from the new Universal ChargingSolution, which enables the same charger tobe used for all future handsets. The new UCSstandard is based on input from the GSMA,which predicts a 50 per cent reduction instandby energy consumption, elimination of51,000 tonnes of redundant chargers, and a subsequent reduction of 13.6 milliontonnes in greenhouse gas emissions each year.

Standardisation of the UCS within ITU hasbeen completed by Study Group 5 -Environment and Climate Change, and willaccelerate broad adoption.

Based on the Micro-USB interface, UCSchargers will also include a four-star or higherefficiency rating. The ITU will also participatein the forthcoming UNFCCC Climate Change Talks in Barcelona, from 2-6November and stress the significance of ICTs as a major cross-sectoraltool in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The new UCS standard is based on input from the GSMA, whichpredicts a 50 per cent reduction in standby energy consumption,elimination of 51,000 tonnes of redundant chargers, and a subse-quent reduction of 13.6 million tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions each year

ITU approves universal phonecharger standard

ISPs would still be permitted to address harmful traffic and traffic unwanted by users, such as spam,and prevent both the transfer of unlawful content,such as child pornography, and the unlawful transferof content, such as a transfer that would infringe copyright

One after another the senior officials ofTelenor are inflicting pain upon thepeople of Pakistan. Initially, it was thecartoons issue which badly hurt the

Muslims world wide by a Norwegian companywhich has close links with the Telenor group.News came of Telenor’s probable sale to theZong and now it is the effort to invoke religiousright.

A national daily disclose that the modelTelenor hired in its Umra advertisement wasChristian. The news evoked the religioussentiments of Muslims to fight for their religioussanctity.

Let us make it clear that the management ofFlare has no grudges against the Christencommunity residing in Pakistan. The objection issolely on the selection of an improper person fora very precious depiction.

It is widely known that the Makkah and thepilgrims are of prime importance to Muslims andit is their religious duty to pay at least one visit tothe holy city. Using a Christian to invite Muslimsto come and avail the Telenor’s unique service isunethical. The policy makers of huge campaignsare incompetent to keep in mind that their singleact can affect the feelings of countless people.

The initiative of hiring a Christian model hasnot abridged the religious differences as some

walls can never be levelled. Islam andChristianity are two distinct religions that havedifferent norms and are of different flavours. Themistake to invite both under one platform is notjust and specially in a situation when theplatform is a Norwegian company like Telenor.

Telenor would not have made such a mistakeif it ever bothered the feelings of millions ofMuslims. The prime concern of this company isto grasp as much money as possible and tosupport anti-Muslim and pro-Jewish activities.Ample evidences of Telenor’s such efforts havebeen already provided in Flare.

Coming across the anticipated dealing ofTelenor-Zong it is also clear that Telnor’s onlyfocus is money. A desperate company that isready to sell out its own self to secure itshegemony and property in somewhere else. Thesituation becomes more critical when weremember that Telenor is doing all this to save

its Indian hand. How immoral and unjust. What will be the destiny of those people who

opt Telenor? Will Telenor arrange somereferendum? Have the company taken initiativeon behalf of its customers, if yes then who gaveit the right?

China Mobile needs to buy something out of

their homeland; this was the statement fromtheir chairman Mr Wang Jianzhou.

When two people get married, either of themor sometimes both of them adopt each other’squalities and habits. If Telenor will ever go forsuch a relation, and that is inevitable from certainpoint of views then which brand is going todominate is a question. The question will remainunanswered unless or until someone from theTelenor side dare to reply.

We should also inform you that EddyAbdullah has already confirmed the news.

Orascom changed its course in Indian marketbecause it wants to save its dear and loyal marketin Pakistan. History repeat itself and it will be nowonder if Telenor will sale its Pakistani share tosave its profits in India. It is true that you can noteat your cake and have it. For stretching itself inIndia, Telenor must quit Pakistan.

It would be far respectful if Telenor behavedwhile keeping in mind its critical position inPakistan. Telenor is harming its repute by usingunfair means. We hope that PTA will take notice

of the issue that is not only of a model’s religionbut also of ethics. Telenor has no right to inflictpain upon the religious sentiments of so manypeople by hiring wrong person for one of theholies duty.

Here, we would like to ask a question from alldevoted Pakistanis weather they will allow anyone to not honour their religion for just the sakeof investment. If Telenor Pakistan is sincere thenthey have to follow the land of law and that is torespect the Muslims and their religion.

It is un-acceptable that all this is being donewith out the will of the higher authorities of thecompany which has a pro Jewish mind. Now it isthe customers of Telenor Pakistan which candecide to move in favour of their religion or theother way. It is our will and commitment thatwill save our religion and others will respectMuslims and their religion. �

Telenor would not have madesuch a mistake if it ever

bothered the feelings of millionsof Muslims. The prime concernof this company is to grasp as

much money as possible and tosupport anti-Muslim and pro-

Jewish activities.


24

Using a Christian to invite Muslims to come and avail the Telenor’sunique service during Umra is unethical. The policy makers ofhuge campaigns are incompetent to keep in mind that their singleact can effect the feelings of countless people

Cartoon issue; angry protestors burning Dennish flag andprotesting against Telenor. (File Photo)

Cartoon issue; angry protestors burning telenor banners inKarachi. (File Photo)

Cartoon issue; angry protestors shouting against Telenorin Islamabad. (File Photo)


25

InsighTFlare Report

Pakistan is among the five dynamiceconomies of developing Asia in terms ofincreased penetration of mobile phones,internet and broadband, says the

Information Economy Report, 2009 published bythe United Nations Conference on Trade andDevelopment (UNCTAD).

Among the five countries in terms of mobilepenetration, Pakistan is placed at number threefollowed by Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Iran andMaldives remain at the top positions,respectively. In the area of internet penetration,Pakistan is placed at the third position and forbroadband penetration the country is at thefourth position.

The report sees the mobile industry as a ‘cashcow’ in some countries noting that Pakistan wasexperiencing significant macroeconomicproblems, yet the mobile market steams ahead asthe effects of the global economic recession on theglobal mobile network are so far limited.

The number of fixed lines in the world hasessentially been frozen at around 1.2 billion since2006 and even saw a slight decline in 2008. Since2004, developing countries have accounted forjust over half of all fixed telephone lines.

Global fixed line tele-density (fixed telephonesubscriptions divided by population andmultiplied by 100) stood at 18 in 2008. Indeveloped countries, tele-density was 47, whilein developing countries it was 12.

At the end of 2008, there were an estimated 1.4billion internet users around the world. Thegrowth rate of 15 per cent was slightly lower thanin 2007. In developing countries, the number ofusers grew by a quarter, or almost five timesfaster than in developed countries. As a result,developing countries now account for more thanhalf of the world’s internet users.

China hosted the largest number of users with298 million, followed by the United States (191million) and Japan (88 million). A little over onefifth of the world’s population used the Internetin 2008.

Public internet facilities such as internet cafés,educational establishments and digitalcommunity centres are also important forboosting internet usage in developing countries.The number of fixed broadband subscribersaround the world was an estimated 398 millionat the end of 2008. Developing countriesaccounted for almost 40 per cent of these, makingbroadband one of the few ICTs where developedcountries still represent the majority of users.Global average broadband penetration stood at5.9, with striking differences between developedand developing economies.

Compared with most other industries, themobile sector in developing countries shouldhave a good chance of weathering the storm.According to the latest available data, growthcontinued in the two largest developing countrymobile markets — China and India — also in2009.

The report estimated that the value of exportsof information and communication technologies(ICTs) goods rose from USD813 billion toUSD1.73 trillion between 1998 and 2007,representing 13 per cent of all merchandise trade.

The increase was almost entirely attributableto developing Asia. Other developing regions aswell as economies in transition remain marginalexporters of ICT goods. While exports of ICTgoods such as computers and consumerelectronic devices have been hit hard by theglobal recession, IT and ICT-related servicesappear to have been more resilient, the reportnotes. �

Warid provides endless convenienceto pay your postpay bills or top upyour prepaid accounts via 1LINKATMs throughout the country.

Now, no need to wait in line, pay your billsthrough ATMS of following 1LINK Memberbanks in a convenient and effective manner. It issimple and easy to use service which is available24 x 7.

All subscribers can now avail the facility topay their bill through ATM machines, or can topup its prepaid number, which are available indenominations of Rs250, Rs500 and Rs1000.

Currently following members of 1LINK areproviding this service.� Allied Bank Limited� Atlas Bank� Bank Al Habib� Bank Al Falah� Habib Bank Limited� RBS- Royal Bank of Scotland� Soneri Bank Limited� Standard Chartered Bank Limited� United Bank LimitedTo pay your postpaid bill or top up your prepaidnumber follow the following steps: � After entering your ATM PIN number, selectthe Utility Bill Payment option on the ATMscreen,� Select ‘Warid Telecom’ from the list thatappears on the screen, � Enter your mobile number for which youwant top up or bill payment,� Select your account,� Select the amount for top up or enter the billpayment amount for post pay,� Acknowledge the entered information, and� Collect/save the receipt. �

1LINK byWarid – thesingle solution

In developing countries, the number of users grew by a quarter, oralmost five times faster than in developed countries. As a result,developing countries now account for more than half of the world’sinternet users

All of a sudden bill payment isin everyone’s mind. Whether itis utility bills or phone bill, therace is on for convenience andservice. Warid has started tooffer its phone bill payment at1 Link ATMs with a statementthat “This service is free of costand has no hidden charges”

The Averox Group of companies AveroxInc. USA, Averox Europe Ltd. UnitedKingdom, Averox TelecommunicationsLLC Dubai and Averox Pvt. Ltd.

Pakistan are currently under the leadershipand guidance of CEO Salman Mahmood. Salmanover a span of 16 years has accumulated atremendous amount of international experience,working for blue-chip IT organisations such asCap Gemini Ernest & Young. Also as aconsultant to various other companies lendinghis in depth knowledge and implementing ITstrategies for market leaders such as Ford CreditGroup Europe, General Motors, Volvo Trucks

North America, British American Tobacco,Reckitt Benckiser, DHL and Shell Petroleum. AComputer Science graduate with strongtechnical and business skills, Salman has alsoreceived industry leading certifications such asSAP and Siebel.

The Averox story begins with a softwarehouse in England which was established in 1982where Salman served as the CEO, he initiallystarted off with 12 employees and with his keensense of business and a vision towards the futurethe company has now grown worldwide. In late2000, Pakistan IT regulations were simplifiedand the government agencies tended to be

supportive of the industry and because of thefavorable conditions of low labor cost,availability of land, a stable economy and goodinvestment opportunities in Pakistan, Salmanwas able to establish a Pakistan office PearlConsulting (Pvt.) Ltd. In 2003. Within a shortspan the Pakistan office grew from a 2 person

outfit to more than 100 employees and in 2004,Salman had spread his reach into the middleeast, establishing Pearl Consulting FZ-LLC inDubai, United Arab Emirates.

In 2006, Pearl Consulting was re-branded asAverox and is now a Public company on theNASDAQ over the counter bulletin board(OTCBB) in USA.

A man of acute vision, Salman in 2007 wasmoving ahead, as Averox was now offeringrenewable energy solutions for telecom vendorsto households worldwide. A bold step whereenergy problems are on the rise as naturalresources are depleted and power costs areincreasing.

Averox is now among the top three ITcompanies in Pakistan who are offering theirshares to the public and one of the biggestcompanies with respect to market capitalizationwhich was at one state US $130 million, with ashare price of US $7.50. The company hasachieved various certifications of quality andSalman himself numerous awards of excellence.

In a short span, Salman has materialized hisideas and goals where others dream to attain,and is committed to provide his insight into thefuture with a wide array of solutions andservices.

Besides being a successful entrepreneur,Salman is an avid horserider, having his ownfarm with top of the breed horses. In 2006, hewon the all Pakistan Tent PeggingChampionship organized by the CDA,Islamabad and was named "Best Horseman" ofthe show!. �

Averox is now among the topthree IT companies in

Pakistan who are offeringtheir shares to the public and

one of the biggestcompanies with respect to

market capitalization

Free download | flare.com.pkInterview Flare Report

26

The Averox story begins with a software house in England which wasestablished in 1982 where Salman served as the CEO, he initiallystarted off with 12 employees and with his keen sense of businessand a vision towards the future the company has now grownworldwide

Mr. Salman MahmoodCEO Averox

Mr. Salman MahmoodCEO Averox

In a short span, Salman hasmaterialized his ideas and

goals where others dream toattain, and is committed toprovide his insight into thefuture with a wide array of

solutions and services

In the beginning, two-way radios were usedin vehicles such as taxicabs, police cruisers,ambulances, and the like, but were not mobilephones because they were not normally

connected to the telephone network. Users couldnot dial phone numbers from their vehicles. Alarge community of mobile radio users, known asthe mobileers, popularised the technology thatwould eventually give way to the mobile phone.Originally, mobile two-way radios werepermanently installed in vehicles, but laterversions such as the so-called transportables or"bag phones" were equipped with a cigarettelighter plug so that they could also be carried, andthus could be used as either mobile or as portabletwo-way radios. During the early 1940s, Motoroladeveloped a backpacked two-way radio, theWalkie-Talkie and later developed a large hand-held two-way radio for the US military. Thisbattery powered "Handie-Talkie" (HT) was aboutthe size of a man's forearm.

In Europe, radio telephony was first used onthe first-class passenger trains between Berlin andHamburg in 1926. At the same time, radiotelephony was introduced on passenger airplanesfor air traffic security. Later radio telephony wasintroduced on a large scale in German tanksduring the Second World War. After the warGerman police in the British zone of occupationfirst used disused tank telephony equipment torun the first radio patrol cars. In all of these casesthe service was confined to specialists that weretrained to use the equipment. In the early 1950sships on the Rhine were among the first to useradio telephony with an untrained end customeras a user.

In 1910 Lars Magnus Ericsson installed atelephone in his car, although this was not a radiotelephone. While travelling across the country, hewould stop at a place where telephone lines wereaccessible and using a pair of long electric wireshe could connect to the national telephone

network. In 1946 soviet engineers G. Shapiro andI. Zaharchenko successfully tested their version ofa radio mobile phone mounted inside a car. Thedevice could connect to local telephone networkon a range up to 20 kilo meters.

In December 1947, Douglas H. Ring and W.Rae Young, Bell Labs engineers, proposedhexagonal cells for mobile phones in vehicles.Philip T. Porter, also of Bell Labs, proposed thatthe cell towers be at the corners of the hexagonsrather than the centres and have directionalantennas that would transmit/receive in threedirections into three adjacent hexagon cells. The

technology did not exist then and the frequencieshad not yet been allocated. Cellular technologywas undeveloped until the 1960s, when RichardH. Frenkiel and Joel S. Engel of Bell Labsdeveloped the electronics.

Recognisable mobile phones with directdialling have existed at least since the 1950s. In the1954 movie Sabrina, the businessman LinusLarrabee (played by Humphrey Bogart) makes acall from the phone in the back of his limousine.

The first fully automatic mobile phone system,called MTA (Mobile Telephone system A), wasdeveloped by Ericsson and commercially releasedin Sweden in 1956. This was the first system thatdid not require any kind of manual control in basestations, but had the disadvantage of a phoneweight of 40 kg (90 lb). MTB, an upgraded versionwith transistors, weighing 9 kg (20 lb), wasintroduced in 1965 and used DTMF signalling. Ithad 150 customers in the beginning and 600 whenit shut down in 1983.

In 1957 young soviet radio engineer LeonidKupriyanovich from Moscow created the portablemobile phone, named after himself as LK-1 or"radiophone". This true mobile phone consisted ofa relatively small-sized handset equipped with anantenna and rotary dial, and communicated witha base station. Kupriyanovich's "radiophone" hadthree kilogram of total weight, could operate upto 20 or 30 kilo meters, and had 20 or 30 hours ofbattery lifespan. LK-1. The base station of LK-1(called ATR, or Automated TelephoneRadiostation) could connect to local telephonenetwork and serve several customers.

In 1958, Kupriyanovich resized his"radiophone" to "pocket" version. The weight ofimproved "light" handset was about 500 gram.

In 1958 the USSR also began to deploy the"Altay" national civil mobile phone serviceespecially for motorists. The newly-developedmobile telephone system was based on SovietMRT-1327 standard. The main developers of the

During the early 1940s,Motorola developed a

backpacked two-way radio,the Walkie-Talkie and later

developed a large hand-heldtwo-way radio for the US

military. This batterypowered "Handie-Talkie"

(HT) was about the size of aman's forearm

Free download | flare.com.pkTelepedia Flare Report

28

Journey of handset and its expansionIn Japan and South Korea, the market no longer supplies phones of the second generation. Earlier in thedecade there were doubts about whether 3G might happen, and also whether 3G might become acommercial success. By the end of 2007, it had become clear that 3G was a reality and was clearly on thepath to become a profitable venture

Altay system were Voronezh Science ResearchInstitute of Communications (VNIIS) and the StateSpecialised Project Institute (GSPI). In 1963 thisservice started in Moscow, and in 1970 the Altayservice already was deployed in 30 cities of theUSSR. The last upgraded versions of the Altaysystem are still in use in some places of Russia asa trunking system.

In 1966, Bulgaria presented the pocket mobileautomatic phone RAT-0,5 combined with a basestation RATZ-10 (RATC-10) on Interorgtechnika-66 international exhibition. One base station,connected to one telephone wire line, could serveup to 6 customers.

In 1967, each mobile phone had to stay withinthe cell area serviced by one base stationthroughout the phone call. This did not providecontinuity of automatic telephone service tomobile phones moving through several cell areas.In 1970 Amos E. Joel, Jr., another Bell Labsengineer, invented an automatic "call handoff"system to allow mobile phones to move throughseveral cell areas during a single conversationwithout loss of conversation.

In December 1971, AT&T submitted a proposalfor cellular service to the Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC). After years of hearings, theFCC approved the proposal in 1982 for AdvancedMobile Phone Service (AMPS) and allocatedfrequencies in the 824-894 MHz band. AnalogueAMPS was superseded by Digital AMPS in 1990.

One of the first successful public commercialmobile phone networks was the ARP network inFinland, launched in 1971. Posthumously, ARP issometimes viewed as a zero generation (0G)cellular network, being slightly above previousproprietary and limited coverage networks.

On April 3, 1973, Motorola employee DrMartin Cooper placed a call to Dr Joel S. Engel,head of research at AT&T's Bell Labs, whilewalking the streets of New York City talking onthe first Motorola DynaTAC prototype infront of reporters. Motorola has a longhistory of making automotive radios,especially two-way radios for taxicabs andpolice cruisers.

In the 1990s, 'second generation' (2G)mobile phone systems such as GSM, IS-136("TDMA"), iDEN and IS-95 ("CDMA")began to be introduced. In 1991 the firstGSM network (Radiolinja) opened inFinland. 2G phone systems werecharacterised by digital circuit switchedtransmission and the introduction of

advanced and fast phone-to-network signalling.In general the frequencies used by 2G systems inEurope were higher than those in America,though with some overlap. For example, the 900MHz frequency range was used for both 1G and2G systems in Europe, so the 1G systems wererapidly closed down to make space for the 2Gsystems. In America the IS-54 standard wasdeployed in the same band as AMPS anddisplaced some of the existing analogue channels.

Coinciding with the introduction of 2Gsystems was a trend away from the larger "brickle"phones toward tiny 100–200g hand-held devices,which soon became the norm. This change waspossible through technological improvementssuch as more advanced batteries and moreenergy-efficient electronics, but also was largelyrelated to the higher density of cellular sitescaused by increasing usage levels. This decreasedthe demand for high transmission powers to reachdistant towers for customers to be satisfied.

The second generation introduced a newvariant to communication, as SMS text messagingbecame possible, initially on GSM networks andeventually on all digital networks. The firstmachine-generated SMS message was sent in theUK in 1991. The first person-to-person SMS textmessage was sent in Finland in 1993. Soon SMSbecame the communication method of preferencefor the youth. Today in many advanced marketsthe general public prefers sending text messagesto placing voice calls.

2G also introduced the ability to access mediacontent on mobile phones, when Radiolinja (nowElisa) in Finland introduced the downloadablering tone as paid content. Finland was also the firstcountry where advertising appeared on themobile phone when a free daily news headlineservice on SMS text messaging was launched in2000, sponsored by advertising.

Not long after the introduction of 2G networks,projects began to develop third generation (3G)systems. Inevitably there were many differentstandards with different contenders pushing theirown technologies. Quite differently from 2Gsystems, however, the meaning of 3G has beenstandardised in the IMT-2000 standardisationprocessing. This process did not standardise on atechnology, but rather on a set of requirements(2Mbit/s maximum data rate indoors, 384 kbit/soutdoors for example). At that point, the vision ofa single unified worldwide standard broke downand several different standards have been

introduced. The first pre-commercial trial network with 3G

was launched by NTT DoCoMo in Japan in theTokyo region in May 2001. NTT DoCoMolaunched the first commercial 3G network onOctober 1, 2001, using the WCDMA technology.In 2002 the first 3G networks on the rivalCDMA2000 1xEV-DO technology were launchedby SK Telecom and KTF in South Korea, andMonet in the USA. Monet has since gonebankrupt. By the end of 2002, the second WCDMAnetwork was launched in Japan by Vodafone KK(now Softbank). In March the first Europeanlaunches of 3G were in Italy and the UK by theThree/Hutchison group, on WCDMA. 2003 saw afurther eight commercial launches of 3G, six moreon WCDMA and two more on the EV-DOstandard.

During the development of 3G systems, 2.5Gsystems such as CDMA2000 1x and GPRS weredeveloped as extensions to existing 2G networks.These provide some of the features of 3G withoutfulfilling the promised high data rates or full rangeof multimedia services. CDMA2000-1X deliverstheoretical maximum data speeds of up to 307kbit/s. Just beyond these is the EDGE systemwhich in theory covers the requirements for 3Gsystem, but is so narrowly above these that anypractical system would be sure to fall short.

By the end of 2007 there were 295 millionsubscribers on 3G networks worldwide, whichreflected 9 per cent of the total worldwidesubscriber base. About two thirds of these are onthe WCDMA standard and one third on the EV-DO standard. The 3G telecoms services

generated over 120 billion dollars ofrevenues during 2007 and at many marketsthe majority of new phones activated were3G phones. In Japan and South Korea themarket no longer supplies phones of thesecond generation. Earlier in the decadethere were doubts about whether 3G mighthappen, and also whether 3G might becomea commercial success. By the end of 2007 ithad become clear that 3G was a reality andwas clearly on the path to become aprofitable venture. �


29

Telepedia

In 1957 young soviet radioengineer Leonid

Kupriyanovich from Moscowcreated the portable mobilephone, named after himself

as LK-1 or "radiophone". Thistrue mobile phone consisted

of a relatively small-sizedhandset equipped with an

antenna and rotary dial, andcommunicated with a base

station

Smartphones are going mass market,fuelled by the public's "insatiable appetite"for social media, analysts say. They predictan explosion in sales alongside price falls

for smart handsets next year. It comes in a weekwhich sees the launch of Blackberry's latesthandset, the Storm 2. Meanwhile the Palm Pre,dubbed an "iPhone killer" finally makes its UKdebut. Despite the recession the market for high-end phones is buoyant.

"The mobile internet is at the same stage as theinternet was in 1998," said Ian Fogg, an analystwith research firm Forrester. Ben Wood, ananalyst with CCS Insight, agrees.

"We are on the cusp of an explosion ofcomputer-like devices in the hands of consumerswhere previously they were the preserve of theearly adopter," he said. "Social networks are thefuel propelling the momentum," he added.

Increasingly mobile operators and handsetmanufacturers are providing phones that are "aone-stop shop for social messaging whether thatbe Twitter alerts, instant messages or the latestpictures on Facebook," said Mr Wood. It could betime to drop the label "smartphone" thinksForrester analyst Ian Fogg.

"Most handset makers are looking to addinternet capabilities to their ranges. It is no longerabout whether a phone can access the internet buthow well," he said.

Nothing illustrates the rise of the smartphoneinto the mainstream better than the story ofBlackberry. RIM (Research in Motion), thecompany behind the Blackberry family, hastransformed itself in recent years, with a range ofhandsets reaching far beyond its originalcorporate demographic. Its Curve series hasbecome one of the fastest selling smartphones onthe market.

In August 2009, RIM announced that it hadsold 65 million Blackberry smartphonesworldwide. But it has yet to corner the appsmarket in the same way as Apple's iPhone has.While developers have written around 85,000applications for the iPhone, there are only around2,000 for Blackberrys. The Blackberry Storm 2 isreleased on 15 October and addresses some of theissues of the original handset. It sees newtouchscreen technology to improve the typingexperience and make it more like using atraditional keyboard. It will be available viaVodafone, free if users buy into a £35 a monthtwo-year contract.

The Palm Pre introduces a new mobileoperating system. The following day sees therelease of the Palm Pre in the UK, a much-anticipated device which has been in development

for seven years. It debuts its own operating system- webOS - which aims to mimic desktop operatingsystems. It allows users, for instance, to switchbetween applications in the same way asprogrammes are multi-tasked on a homecomputer. It has been touted as an "iPhone killer"since its release in the US in June. Figures frommarket research firm TNS suggest the Pre-Palmlaunch could outshine the debut of the iPhone in2007.

It surveyed 1,000 UK adults and found that 27per cent of existing 02 customers would be "keento buy" the Palm Pre, compared with 17 per centwanting the iPhone prior to launch. It will beavailable via 02, to anyone signing up for a two-year £34.26 monthly contract. For those reluctantto sign up for lengthy contracts, smartphones arecurrently expensive. To get a "pay and go" versionof 02's iPhone 3G, for example, will cost a hefty£342.50.

According to Forrester the prepaid market inthe UK accounts for around 65 per cent of mobileusers but data tariffs for users are not as attractive

as those on contracts. For anyone on a contract,mobile internet is bundled pretty much asstandard these days.

If smartphones are to go truly mass marketcheaper handsets and data charging tariffs that areattractive to the pre-paid market will be essentialsaid Mr Wood.

"£35 a month is a lot of money to some and wepredict that smartphones will be available below£100 in 2010, alongside tariff innovation," he said. �


30


Battle of smartphoneschanging the technologyscenario

The mobile internet is at the same stage as the inter-net was in 1998. We are on the cusp of an explosionof computer-like devices in the hands of consumerswhere previously they were the preserve of the earlyadopter. Social networks are the fuel propelling themomentum

Increasingly mobile operators and handset

manufacturers are providingphones that are "a one-stopshop for social messaging

whether that be Twitteralerts, instant messages or

the latest pictures on Facebook

Watching his sons kick around amakeshift ball made from tightlybound plastic bags, Ugandanhandyman Jackson Mawa marvels

at the way business has improved since hebought a solar-powered mobile phone.

"I am self-employed. Sometimes people callme and they find my (cell) phone is off. I havebeen having that problem a lot due to batterycharging. So when (Uganda Telecom) broughtout the solar phones, since I got it, that very day,I have never had any problem with my phone,"said Mawa, clutching the device.

Farmers can check market prices beforedeciding which crop seeds to sow, speak tobuyers from their fields and get weatherforecasts. And unlike with standard mobilephones, they don't have to worry about theirphone battery losing power.

Mobile phone penetration in these regions hasbeen held back by a lack of electricity: there issimply no way to charge a cell phone in manyrural areas of developing countries. An estimated1.6 billion people have no access to electricity atall, while another 1 billion people have noelectricity for much of the day, according toestimates by development groups.

Until solar cell phones were introduced,charging a phone in remote areas, off theelectricity grid, entailed a bone-jarring journey tothe nearest town, where the phone battery couldbe charged at kiosks run on generators forrelatively hefty fees.

There are more than three billion people usingmobile phones around the world and most of thenext billion users will come from emergingmarkets, particularly in the country-sides ofthese markets.

"There is a significant opportunity withindeveloping markets where there is limited accessto grid electricity," said Windsor Holden,principal analyst at telecoms research firmJuniper Research. The makers of solar cell phonessuch as Nokia, Samsung and ZTE see the ruralpoor in these emerging markets as their maincustomer base rather than carbon-consciousconsumers in the West.

"People's need to communicate is so high. It'srunning miles ahead of the power gridsexpansions," says Anne Larilahti, head ofenvironmentally sustainable business at networkequipment maker Nokia Siemens Networks.Across the ocean, in India's remote Orissa state,farmers living off the power grid are generatingelectricity with solar power which is makinginroads in rural India and Bangladesh. For them,solar-powered cell phones are a naturalextension.

The potential in rural India for cell phonemakers and operators is huge. Consider this:India had nearly 500 million wireless users, andsome 10 million new users are signing up each

month. That doesn't count the millions in India'sremote villages where electricity is rare or non-existent. Tapping this new market as well asearning green points, is attracting mobile phonecompanies such as South Korea's Samsung whichreleased its first solar-powered phone model,Solar Guru, in India in June.

"We contact doctors for health related advice.We seek information on weather from localofficial. We speak to local agriculture officialsand discuss with them problem related to crops,"said Indian farmer Jhasketan Pradhan.

If demand for such phones really takes off, itis a risk for Nokia, who likely cannot watch forlong from aside as its market share in India andin Africa is 60 to 70 per cent.

With proper positioning and pricing, solar-powered cell phones could reach about twobillion people across the globe who have noaccess to electricity. Aside from the commercialopportunities, there are very real economicbenefits.

"Nowadays, farmers use mobile phones toknow about the market situation ... so that themiddlemen cannot exploit them and this ishappening in Bangladesh, this is happening in Uganda, this is also happening inIndia," said Abdul Bayes, an economics professorfrom Bangladesh's Jahangirnagar University.

Bayes, who has studied the impact of mobilephones on developing economies, estimates thatGDP increases by one or two per cent for every10 per cent increase in mobile phone access.

A major appeal of solar-powered cell phonesis the growing consumer demand forenvironmentally sustainable mobile phonedevices, and annual sales of greener phonescould grow to 105 million handsets by 2014, saidHolden, of Juniper Research.

An average mobile user is responsible foraround 25 kg of C02 emissions per year, saidHolden, a collective total of 93 megatonnes ofCO2 globally as of the end of 2008. Electricityconsumed by charging mobile phonescontributes to just a fraction of such emissions.

Sony Ericsson and Nokia are rolling out phones with greener features such as lower energy consumption, useof recycled materials, smaller packages andelectronic user manuals. Meanwhile, Samsung and ZTE arepushing ahead with solar phones and Sharp isreleasing its own model in Japan this year.

It's not clear what Nokia's plans are in thesolar phone department as it keeps a tight lid onits future product lines.

In Africa, Kenya's Safaricom has already soldout its first batch of solar-powered mobilephones made by ZTE since the phones werelaunched in August.

"It's selling pretty good because if wecompare with other phones that (are also new tothe market), they were not doing as well as we are having this one do," said Gladwell Mbugua, a Safaricom sales agentin Nairobi. �


34


Solar speeding up cellular revolution

More than one billionphones are sold globallyeach year, which requires

the use of sales boxes, add-ons and tonnes of raw

materials including raremetals

For millions of African and Asian people, with no connection to electricity grids or unreliable and expensive power access, these little solar-poweredgadgets are proving to be revolutionary

Warid Telecom (Pvt.) Ltd. the country’smost reliable service provider hasalways been on forefront in deployingthe latest technology, partnering with

the worlds top class vendors like Oracle, Cisco, SunMicrosystems and Microsoft.

Warid has recently commenced an outstandingproject of implementing Virtual DesktopInfrastructure (VDI) solution based on Microsoft

Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V. This initiativewas taken as part of Microsoft’s early adoptionProgramme for this cutting edge virtualisationtechnology. Warid Telecom was amongst the

pioneer customers in the MEA region inimplementing VDI solution under this programme.

Microsoft held a commercial launch of Windows7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Microsoft ExchangeServer 2010 in Pakistan. The event was held inSheraton Hotel Karachi. It is the largest outreach toIT Decision Makers, IT Professionals and Developersin Microsoft’s history. Warid Telecom is awardedwith Gold Sponsorship and an honorary shield wasgiven to Warid’s Chief Information Officer.Microsoft has also developed a case study taking a

detailed account on Warid Pakistan, and it will bepublished on Microsoft’s global website.

While speaking on the event Javed Mushtaq,Chief Information Officer, Warid Telecom said, “Weexpect a 20 per cent drop in our capital expenditureand a 62 per cent drop in operating expenses bycutting power, support, and hardware costs with theHyper-V solution.”

Microsoft Country Head Kamal Ahmed said,“The launch of such a powerful product portfolioshowcases Microsoft’s commitment to ourcustomer’s top priority and seeks to enhance costsavings, IT efficiency and business productivity.Companies in Pakistan can use these products to notonly drive costs down but also drive down their risk

profile through better security and compliance,while maximising the productivity of the workforcethey support.”

With this project, Warid Telecom taken a leapforward in carbon emissions, honouring its part inkeeping the planet greener thus takes anotherinitiative for environment friendly green technology.Total Power Consumption is reduced by 180 per

cent with annual saving of 215,280 KW/Y frompower and Total Air Conditioning Saving per Year:160,030 KW/Y, also Carbon Emission Saving perYear: of 581730 Pound. �

Companies in Pakistan canuse these products to notonly drive costs down butalso drive down their risk

profile through bettersecurity and compliance,

while maximising theproductivity of the

workforce they support

Warid Telecom is awarded with Gold Sponsorship and an honorary shield wasgiven to Warid’s Chief Information Officer. Microsoft has also developed a casestudy taking a detailed account on Warid Pakistan, and it will be published on

Microsoft’s global website


35

Flare Report Event

Microsoft awards Warid

Karachi: Senior executive of Warid Telecom

during the event.

Karachi: Warid Chief Information Officer Javed Mushtaq

addresses the Microsoft Windows 7.

Sherif Seddik, GM-Microsoft North Africa, East Mediterranean and Pakistan, receiving shield from Kamal

Ahmed, Country GM-Microsoft Pakistan

Sherif Seddik, GM-Microsoft North Africa, East Mediter-

ranean and Pakistan, Kamal Ahmed, Country GM-Microsoft

Pakistan and Zafar Ul-Islam, Technology Strategist speaking

at the Press Conference for the Windows 7 Launch

Emirates Global Islamic Bank Limited(EGIBL), the lead arranger, Pak OmanInvestment Company Limited, BRRGuardian Modaraba and Bank of Khyber

have jointly arranged Sukuk Al Musharaka ofRs660 million for Al Razi Healthcare PrivateLimited (formerly Al Razi Diagnostic Center(Pvt) Limited) a project of Dhabi Group.

The commemorative signing ceremony for

this facility held recently in Karachi. ChiefExecutive Officer (CEO), Razi Healthcare, DrOsman Bashir Tahir along with Syed TariqHussain, Jehangir Shah, Ayaz Dawood and BilalMustafa respective heads of EGIBL, Pak OmanInvestment Company Limited, BRR GuardianModaraba and Bank of Khyber graced theceremony.

Al Razi Healthcare Pvt Ltd will offer patients

access to one of the most advanced diagnosticfacilities in Pakistan. Its state-of-the-art radiologyequipment and laboratory, supported by a teamof qualified specialists will ensure prompt,highly reliable and accurate results for all withno compromise on patients’ comfort and care.

The financing facility will help Al RaziHealthcare to construct its world class Diagnosticand Health Rejuvenation facilities in Lahore. n

Free download | flare.com.pkEvent Flare Report

36

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Razi Healthcare, Dr Osman Bashir Tahir along with Syed TariqHussain, Jehangir Shah, Ayaz Dawood and Bilal Mustafa respective heads of EGIBL, Pak OmanInvestment Company Limited, BRR Guardian Modaraba and Bank of Khyber graced the ceremony

Karachi: Syed Tariq Hussain, President, Emirates Global Islamic BankLimited, gives documents to CEO, Al Razi Healthcare, Dr Osman

Bashir Tahir in the ceremony.

Karachi: CEO Equity Global, Fahd Parvez Sheikh and other participants during the ceremony.

Karachi: A group photo of Sukuk Al Musharaka and Al Razi Helath-care members at the memorable event.

Karachi: GM Finance, Wateen Telecom Aqib Zulfiqar attends the function of Al Razi Healthcare.


37

Flare Report Event

Music is the universal language that cantouch anyone’s heart and soul, ittranscends all cultures. People want toown the music and play it loud. Music

is the most wanted entertainment need of people allaround the world because there’s a song for everymoment in life. Capturing the magic of music andtouch, Nokia recently held its Music Event at a local

hotel in Karachi. The event exuded tons of livelycolours and disco appeal. The two Nokiaspokespersons for the evening were Imran KhalidMahmood, Country General Manager, NokiaPakistan and Christophe Corsi, Head of LIVECategory, Nokia Middle East and Africa who talkedabout company’s strategy towards its music and

touch phones business. Nokia understands that it has a responsibility to

meet and exceed consumer expectations. Withmillions of music optimised mobile phones sold todate, Nokia knows that it needs to take special carewhen it comes to delivering new devices. For thisreason, Nokia pays special attention to itsconsumers’ behaviour.

Nokia ‘Comes With Music’ is an exclusiveservice available in selected markets. It makeslocally relevant songs available to people via theirmobile phones making all you can eat music easilyaccessible. Nokia currently has 12 Nokia MusicStores globally and is striving hard to establish itsMusic Store in Pakistan in near future. To ensurethat managing music is a streamlined andcomfortable experience for music lovers, Ovi alsomakes easy music management possible for Nokiamusic optimized mobile phones.

Nokia leads the music devices share in Pakistan.To continue innovation in its Music & TouchPortfolio, Nokia will introduce Nokia X6, Nokia X3and Nokia 5230 in Pakistani market during the startof the next year. Nokia’s consumer researchindicates that 24 per cent of the market is willing topay PKR8000 or more for touch devices. Based onthese numbers, Nokia will bring touch devices atlower price points to allow maximum number ofusers to enjoy music.

Speaking about Nokia’s leadership in music,

Christophe Corsi said, “Our technology will drivethe music industry. Our consumers wanteverything in one device. Digital convergence ishappening now and Nokia is at the forefront of it.

In Pakistan specifically, youth enjoys music a lot.Nokia is in a strong position to lead music phonemarket. Mobile phone is the new platform fordigital music. New technologies are driving themusic industry. In the 80s, people enjoyed music onVinyl Disks, then came Cassettes which werereplaced by CDs in late 90s to bring more music.CDs were followed by Video/DVD as peoplewanted to view and listen to music at the same time.Today, music has gone digital.

Nokia 5230 is an affordable touch device withrich features. Available in appealing design andvivid colour skins, Nokia 5230 is packed with crisp3.2” widescreen. Nokia 5230 features a Media Barwith quick access to your favourite media andapplications, such as music, photos, YouTube or OviShare. The innovative Contacts bar featuresthumbnail images for up to 20 close friends andprovides easy access to them and their

communications history including emails, phonecalls, photos or other social media updates. Itsupports a continuous 33 hours of music playbackwith your favourite 3.5mm music headphones.With all S60 functionalities, Nokia 5230 gives accessto Ovi Store which is a single stop for games andother fun applications. Continuing the music storyand expanding Nokia’s wide portfolio of touch andmusic devices, Nokia X6 and X3 are two newfantastic devices to look forward to.

Nokia X6 is the ultimate touch phone withcapacitive touch, metallic accent and a sleek design.Combining 32GB of on-board memory with a slick3.2” finger touch interface, Nokia X6 is a perfectchoice for music lovers and social butterflies. NokiaX6 has a 16:9 widescreen optimized for photos,videos and browsing. With direct access to OviStore, Nokia X6 is a hive of activity that brings 20

friends and virtual communities, like Facebook, toyour homescreen.

Setting new industry standards with its Music& Touch Portfolio, Nokia aims to make music andtouch available to the masses with the most enriched music experience at different price points. �

Digital music is the future. In today’s world, the way welisten to music and enjoy it has changed completely.Nokia has been leading the music technology all theway. We are partnering with the leading artists and musicians: Imran Mahmood


38

Event Flare Report

Touch the music Cristophe Corsi, Head of Marketing – Live Category, Nokia

Middle East and Africa

Imran Khalid Mahmood, Country General Manager, Nokia

PakistanModels posing at Nokia event

Welcome to a whole new world,where Samsung LED technologybrings you images you have neverseen before. Brighter colours,

deeper blacks and sharper images - the ultra slimSamsung LED is the next generation of television.

What is LED TV?In the history of television there have been

many improvements. The first was black andwhite TV. Then came colour, stylish designs andbigger screens. Now we have the nextbreakthrough. Introducing the revolutionarySamsung LED TV powered by LED technology. What is LED?

Normal televisions use a fluorescent lampbacklight to produce an image. Samsung LED TVscreate images using white, light emitting diodes(LED). It is the same technology found in laptopscreens. LED lights use much less energy and offermore precise control of colour, contrast andclarity.

Unlike incandescent bulbs (which generatelight with filaments) and compact fluorescents(which create light from gases encased in airtightglass containers), LEDs feature semiconductorsthat turn electricity into either white or colourlights.

Why is LED technology revolutionary?Until recently, normal LED TVs placed LED

lights at the back. The Samsung’s designersdeveloped the world’s first white Global LED TV,which positions the LEDs on the edge of theframe. This transformative technology has finallymade exceptionally slim TVs a reality. What are the features of Samsung’s LED TVs?

• Superior picture qualityWhen it comes to watching TV, the most

important feature is how the images look on thescreen. In this area, Samsung LED technologydelivers unparalleled images for a truly immersiveexperience.

Samsung LED technology offers precision

control over brightness. It can intelligently adjustthe brightness level of individual LED lights atany time. This broad colour contrast createsdeeper, authentic blacks.

Samsung LED technology means that eachLED light has the ability to switch itself on and offindependently. This enables the TV to display awider range of natural colours and providegreater depth. Even with subtle colours.

Samsung LED technology renders crisp, clearimages in Full HD with 1920 x 1080p resolution.Artifact removal technology, combined with100Hz scanning, eliminates motion blur in fast-moving scenes, such as sport.

• Stylish designUsing the advanced Global LED technology,

Samsung’s designers created TVs that areexceptionally thin and light. But the trulyrevolutionary difference is how easily the TV canbe mounted on a wall like a picture frame. Thisenables them to blend in seamlessly with yourviewing environment.

Inspired by the beauty of a water droplet,Samsung’s patented Crystal TV design carefullycrafts the frame to appear like a water dropletfrozen in time. This gives it a reflective quality thatis light, clear and unique enough to appearnaturally formed. Crystal TV offers smooth lines,soft transparency and subtle colour gradients.

• Eco-friendlySamsung has a profound concern for

environmental sustainability. The new LEDGlobal technology significantly reducesenvironmental footprint and enables a dramaticreduction in power consumption and materialsusage. LED TVs have earned a coveted Eco-labelmark from the European Union.

By using more efficient light bulbs andimproving the optical structure, Samsung LEDTVs use 40 per cent less energy. Samsung has alsoused greener materials, reduced CO2 and VOCemissions, generated less waste by eliminating theneed for spray paint and eliminated both lead andmercury. �

Samsung’s LED Televisionigniting the TV revolution

Samsung LED technologymeans that each LED light

has the ability to switch itself on and off independ-

ently. This enables the TV todisplay a wider range of

natural colours and providegreater depth. Even with

subtle colours

Normal televisions use a fluorescent lamp backlightto produce an image. Samsung LED TVs create images using white, light emitting diodes (LED). It isthe same technology found in laptop screens. LEDlights use much less energy and offer more precisecontrol of colour, contrast and clarity


42


There is good news for Ufone but bad newsfor customers and general public asUfone is nominated in Telecoms WorldAwards Middle East. It is interested to

note Ufone is owned by a governmentorganisation and worked only in Pakistan wherethe award is given in Middle East not in Pakistan.

Following is the Press release issued by themanagement in the country to befool thesubscribers and general public as well. The fact isthat:


43

ExclusiveFlare Report

It is really interesting to observe that a domestic operator isselected for an international award. We are still unable to getwhy the authority has nominated the Ufone. It is shocking tosee that the company claims unique advertisement ideas toitself. The cheap, repeating and mocking ideas smashed onthe screen with terrible punch lines have nothing new andstriking to offer

Ufone nominated for Best Brand of 2009 by Tele-coms World Awards Middle East

Islamabad – November 03, 2009: Ufone, Pak-istan’s pride in Telecom sector announces its nomi-nation for Telecoms World Awards Middle East as theBest Brand of the Year 2009. It is pertinent to mentionhere that Ufone is the only Pakistani Telecom com-pany to be amongst the finalists for these awards fromnominations of over 30 operators from the MiddleEast.

Ufone’s direct and humorous approach towardscommunication has not only won the hearts andminds of people of Pakistan but have redefined thebrand and made it a household name for all Pakistanis.Ufone’s Brand story is a success to be marvelled at.Ufone’s interesting ads coupled with witty sentencesand comic situations have tremendously helped to im-prove both the brand image and revenue. The messageof “Saaf Awaz, Fauri Raabta, Behtreen Network aurSastay Tareen Call Rates” is now strongly associatedwith Ufone.

Ufone’s network outage reported, countrywideUfone’s network remained down throughout

the country for several hours. As per reportsKarachi, Lahore, Kohat, Rawalpindi, Islamabad,Gujrat, Faisalabad and several other cities, theywere unable to make or receive any call.

Outage started with slight issues at 4 pm onNovember 3 while signals completely wentdown at 6 PM. During outage, no activity onUfone including voice, SMS, GPRS was possible.

Issues got resolved later in the evening at 10pm when network was fully working. Nocomments or explanations came from Ufone tosympathise the users for a hault of 6 hours.

Mr Asif Saeed Malik, Head of MarketingCommunications said, “This is a moment to cel-ebrate for the Ufone family. We are thankful tothe entire team for helping us propel our brandthis far. We have and always will strive to bringa smile on all those who watch our commercialson a day to day basis and shall ensure that wegive them something new to look forward toevery time. Ufone, Tum Hee Toh Ho!”

It is really interesting to observe that a do-mestic operator is selected for an internationalaward. We are still unable to get why the au-thority has nominated the Ufone. It is shockingto see that the company claims unique adver-tisement ideas to itself. The cheap, repeating andmocking ideas smashed on the screen with terri-ble punch lines have nothing new and striking tooffer.

The network gets jam from time to time.There is no information of balance deduction andinnocent customers are blindly charged for un-known services and service charges. Ufone offi-cials must provide its audience with someexplanation or some criteria by the virtue ofwhich it has been nominated.

Ufone deducts more amount on sharingI have been using Ufone from last few years.

Beside a very pathetic helpline, the issue I amgoing to post here is regarding Ushare (when oneperson sends amount from his account toanother person on the same operator).

When we put some balance in our accountUfone deducts tax from our balance. This is okaybut I have noticed when I send amount tosomeone from my account, I see that Ufonededucts more amount from my account.

This is completely unacceptable and seemsvery wrong. I wonder why Ufone is doing thisand deducting about Rs2 for single sharing isquite expensive service to avail.

Bad serviceI am using the service of Ufone from last six

months. Ufone is pathetic. Drop of balance is nomore a wonder for me. No delivery report areprovided. Recently the service got jammed and Iand my friends have no way to learn the status ofdata transfer among us. After complaining no so-lutions appear to relieve the customer grievance.

No signalI am one of thousands who are living in wall

city of Lahore. There are no signals in Lahore(wall city). Kindly do some thing so people likeus who mistakenly bought a Ufone connectioncan remain connected.

Ufone message delivery issueAs we know that we are facing Ufone mes-

sage delivery problem for many months. I askedthe Ufone help line and they replied, "Due toservice up gradation, we are not continuing thisservice." But it has been a long time to disconnectthis service. Please take a quick action on thisservice so the users can be facilitated.

Bad/Poor serviceIt is very difficult to get a straight connection.

I always have to dial any number two or threetimes before my call is connected. Moreover thevoice quality is very poor, it breaks often. MaybeI have to jump off a plane to get a clear voice!

If Ufone could spend a bit more on servicequality than TV advertisements, the servicewould be no more a trouble. Ads are good butmy idea of a mobile connection is to be able tomake calls. If the situation continues I willchange my connection to some other networkand will take my friends and family with me.

ZTE is a leading global provider oftelecommunications equipment andnetwork solutions. ZTE wasestablished in 1985 in China and is

renowned all over the world for its innovativeand customised products and services. Thecompany offers a range of solution forGSM/CDMA, Optical transport systems, datacommunication products and cellular handsets.ZTE has a customer base which is spread over140 countries with more than 500 operators.

The HQ of the company is in Shenzhen,China and the company’s shares are traded atChina Stock Exchange. ZTE has strong R&Dcapabilities across the organisation with morethan 15 R& D centres in China and overseas andit is a member of 30 InternationalStandardisation Organisations such as ITU, 3GPP, 3GPP2. Quality products are a hallmark ofall ZTE solutions and proof of this lies in the factthat the company has been awarded qualitycertifications like 1SO-9000, ISO 9001 and ISO14001.

ZTE Pakistan was established in 1998 andhas achieved tremendous success in the localtelecommunication market. ZTE has 16 officesin Pakistan and its Head office for the country islocated in Islamabad. The organisation has alsosetup software centre, factory, training centreand customer service centre in Pakistan.

ZTE has the sole distinction of winning andexecuting the largest turnkey contract in thehistory of Pakistan (1998-2001, BT Project forPTCL). Since then, it has executed various otherprojects all of which have developed ZTEsystems and processes. ZTE has a team ofexperts with excellent skills and wideinternational experience in the telecom industry

capable of managing all stages of projectimplementation.

ZTE has contributed to the development ofPakistan through completion of projects invarious regions ranging from the ruggedmountains of Kohistan to tough terrains ofGwadar. During last 10 years of its operationsin Pakistan, ZTE has generated more than 5000job opportunities across the country. ZTEPakistan has trained experienced engineers,technicians and managers who are working notonly for ZTE, but also in othertelecommunication companies of Pakistan aswell as abroad. The company has the credit ofproject completion for PTCL, CMPAK, NTC,NLC, SCO, Telecard, Telenor, Mobilink, Wi-Tribe etc.

ZTE Pakistan has the capacity to provideevery thing related to telecommunicationindustry requirements under one umbrella andit strives to build a successful and lastingrelationship with its customers and this is themajor factor in distinguishing ZTE from itscompetitors. �

During last 10 years of itsoperations in Pakistan, ZTE hasgenerated more than 5000 job

opportunities across the countryand trained experienced

engineers, technicians andmanagers. It also has the creditof project completion for PTCL,

CMPAK, NTC, NLC, SCO,Telecard, Telenor, Mobilink and

Wi-Tribe


ZTE has contributed tothe development ofPakistan through

completion of projects invarious regions ranging

from the ruggedmountains of Kohistan totough terrains of Gwadar


48

Cover Story Zubair Ahmed Kasuri

Pakistan is a land of wonders wheremultiple issues of almost all walks of lifeare omnipresent to place hurdles in theway to progress and prosperity. There is

no doubt that Pakistan is blessed with numerousvaluable resources but the exploitation of theseresources never moved in proper direction. Thepolitical leadership and the destabilising factorsare always ready to craft one excuse or another.

Facilities are introduced in a blindfoldedmanner. Public that is always ready to embraceuser friendly and convenient luxury, just grabthe token and start to avail there share. Peopleare not to be blamed for the misuse of anopportunity, if the government has remainedunable in defining ethics and limits of the usage.

It is the prime responsibility of the governmentto make laws before hand and then to enforcethe law thoroughly.

Unfortunately, in Pakistan governments havealways tried to hold one excuse or another. Incase some severe scandal breaks and points outgovernment for the mishap then another issue ofequal importance is raised at some other place tobalance the charges and of course to divert theattention of people.

At the end of 2008, and in the beginning of2009 the airs were sounding with high claims ofblocking all illegal, unregistered and multi-issued SIMs (Subscribers Identity Module). Thecorruption sown by the ex-Chairman is all thatwe are reaping in these years.

Our country is in a state of war. Thedestabilising agents are ready to do all that theyare potent of to shake our infrastructure. Andsadly all this is moving effectively due to theboom of telecom sector. The telecom sector oncewitnessed a growth rate of 170 per cent. Thetelecommunication sector that is responsible fortaking initiative of issuing SIMs to all andsundry without keeping any record to grow onfalse grounds. The boom is no more. There isonly depreciation. The growth was in negativedigits for a number of months after tiresometime it finally started to see a glimpse of hope.

Wait! there is another bolt from the blue. Thetelecom sector is once again shivering. Thereason is very obvious. The Operation Rah e Rastand Reh-e-Nijaat are in progress andinternational influence is persuading thePakistani government to take notice of activeSIMs that are not traceable. The dilemma is thecapturing of those suspects or/and the tracingof those SIMs that have not lead theinvestigation agencies to desired ends.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority

(PTA) has taken initiative to indulged the peopleof Pakistan in the eruption of illegal,unregistered, fake or improperly registeredSIMs. Nadra has no doubt facilitated theAuthority in a brilliant way. Together they, PTAand Nadra, are on their way to make straight themismanagements of Shahzada Alam, the Ex-Chairman of PTA.

PTA has launched "SIM Information System-668," which enable the mobile subscribers toknow the total number of SIMs issued againsttheir CNIC number, with each mobile operator.

Secretary Information Technology andTelecom, Naguib Ullah Malik, chief guest on theoccasion, inaugurated the new system at theforum organised by the PTA, under the theme“Together for Consumer Rights.” On thisoccasion, Malik said the government isfacilitating telecom industry so that it continuesto grow. He affirmed that the governmentwanted development in the telecom sector,which was growing at fast pace during the lastfew years.

About the system, he appreciated thisinitiative taken by PTA and said that it is crucialto safeguard our communication systems so thatthey do not fall into the wrong hands and forthat purpose, this new system by PTA, will playan effective role.

Addressing the consumer forum, ChairmanPTA Dr Mohammed Yaseen, who presided overthe forum, said the launching of this new serviceis yet another evidence of PTA's sincerity

towards its vision to protection the telecomconsumers. He said that every mobile user canknow number of SIMs issued against his CNICwith the mobile company name, by sending hisCNIC number without dashes and spaces to 668through SMS. Rs2 will be charged on each SMS,which is inclusive of all taxes. In case ofunauthorised numbers against his CNICnumber, a consumer can get the data correctedfrom the concerned mobile operator's CustomerServices Centre.

He elaborated that the system provides an


49

Cover Story

The unauthorised SIMowners are being advisedto register the SIM in their

names within seven days ofnotification from concernedCustomer Services Centres

otherwise their callingfacility will be stopped afterthirteen days. The SIM will

be completely blocked after13 days of that notice. Thisservice will help in furtherstreamlining the data of

mobile phone users

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs BabarAwan asked the Pakistan TelecommunicationAuthority to sue against the cellular companies

sending SMS fordifferent purposesincludingadvertisement,troubling the users.

"I have directedthe PTA to stop thecell phonecompanies sendingSMS foradvertisement tomake huge money;

otherwise they shouldbe sued for invading

the privacy," said the parliamentary affairsminister, also the minister-in-charge of CabinetSecretariat while responding to a callingattention notice.

The calling attention notice was moved byChaudhry Birjees Tahir, Surriya Asghar,Muhammad Baligh-ur Rehman, Rana AbdulSattar and Sahibzada Syed Murtaza Amin.

He said the issuance of several mobilephone SIMs on single national identity cardhas different dimensions involving thesubversion, law and order and can also beused for criminals and gangsters.

The minister told the House that almost 80million SIMs were issued by different mobilephone companies without verification, but thenew PTA chairman has taken bull by horn andlinked the verification system with NADRA.

The minister said, as many as 11.2 millionSIMs have been blocked and it is for the firsttime that SIM Identification System has beenintroduced, stressing the Authority to ensurethat every mobile phone company uses thissystem to avoid any inconvenience. Amongthe SIMs blocked so far, 8.25 million SIMs werethose which were not verified and rest 2.92include multiple SIMs issued on single identitycard.

Babar Awan stressed PTA to sensitise thecompanies the situation as if a SIM is misusedfor criminal activity, only the person will becriminalised on whose ID card the SIM isregistered.

The minister told the House that a cabinetmember has also complained that a cell phonecompany has issued 1100 connections onsingle ID card.

Deputy Speaker, Faisal Karim Kundi alsoendorsed member's point of view and said thepeople have a lot of complaints against PTA,adding that even the mobile number of hisstaff officer was issued to anyone else despiteregular payment of monthly charges.

Awan asks PTA to sue troubling SMS senders

Dr. Babar Awan

Minister for Parliamentary

Affairs

Chairman PTA, Maj. Gen. (Retd) Shahzada Alam Malik

addressing a press conference. (File Photo)


50

Cover Story

internet and SMS-based interface to end-users inorder to retrieve the registered mobile SIMsinformation. He said that it is a robust, secureand efficient system to store a record size ofapproximately 100 million subscribers' data. Thesystem ensures proper data integritymechanism, while answering back to multiplequeries at a specific time.

Yaseen further said that the unauthorisedSIM owners will be advised to register the SIMin their names within seven days of notificationfrom concerned Customer Services Centresotherwise their calling facility will be stoppedafter thirteen days. The SIM will be completelyblocked after 17 days of that notice. This servicewill help in further streamlining the data ofmobile phone users.

Chairman PTA said that in order to addressthe issue of unauthorised SIMs, PTA firstrevamped the system of sale and registration ofSIMs and now, it has introduced this service.The PTA efforts, in this regard, are MobileNumber Portability (MNP), system to blockstolen mobiles through IMEI number,establishment of Consumer ProtectionDepartment, seven to eight digit numberingplan for fixed line, new consumer friendly SIMactivation system, and lowest telecom tariffsamidst competitive environment. He also saidthe authority revamped complaint-handlingmechanism of mobile companies, PTCL andother telecom operators.

Yaseen pointed that the statistics of telecomgrowth in Pakistan are evident of the satisfactionlevel of telecom consumers with the quality oftelecom services. He said that the overall tele-density in the country has reached 61.80 percent. There are currently 95.54 million mobilesubscribers, and the cellular segment leads theshare in total tele-density followed by fixed landline (FLL) with 3.5 million subscribers andwireless local loop (WLL) with 2.6 million totalsubscribers.

President Pakistan Consumers Association,Kokab Iqbal and representatives of cellular,fixed line and broadband services gavepresentations on the occasion. Member(Technical) PTA, Dr Khawar Siddique Khokhar,

renowned poet Amjad Islam Amjad,representatives of Lahore Chamber ofCommerce and Cellular Mobile and Fixed Linesectors, telecom consumer groups, academiaand the media community were also present onthe occasion.

It is interesting to know that PTA is trying tomake the 668 service free of cost. Besides Nadraand PTA have given online addresses to confirmhow many number of SIMs are issued on an IDcard.

PTA has advised the mobile phonesubscribers to visit Customers Services Centre(CSC) of concerned mobile operator and gettheir SIM(s) data corrected. The PTA has alsorequested the subscribers’ cooperation instreamlining of the SIMs data.

The PTA had launched this service tofacilitate the mobile users and secure their data.The authority had said that without thecooperation of mobile subscribers the benefits ofthis service could not be achieved at desiredlevels. The PTA was aware of the fact that there

was limited number of CSCsand unavailability of CSCs insome cities and townstherefore a lot of rush isexpected. The service wouldbe expanded to more citiesand towns in the subsequentphases, after devisingappropriate methods, inconsultation with mobilecompanies. Since this facilityinvolves consumer identityprotection thus great care wasbeing taken in devisingmethods of confirmation.

There are also users whohave found their SIMunregistered on thecompanies' network despite

their submission of proper documents at thefranchise or retailers shop of particularly cellularoperators.

This revelation raised many questionsagainst the credibility of the networks thatspend millions of rupees on advertisement oftheir different services but apparently failed tocollect the accurate data of their subscribers

Regional Director PakistanTelecommunication Authority (PTA),Wasiullah Gandapure has said that there is nothreat of mobile SIMs hacking by terroriststhrough messaging as no such system exists totake control of the cell phone connection ofother users through replying to messages.

Regional Director PTA said misuse ofmobile SIMs of other users is impossible unlessthe SIM is extracted from the mobile set. Hewas replying to press reports about warningreceived by several mobile users not torespond to messages directing them to presssome numbers and send to the sender ofmessage for checking the quality of service.

Such messages, press reports added, wouldbe sent in the name of GSM company fromQuality Control Department.

Wasiullah Gandapure said the securitysystem of all the cellular phone companiesoperating in Pakistan is very safe and strongand there exist no threat in this regard. Hehowever advised the mobile users to avoidresponding to such messages in their ownsafety.

The 668 service, he added, has shown very

positive response and people are taking fulladvantage of it as a result of which multipleissuance of SIMs on single identity cards isbeing stopped.

PTA, he added, is making a follow up ofSIM Information System service by sending itsofficials to the Customer Service Centers ofdifferent cellular companies.

A public awareness campaign would alsobe launched to educate people aboututilisation of this service. Presently, he added,people are confused and approach PTA forcancellation of additional numbers of theiridentity cards.

PTA has now made it compulsory for allmobile users to have their SIMs registered intheir names, he informed.

Regional Director PTA also informed thatPakistan Telecommunication Authority andFIA have jointly launched operation againstillegal Gateways being operating in Pakistan.The PTA and FIA have also detected illegal useof gateways in major cities of Pakistan andarrested culprits besides seizing the equipment causing heavy loss on national exchequer.

SIM is impossible to hack

The situation reflectsnegligence on behalf of

cellular operatorsspecially Ufone that has

been found guilty ofissuing maximum number

of illegal SIMs. Theprocess of blocking SIMs

as well as registeringSIMs on the user’s nameis going on and furtherdecrease in the total

number of mobile phoneusers is expected

Chairman, PTA, Dr Mohammad Yaseen visiting customer service centers of mobile

operators to check newly-launched "SIM Information System 668" in Islamabad.

through their retail outlets in the face of stiffcompetition.

However, operators have to carry out extraordinary operations in order to rectify data oftheir subscribers amid unending competitionamong them that could also be possible with thecollaboration of their users.

According to PTA, this is the last phase tocorrect the subscriber's information on thenetworks of the relevant cellular phone companiesthat could be tiresome and long but save the usersfrom misuse of their Computerised NationalIdentity Card (NIC) numbers.

Previously, the telecom watchdog and cellularoperator have launched a long drive to removeunregistered and unauthorised SIMs and blockedmore than 11.15 million connections in 2008.Afterward the new SIM verification system waslaunched earlier this year in February, which iscentralised and is claimed to be safe from anymisuse of NIC and SIM.

In April 2008, it has been told to media thatcellular companies have blocked millionsunregistered and unauthorized SIM cards ofdifferent Cellular-phone Companies issued,besides thousands have been verified andregistered.

Out of these 11.15 million blocked SIMs, avictim was one of my friends who had been usinghis SIM for almost three years. He believed thatSIM was registered in his name, and there was nogood reason for blocking it. Anyhow, he can get anew SIM, not a big deal, but when he called hisbank to activate his credit card for shoppingonline, (you may know that normally credit cardsare not allowed to be used online, banks activatethis service on request) they asked him to call fromthe number that was associated with credit card,or they will not activate him the service.

It is interesting to note that Ufone was at thetop in issuing illegal sims to show extra ordinarygrowth. So, Ufone was on top in blocked sims aswell.

If a person has five extra connections of fivedifferent mobile phone companies, then he has tovisit the franchises of all the mobile phonecompanies in order to remove all the non-obtainednumber against their NIC number. A customerhas to fill the form along and submit a form andNIC photo copy along with the original form thatdefinitely sounds tiring, time and a bit moneyconsuming as well.

Although, the limited number of customershave done information inquiry on the givennumber but the number of complaints aresignificant. The customers across the country

became resented to know about the extraconnections on their CNIC numbers because theyfear that their connections could be misusedparticularly in the prevailing uncertain and poorlaw and order situation in the country. Officials of

various cellular phone companies told that thecustomers although not coming in big numbers attheir outlets after they came to know about theirextra connections, adding the numbers areincreasing day by day.

Customers may also suffer possible rush at theoutlets of various cellular phone companies if thenew drive is advertised through media despitemajority of them also know that 'use of SIM

without proper documents or registration on theuser's name is crime'.

Cell phone users from across the countryexpressed resentment over cellular companies forissuing mobile SIM cards to people who produceddocuments of someone else's for gettingconnections.

A host of people hailing from different areasof the country told ‘Flare’ that a number of SIMcards were being issued under their ID cardnumbers by cellular companies to other peoplewithout informing them.

Cellular companies are just out to makemoney, and issuing SIMs without verifying theidentity of a person, who produces fakedocuments for getting connections, they said.

Safdar Abbas, from Dera Ismail Khan, said,

he had just come to know that there were up toeight SIMs being operated under his identitycard, and he didn't have any idea about this. "Iam struggling to get these SIMs blocked, but thecellular companies are difficult to approach andthey don't pay heed."

He said he was informed today that he hadseven SIMs of two cellular companies under hisID card. "I don't know as to who has issued theseSIMs, and how," he maintained.

It's criminal negligence on part of cellularcompanies, which don't have any idea howtroublesome it would be for a person if a SIMissued under his name is being usedinadvertently.

Issuing mobile SIMs without properverifications is sheer violation of the laws ofPakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA),however, cellular companies seem least botheredto abide by set rules and regulations. A hoard ofÀuthorised Dealers' is up in the markets toentice the people to get mobile connections withno check at all.

"I once lost a copy of my ID card atphotocopier shop that also happened to be anÀuthorised Dealer' of a cellular company, andlater I learnt that so many connection have beenissued under my name," Salim Javed, anothervictim told.

He guessed the particular dealer must haveissued SIM cards to other people, who didn't

want to get connection on their ID cards forobvious reasons. It's been observed that SIMcard(s) could easily be obtained even if onedoesn't have ID cards, simply on assurance thatit could be provided any time later.

And, if that àssurance' doesn't materialise,the dealer register that particular SIMs againstthe ID cards they have, no matter the ownerknows it or not, like it or not, allows it or not.People have appealed the PTA to intervene inthis grim situation that could confront them withvery serious consequences.

They have also requested the authority todirect cellular companies to initiate verificationof all such SIMs whose owners refuse to ownthem.

The situation reflects negligence on behalf ofcellular operators specially Ufone that has beenfound guilty of issuing maximum number ofillegal SIMs. The process of blocking SIMs aswell as registering SIMs on the user’s name isgoing on and further decrease in the totalnumber of mobile phone users is expected. Yasinis burning the mid night oil but is it reallypossible to amend the loss of years in fewmonths? If not impossible then at least very difficult. Time will be required todeal with the issue and efforts are appraisable. Let us see where will the statistics

lead us on the way of blocking and authorising the SIMs. �


51

Cover Story

The customers across the country became resentedto know about the extra connections on their NICnumbers because they fear that their connections

could be misused particularly in the prevailinguncertain and law and order situation in the country.

Officials of various cellular phone companies told thatthe customers although not in big numbers are

coming at their outlets after they came to know abouttheir extra connections, adding the numbers are

increasing day by day

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Sony Ericsson lets XPERIA X10

Yes people, say hello to Sony Ericsson’s first ever Android phone – the XPERIA

X10. Not named X3 after all and thankfully not Rachael, the X10 is exactly what we

have all been hoping for. And since this is Sony, you can expect stellar aesthetics

and build quality.

The amount of speculation and expectation that this phone had behind it, I was

almost apprehensive about the entire thing. It might’ve been a huge let down. But

thankfully, the leaks have been pretty accurate and now we are looking at a stunner

of a phone.

When I refreshed the page today, I knew the X10 was here because it started

redirecting me to a complicated URL that looked like a product page. Sure enough,

I saw the X10’s name pop up on the title bar moments before the page became vis-

ible. The photos that we have been showing you so far have been absolutely accu-

rate, down to the last details. It looks like Sony has been sitting on the finalized ver-

sion for quite some time now.

Features include a capacitive touchscreen, the impressive Mediascape media

browser that reminds us of the Zune HD’s UI and face recognition in photos inte-

grated with your contacts. It has an 8.1-megapixel camera with auto focus, face

recognition, flash, smile-detection and video recording with video light. Most of the

Sony Ericsson phones that I have seen and reviewed have had above average

image quality when came to the camera. So, I would bet on this one being a pretty

good camera as well.

Nokia 2220

Word is the Nokia 2220 Slide will be a cheap mobile phone

when announced and is based on S40 and presumed to become

available to purchase later this year with a price tag of around the

$100 area.

Spec wise, as expected with a low end device there isn’t a great

deal, 128 x 160 display, FM radio, Opera Mini, basic VGA camera,

10MB internal memory, 3.5mm jack and a claimed eight hours of

talk time with up to 400 hours standby. The phone will have dual-

band GSM radio.

The new model of Nokia has a display with 128 x 160 pixels, a

VGA camera later, 10 MB of internal memory, standard 3.5 mm jack

for headphones and an integrated FM radio. The new phone model

provides a range of 8 hours talk time or 440 hours in standby mode.

The device also has also an FM radio and a VGA camera (0.3

megapixel). In addition, expanded memory and not be limited to

10MB. The device will run on Series 40, the operating system still

the most basic phones from Nokia running.

You can purchase Nokia 2220 Slide in the fourth quarter of

2009.


53

Tech ToolMobile Reviews

BlackBerry Bold 9700

After going hands-on with the Onyx, I think it's safe to say THIS IS the tra-

ditional (no touchscreen) BlackBerry smartphone so many of us have been

waiting for. It always seems that every new BlackBerry smartphone makes a

compromise somewhere on its specifications and feature sheet - be it the

Bold's camera, or the Curve 8900's lack of 3G, or the Tour 9630's lack of WiFi,

or the Storm's lack of memory and snappy OS.

RIM has finally packed it ALL into one device with the Onyx -- 3G, WiFi,

GPS, 3.2 megapixel camera - and they've done it in a tight form factor. If you

put the Onyx side by side with the BlackBerry Bold and compare the specs,

you realize the triumph in engineering RIM has accomplished here. The Onyx

is basically better in every way but has a much smaller footprint (though

arguably the Bold's extra width makes for a better keyboard and physically

wider display that some users may prefer). So if you're relaxing this Memorial

Day weekend, grab a bevvie, sit back and read on to see tons of photos, a

video and some first impressions of the BlackBerry Onyx.

The Onyx uses the same battery as the BlackBerry Bold, which it needs to

power the processor and radios and provide enough juice to power the unit

through the day. On this early OS software the battery is getting drained pret-

ty quick, but am sure by the time the Onyx hits the market battery life will be

on par with other models. Under the battery there is room for a SIM card and

that's it. It's a very clean design under the battery door.

Trend T-786i Dual Sim GSM

Trend mobiles were the first in introducing the dual SIM mechanism that allowed a person to hold two different SIMs in onemobile phone. It has now come up with the simplest and yet themost loaded of the mobile phones. It is called the, Trend PerfectDual Sim, T-786i is available in Bar shape with keypad and touchscreen facility.

The features of T786i are startling, Its basic edge is that a usercan retain different network operators, SIMs in one cell phone andcan receive calls in both. It is a complete multi-media cell phone with 2 mega pixel camera,which has an audio and video recorders andplayers as well. The USB data cable allows theuser a unique facility of ‘Plug N Play’.

Attach the cable with your computer andview what you have recorded. There is no need of any software ordriver installation unlike other cell phones.Trend T-786i having Bluetooth connectivity,GPRS and MMS. Trend mobiles offers andunmatched Deluxe Package along with theset which includes a free-of-cost BluetoothDevice, 256 MB memory card, hands free, USB port,Desktop charger, 2 extra batteries and In-Car charger and aTrendy pouch to carry your cell phone in style.

The Trend T-786i is a fashion conscious handset, which has agood and attractive size of LCD and gives solid and quality feelwhen in use. Mobile phone holds another edge to other cellphones in the market. It has the style, it has the attractive look andit has all that you require in cell phone to begin with.


54

Tech Tool


55

Tech Tool

Samsung I5700 Galaxy Spica

The I7500 Galaxy is a "Google experience" phone, and has the intrinsic advan-

tage of having the search giant's infrastructure behind its back. For one, YouTube

and Picasa integration sure add value to the 5-megapixel camera.

And as to people who spend their time digging around the Internet for oft hard to

find information, we really appreciate the improved search widget. And that thingy is

about to get better - Android is a bit like Google's other projects, a perpetual work in

progress that keeps getting new features and polishes the occasional rough edges.

The I7500 Galaxy is the company's first take on Android but if we put the OS

aside, it should be a solid Samsung touchscreen with all the gadgetry we've got

used to in smartphones. Of course, the Android platform still has a few issues to

address and get some annoying limitations out of the way.

The Samsung i5700 Galaxy Lite has now been given a new name, the Spica. This

Android phone is Samsung’s answer to an entry-level version of its i7500, there have

been a few of these handset spotted in the world, but these were non-functioning

models.

Slash Gear managed to find the Spica in all its glory over at Italian website

Cellularmania, where they had a fully working Samsung i5700, allowing you to see

that beautiful the 3-inch AMOLED touchscreen handset in action.

The website does not give much away; they offer a few spec details and a huge

amount of new photos of an actual working Samsung i5700 Spica Google Android

handset. The new device comes with all the usual suspects, Bluetooth, HSPDA and

Wi-Fi, sadly the camera has gone on a diet and gone from a 5-megapixel to a 3.2-

megapixel.

Other features include a 528MHz Qualcomm MSM7200A processor, GPS and FM

radio. Expect to see this latest Android handset in stores early in 2010.

Nokia 2690

The Nokia 2690 comes with S40 UI, VGA camera, built-in stereo

FM radio with RDS and a 3.5mm standard audio jack. Local con-

nectivity options include Bluetooth and microUSB.

The quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support make Nokia 2690

capable of global roaming and the built-in microSD card slot allows

expanding the internal memory to 8GB. The handset comes with a

1.8" 262K-colors TFT LCD display with a resolution of 128 x 160 pix-

els.

Nokia 2690 will be available in Graphite, White silver, Hot pink

and Blue color version starting from Q1 of 2010. Its estimated retail

price is 54 euro before taxes or subsidies.

Use the MMC expansion slot* to add memory to your phone so

you can take your favourite music and photos with you when you're

on the move.

Play your own music on the music player. Keep yourself

informed and entertained with the built-in FM radio. Plug your

favourite headphones in to the standard 3.5 mm audio connector.

Stay in touch with friends and family through social networking

and email. GPRS internet access connects you to a world of knowl-

edge so you can follow the news and search for useful information.

Create a new account or access your existing email. Popular

email services can be set up in a few easy steps. Share photos

spontaneously with friends and family through MMS messaging.

LG GW620

LG GW620 "Etna" is the first Android device form LG Mobile.The GW620

that comes in a slider from factor, revealing a QWERTY keyboard, 3-inch

HVGA touchscreen display, 5 megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3.6

Mbps UMTS/HSDPA connectivity.

In anticipation of strong demand for smartphones that sup-

port social networking functions right out-of-the-box, the LG-

GW620 also lives up to LG’s consumer-friendly design philoso-

phy by making the smartphone experience more accessible for

typical users. At the same time, LG’s messaging phones have tra-

ditionally been very popular with young professionals who

demand a full QWERTY keypad for a fast mobile computing expe-

rience. The LG-GW620 manages to meet the needs of both types

of users simultaneously.

“The LG GW620 will appeal to first-time smartphone cus-

tomers by offering a new and different kind of user experience,”

said Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile

Communications Company. “Our objective is to provide a wide selection of

smartphones to satisfy the diverse preferences of today’s consumers. This

Android phone is just one of many smartphone models, we plan to introduce

worldwide in the years ahead.”

In addition to the Android model, LG announced in early September that

it will be introducing a minimum of 13 new smartphones over the next 16

months that utilize Microsoft’s Windows Mobile. The newest release, version

6.5, was announced just last week.

BlackBerry Storm2 9520

The Canadian company has now unveiled a second full touchscreen

handset, imaginatively called the Storm2. It is to be the successor to the orig-

inal Blackberry Storm, with new touchscreen technology, an updated operat-

ing system and most importantly WiFi, which was sadly missing from the first

handset.

We recently spent some time with the new Storm2 mobile, enough to

compile this Brief INQpression of the handset without thoroughly bench-

marking and testing the device.

Both of these technologies provide tactile feedback and fall under the RIM

technology name Surepress. In the prior version of Surepress the mechani-

cal mechanism had its flaws and critics. On the first Storm the interpretation

of touch requests was not entirely accurate all of the time. We've been a

Blackberry Storm user since it launched, and we were also one of its harsh-

est critics.

There are some miscellaneous benefits to the new touchscreen. On the

previous handset the screen moved in and out whether the phone was pow-

ered on or not. As the new Surepress technology isn't just mechanical but is

electro-mechanical, the screen doesn't move with the handset powered down

or even in standby.

RIM has also moved the 3.5mm audio jack from the side of the phone. It's

been moved more around to the rear, where it's now a seamless addition with

its bulky rim removed. We feel it would have been more preferable for RIM to

put this on the top of the handset, which would have been better positioning

for plugging in earphones for listening to music in or out of a pocket.


56

Tech Tool Mobile Reviews

Rs

7,100Rs

6,800

Rs

6,100Rs

6,200

Nokia 5000

Dimension:106x46x11.1 mm, Weight 74 g

Battery: Talk time up to 4h 45 min, Stand-by

up to 336h

Memory:12 MB user memory

Connectivity:Bluetooth 2.0, GPRS Class 10 (48 kbps)

Display Size 240 x 320 pixels, 2 inches,

Display Colour TFT, 65K colors

Features:Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML + Opera Mini

4 Colors Cyber Green, Neon Blue,

Perfect Purple Entertainment Nokia

Xpress Audio Messaging, FM radio, FM

Recording, MP3 player, Games

Camera 1.3 MP, 1280 x 1024 pixels,

Video, Other Features, Built-in hands-

free, Advanced calculator, Ring Tones

Polyphonic

Samsung M620

Dimension: 98x46.9x16.9 mm

Weight 87 g

Battery: Talk time Up to 5 h,

Stand-by Up to 250 h

Memory: 18 MB user memory

+ microSD memory card (TransFlash,

up to 2 GB)

Connectivity: Bluetooth v2.0 with

A2DP, USB, GPRS Class 10 (48 kbps)

Display Size 128x160 pixels, 1.9 inch-

es Display Colour TFT, 65K colors

Features: Browser WAP

2.0/xHTML Colors Silver, Black

Entertainment FM Radio/Recorder,

MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAC+/WMA player,

Video player, Games Camera VGA,

640x480 pixels, video Other Features

Dedicated music key, Built-in hands-

free, Voice memo Ring Tones

Polyphonic (64 channels), MP3

Messaging SMS, EMS, MMS

LG KG290

Dimension: 92x46x17.7 mm

Weight 90 g

Battery: Talk time Up to 2 h,


Memory: 5 MB shared memo-

ry + Extendable microSD card

(TransFlash)

Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB,

GPRS Class 10 (48 kbps) Display

Size 128 x 160 pixels, 1.77 inches

Display Colour TFT, 256K colors


2.0/xHTML Colors Black, Gray

Entertainment FM radio,

MP3/WMA/AAC++ player Camera

1.3 MP, 1280x960 pixels, video

Other Features World time, Voice

memo, Built-in handsfree Ring Tones

Polyphonic (40 channels), MP3

Messaging SMS, MMS

Samsung C3010S

Dimension: 10.5 x 45.8 x 12.1 mm

Weight 85.5 g

Battery: Talk time up to 8 h,

Stand-by up to 340h

Memory: 20 MB Built-in +

microSD Card (supports up to 8GB)

Connectivity: Bluetooth v2.0, USB,

GPRS Class 10 (48 kbps), EDGE

Class 10 (236.8 kbps) Display Size

128 x 160 pixels, 2.0 inches Display

Colour TFT, 65K colors


2.0/xHTML (Openwave 6.2.3) Colors

Black Entertainment FM radio with

RDS, FM recording, Bluetooth mes-

senger, MP3/MPEG4 player, Games

(built-in + downloadable) Camera

VGA, 640x480 pixels, Panaroma Shot,

Video (QCIF 15fps), 2x Digital Zoom

Other Features Speakerphone, Voice

memo, Mobile Tracker, Organizer

Ring Tones Downloadable Polyphonic

Above prices are subject to change as per market


57

Tech ToolCurrent Mobiles

Rs

12,000Rs.

11,400

Nokia 7500 Prism

Dimension:109 x 44 x 14 mm, Weight 83 g

Battery:Talk time Up to 2 h 50 min, Stand-by Up

to 240 h

Memory:30 MB internal user memory +

Extendable (microSD TransFlash)

Connectivity:Bluetooth, USB, GPRS Class 10 (48

kbps), HSCSD, EDGE Class 10 (236.8

kbps) Display Size 240x320 pixels, 2

inches Display Colour TFT, 16M col-

ors

Features:Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML

Entertainment MP3/AAC/eAAC+/WMA

player, FM radio, UPnP technology,

Games (builtin + downloadable)

Camera 2 MP, 1600x1200 pixels, video

(QCIF), flash Ring Tones Polyphonic

(64 channels), MP3 Messaging SMS,

MMS, Email

Sony Ericsson W580i

Dimension:99 x 47 x 14 mm Weight 94 g

Battery:

Talk time Up to 9 h, Stand-by Up to

370 h

Memory:12 MB shared memory + Extendable

(Memory Stick Micro M2), 512 MB

card included

Connectivity:Bluetooth v2.0, Infrared, USB, GPRS

Class 10 (48 kbps), HSCD, EDGE

Class 10, (236.8 kbps) Display Size

240 x 320 pixels, 2 inches Display


Features:Browser WAP 2.0/HTML(NetFront),

RSS feeds Entertainment FM radio

with RDS, Walkman 2.0 music player,

TrackID music recognition, Games

(Builtin + downloadable), Pedometer,

calories counter Camera 2 MP,

1600x1200 pixels, video(QCIF) Ring

Tones Polyphonic (72 channels),

MP3, AAC Messaging SMS

Rs

11,300

Rs

11,900

Motorola KRAZR K1

Dimension:103 x 42 x 16 mm Weight 102 g

Battery:Talk time: up to 6h, Stand-by Time:

up to 300h

Memory:20 MB internal memory, +

microSD (TransFlash)

Connectivity:Bluetooth, USB, GPRS Class 10

(48 kbps), EDGE Class 12.

Display Size 176 x 220 pixels, 30 x

37 mm, (2nd external 96 x 80 pix-

els)

Features:Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML

Entertainment MP3/AAC/AAC+

player, Games (Builtin + down-

loadable). Camera 2 MP,

1600x1200 pixels, video(CIF)

Ring Tones Polyphonic, MP3

Messaging SMS, EMS

Samsung C3212

Dimension:111.6 x 47 x 14.2 mm Weight 92 g

Battery:Talk time Up to 10 h, Stand-by Up to

322 h

Memory:15 MB built-in + microSD Card (sup-

ports up to 8 GB)

Connectivity:Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP, USB,

GPRS Class 10 (48 kbps), HSCSD,

EDGE Class 10 (236.8 kbps on SIM

1, download only)

Features:Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML Colors

Black Entertainment Stereo FM

radio with RDS, FM recording,

MP3/AAC+/MP4 player, Games

Camera VGA, 640 x 480 pixels,

Video, 4x Digital Zoom, Other

Features Dual SIM, Speakerphone,

Fake Call, Voice memo



58

Tech Tool Current Mobiles

Rs

16,100

Rs

17,400

Rs

17,900 Rs

17,200

Samsung F400

Dimension:103.2x48.2x16.9 mm, Weight 105 g

Battery: Talk time Up to 4 h 30 min, Stand-by

Up to 620 h

Memory:24 MB Built-in + microSD Memory

Card (1 GB card included, supports up

to 8 GB)

Connectivity:Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP, USB, GPRS

Class 10 (48 kbps), EDGE (236.8

kbps), 3G (HSDPA 3.6 Mbps),

Display Size 240 x 320 pixels, 2.2 inch-

es (Dual slide design)

Features:Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML Colors Silver

Entertainment MP3/AAC/eACC/WMA

player, Music recognition, FM radio

with RDS , Standard 3.5 mm stereo

headphones jack, Games Camera 3

MP, 2048x1536 pixels, video, autofo-

cus, flash, Other Features Picture edit-

ing, Built-in handsfree

Nokia E51

Dimension:114.8 x 46 x 12 mm, Weight 100 g

Battery:Talk time up to 4h 20 min, Stand-by up

to 310 h

Memory:130 MB internal user data memory +

Extendable microSD (TransFlash),

hotswap - up to 4 GB Processor 369

MHz ARM 11

Connectivity:Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP, Infrared (115

kbps), USB, GPRS Class 32, HSCSD,

EDGE Class 32, 3G (HSDPA 3.6 Mbps),

WLAN (Wi-Fi 802.11g, VoIP over WLAN)

Features:Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML

Colors Black, Silver Entertainment

MP3/AAC/video player, FM Visual

Radio, Voice command, Push to talk,

Games (Downloadable), Camera 2 MP,

1600x1200 pixels, video, Ring Tones

Polyphonic, MP3, MPEG-4,

Nokia 6220 Classic

Dimension:108x47x15 mm, Weight 90 g

Battery:Talk time Up to 3 h 30 min, Stand-

by Up to 250 h

Memory:120 MB user memory + microSD

card (TransFlash, up to 8GB), 128

MB SDRAM memory

Connectivity:Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP, USB,

GPRS Class 11, HSCSD 43.2

kbps, EDGE Class 32 (296 / 177.6

kbits), 3G (HSDPA, 3.6 Mbps)

Display Size 240 x 320 pixels, 2.2

inches


Entertainment FM stereo radio

with RDS, MP3/AAC/MPEG4 play-

er, TV-out, Camera 5 MP, 2592 x

1944 pixels, Carl Zeiss optics, aut-

ofocus, video, Xenon flash; sec-

ondary videocall camera, Ring

Tones Polyphonic, MP3, AAC

Messaging SMS, MMS

Samsung S5230W Star

WiFi 0


Battery:Talk time up to 13 h, Stand-by up to

600 h

Memory:50 MB Built-in + microSD

Card(Supports up to 16GB)

Connectivity:WLAN (Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g), Bluetooth

v2.1 with A2DP, USB, GPRS Class

12 (48 kbps), EDGE Class 12


inches


(Jasmine) Colors Black, Silver,

White, Pink Entertainment Stereo

FM radio with RDS, MP3/WMA/AAC

player, Shazam Find Music service,

H.263/H.264/MPEG4 player, DNSe

(Digital Natural Sound Engine)

Camera 3.15 MP, 2048x1536 pixels,

Smile detection,



59

Tech ToolCurrent Mobiles

Rs

27,000Rs

27,000

Rs

30,000Rs.

33,500

Nokia E52


Battery:Talk time up to 8h, Stand-by Up to 672

h, Music play Up to 18 h Memory:60 MB Built-in + 1GB microSD Card

included, ProcessorARM 11 600 MHz

Connectivity:Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP, USB, WLAN

(Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, UPnP), GPRS Class

32, HSCSD, EDGE Class 32, 3G

(HSDPA 10.2 Mbps, HSUPA 2 Mbps)


inches

Features: Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML

Colors Metal Grey Aluminium, Golden

Aluminium, Graphite Grey

Entertainment Stereo FM radio with

RDS, MP3/WMA/WAV/RA/AAC/M4A

music player, 3.5 mm audio jack,

WMV/RV/MP4/3GP video player,

Games (N-gage + downloadable)

Camera 3.2 MP, 2048x1536 pixels

BlackBerry Pearl 8120

Dimension:107x50x14 mm, Weight 91 g

Battery Talk time Up to 4 h, Stand-

by Up to 360 h

Memory:64 MB flash memory + Extendable

microSD

Connectivity:Bluetooth v2.0, USB, GPRS,

HSCSD, EDGE, WLAN (Wi-Fi

802.11b/g) Display Size 240 x

260 pixels Display Colour 65K

colors Browser HTML Colors

Titanium, Blue, Sunset

Entertainment Media player

(Videos/Music), Games (builtin +

downloadable) Camera 2 MP,

1600x1200 pixels, video, flash

Features:QWERTY keyboard, SureType key-

board software, Built-in handsfree

Ring Tones Polyphonic (32 chan-

nels), MP3 Messaging SMS,

MMS, Email, Instant Messaging

LG KU990 Viewty

Dimension:103.5x54.4x14.8 mm, Weight 112 g

Battery:Talk time up to 4h, Stand-by up to

430h

Memory:100 MB shared memory + 1 GB

Memory Card Included (microSD

TransFlash) Connectivity Bluetooth

v1.2 with A2DP, USB, GPRS Class

10 (48 kbps), EDGE, 3G (HSDPA 3.6

Mbps) Display Size 240 x 400 pix-

els, 3 inches, Display Colour TFT

touchscreen, 256K colors


Colors Black, Dark Silver

E n t e r t a i n m e n t

MP3/MPEG4/WMV/AAC/DivX player,

FM radio with RDS, Games

Camera 5 MP, 2592?1944 pixels,

autofocus, video(VGA 30fps, QVGA

up to 120fps), strobe flash; second-

ary VGA videocall camera

Nokia E75

Dimension:111.8x50x14.4 mm, Weight 139 g

Battery:Talk time up to 5h, Stand-by up to 280h,

Memory:50 MB Built-in + 4GB microSD included

(supports up to 16GB)

Connectivity:Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP, WLAN (Wi-Fi

802.11 b/g), USB, GPRS Class 32,

HSCSD, EDGE Class 32 (296 / 177.6

kbits) Display Size 240 x 320 pixels,

2.4 inches

Features:Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Colors

Silver black, Red and Copper yellow

Entertainment Stereo FM radio with

RDS, 3.5 mm audio jack,

MP3/MP4/eAAC+/WMA player, Games

N-Gage compatible (built-in + down-

loadable) Camera 3.2 MP, 2048x1536

pixels, autofocus, LED flash, VGA

VIDEO, 2ndary VGA videocall camera



60

Tech Tool Current Mobiles

Rs

3,900

Rs

3,850

Rs

3,250

Rs

2,400

Rs

3,499

Trend T-180 Ultimate

Design: Navigation option 1.5

inch CSTN color

screen embedded

antenna

Image & Messaging:

300K pixel camera,

SMS, MMS, Email

Connectivity: GPRS class 12, WAP

2.0, PC Sync

Entertainment: MP3 Player,

Embedded Games

Samsung B220 Guru

Dimension: 105x44.5x14 mm, Weight 78.5 g

Battery: Talk Time Up to 7.4hrs, Standby

up to 250h

Memory: 4 MB Built-in

Connectivity: GPRS class10, USB Display Size

128x160 pixels, 1,77 inches

Features: Browser WAP 2.0 Colors Grey

Entertainment FM Radio with Recording, games

(baby carrot, sudoku, cricket), Voice Recording

Other Features Mobile Tracker, Built-in handsfree,

Voice memo Ring Tones 40 Polyphonic, MP3

Messaging SMS, MMS

LG KP105

Dimension: 101x46x12.9 mm Weight 65 g

Battery: Talk time Up to 4 h 30 min,


Memory: Built-in, 300 Phonebook entries

Connectivity: USB Display Size 128x128 pix

els, 1.5 inches Display Colour

CSTN, 65K colors

Features: Colors White, Black, Silver

Entertainment FM Radio, Games (Sudoku)

Other Features Built-in handsfree, Calculator

Ring Tones Polyphonic (16 channels)

Messaging SMS

Nokia 5030 XpressRadio

Dimension: 108x45x15mm, Weight 82 g

Battery: Talk time Up to 10 h, Stand-

by Up to 524 h,

Memory: 8 MB Buitlt-in, 1000

Phonebook entries+250 SMS

Connectivity: Display Size 128 x 160 pix

els, 1.8 inches Display


Features: Colors Red, Graphite

Entertainment Stereo FM Radio with built-in

antenna, Games Other Features Dedicated

radio keys, 5-way navigation key,

Flashlight, Speakerphone, Ring Tones

Downloadable Polyphonic, MP3, video

tones Messaging SMS (storage up to

250, Multiple SMS deletion, Distribution

lists)

Samsung C450

Dimension: 103.5x44.5x14.9 mm Weight 72 g

Battery: Talk time Up to 3 h 20 min, Stand-

by Up to 300 h

Memory: 2 MB shared memory (20 dialed,

20 received, 20 missed calls)

Connectivity: GPRS Class 10 (48 kbps), USB

Display Size 128 x 128 pixels,

1.52 inches Display Colour TFT,

Features: Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML

Entertainment Games, FM radio Camera VGA,

640x480 pixels Ring Tones Polyphonic (16 chan-

nels) Messaging SMS, MMS

Rs

2,175

Nokia 1202

Dimension: 105.3x45x13.1mm, Weight 78 g

Battery: Talk time Up to 8 h, Stand-by Up

to 624 h OS S30 Platform

Memory: 500KB Built-in (60 SMS, 200

Phonebook entries+20dialed, 20

received, 20 missed calls)

Connectivity: Display Size 96 x 68 pixels, 1.5

inches Display

Features: Colour Monochrome graphic

Colors Midnight black, Violet blue Entertainment

Games (Snake Xenzia, Chess Puzzle and Sudoko)

Other Features Flashlight, Built-in handsfree,

Currency converter, Calculator Ring Tones

Polyphonic (32 channels) Messaging SMS


Low Range MobilesFree download | flare.com.pk

61

Tech ToolLow Range Mobile

Nokia N86 8MP The Nokia N86 8MP gives you every-

thing an Nseries device has to offer

including an 8 megapixel camera, easy

media sharing, advanced location

based services and premium design.

Capture stunning images using the 8

megapixel camera of Nokia N86 8MP,

with super wide-angle Carl Zeiss optics

& other advanced features. Nokia N86

8MP lets you share high quality photos

and videos with others through the Ovi

service. Nokia N86 8MP, Experience the

sleek design.

Nokia N97 A True Mobile ComputerDesktop to the laptop & now to your pock-

et, the Nokia N97 is the most powerful,

multi-sensory mobile computer in exis-

tence. Nokia N97 mobile phone features

touch screen, full QWERTY keyboard,

GPS, 32 GB memory, games, video, cam-

era, widgets, Ovi Store including much

more. With Nokia N97, Personalise your

homescreen, add more content & fully

customise your layout with your favourite

live feeds, mini views & services. Nokia

N97 is the Monster Machine.

Samsung M8910 Pixon12 The worlds first 12 megapixel cameraphoneCapture the most detail with the highest

resolution in a camera phone coz

Samsung M8910 Pixon12 has a 12

Megapixel Camera. You don't have to

worry about the light conditions any-

more coz Samsung M8910 Pixon12 also

has a Xenon flash ensuring well-lit pho-

tos even in dark surroundings. Now view

your photos & images through a clear

and vivid colour display with Samsung

M8910 Pixon12's 16 million colour

AMOLED screen.

Apple iPhone 3GS 32GB The Fastest iPhone Ever Meet the fastest, most powerful iPhone

yet. iPhone 3GS features video record-

ing, Voice Control, up to 32GB of stor-

age, & more. The first thing you’ll notice

about iPhone 3GS is how quickly you

can launch apps. Webpages render in a

fraction of time, & you can view email

attachments faster. On iPhone 3GS

improved performance & updated 3D

graphics deliver an incredible gaming

experience, too. In fact, everything you

do on iPhone 3GS is up to 2x faster &

more responsive than iPhone 3G.

Samsung S8003 Jet Smarter than SmartphoneDemonstrates the dominant performance

that full touch users expect centreing

around multimedia. Speedy processor

and ultra brilliant display of Samsung

S8003 Jet maximise user satisfaction.

Samsung S8003 Jet - The mobile of

tomorrow offering consumers’ real wants

in a full touch mobile. Sleek lines and sub-

tle curves of Samsung S8003 Jet person-

ify its ergonomic intelligence, cradling

perfectly and comfortably in your hand.

BlackBerry Curve 8900 BlackBerry Curve 8900 is a sleek

new twist on a classic style. You can

keep your finger on the pulse of

what’s important to you with the

BlackBerry Curve 8900 smartphone.

The striking 480x360-pixel screen

offers up crisp on-the-go video,

images, text, maps and more. With a

refined design, the BlackBerry Curve

8900 smartphone delivers expanded

functionality & reliable results.

BlackBerry Curve 8900 fits in Your

Hand.

Rs

37,500

Rs

49,000Rs

52,000

Rs.

79,990

Rs

43,000

Rs

40,000



62

Tech Tool High Range Mobiles

63

Free download | flare.com.pk Upcoming Mobiles Tech Tool

Size

Dimensions 104x50x15.5mm, Weight 134 g

Display

Type TFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors,

Size 240x432 pixels, 3.0 inches, Accelerometer

sensor for auto-rotate, Limited touchscreen func-

tionality, Sound Alert types, Vibration;

Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones

Speakerphone, Yes, with stereo speakers

Memory

Phonebook, 1000 x 20 fields, Photo call, Call

records, 30 received, dialed and missed calls,

Internal 55 MB, Card slot microSD (TransFlash),

up to 32GB, 8GB included,

Data

GPRS Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 - 48 kbps,

HSCSD Yes, EDGE Class 10, 236.8 kbps, 3G

HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 2 Mbps, WLAN Wi-Fi

802.11 b/g, DLNA, Bluetooth Yes, v2.1 with A2DP

USB Yes, v2.0, Camera Primary, 8.1 MP,

3264x2448 pixels, autofocus, LED flash

Features

Messaging SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email

Browser WAP 2.0/HTML (NetFront 3.5), RSS

reader, Radio Stereo FM radio with RDS, Games

Yes, incl. motion-based + downloadable, Colors

Obsidian Black, Luminous White, GPS Yes, with A-

GPS support; Wayfinder Navigator, Java Yes,

MIDP 2.0 - Remote play for Playstation 3,

MP3/AAC/MP4 player, Google Maps, Picture edi-

tor/blogging, YouTube & Facebook applications

Organiser, Voice memo, SensMe, T9

Battery

Stand-by up to 380h (2G) / up to 367h (3G)

Talk time up to 13h (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G)

Sony Ericsson Aino

Size

Dimensions 97.8x49.5x11.2 mm, Weight 87g

Display

Type TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors

Size 240x400 pixels, 3.0 inches,

Accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate,

Multi-functional home key, Sound Alert types,

Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3

ringtones, Speakerphone Yes Memory

Phonebook 1000 entries, Photocall, Call

records

20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls,

Internal

42 MB, Card slot microSD (TransFlash) up to

16GB (verified)

Data

GPRS Class 12, 32 – 48 kbps

(4+1/3+2/2+3/1+4 slots), 32 - 48 kbps, EDGE

Class 12, 236.8 kbps

Bluetooth Yes, v2.1 with A2DP, USB Yes,

microUSB, Camera Primary, 3.15 MP,

2048x1536 pixels, Video Yes

Features

Messaging SMS, MMS, Email, Browser WAP

2.0/xHTML, HTML, Radio Stereo FM radio

with RDS, Games Yes, Colors Silver, Java

Yes, MIDP 2.1, MP4/H.263 video player,

MP3/WAV/AAC audio player, Organizer,

Voice memo, T9, Optional solar panel

Size

Dimensions 109x60x14mm, Weight 122 g

Display

Type TFT, 65K colors, Size 480 x 360 pixels,

2.44 inches, Full QWERTY keyboard, Touch-

sensitive optical trackpad, Sound Alert types

Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3

ringtones, Speakerphone Yes, 3.5 mm audio

jack

Memory

Phonebook Yes, Photocall, Call records Yes

Internal, 256MB storage, Card slot, microSD

(TransFlash), up to 16GB, 2GB included, buy

memory

Data

GPRS Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 - 48 kbps

EDGE Class 10, 236.8 kbps, 3G HSDPA, 3.6

Mbps, WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g, UMA,

Bluetooth, Yes, v2.1 with A2DP, USB Yes,

microUSB v2.0, Camera Primary, 3.15 MP,

2048x1536 pixels, autofocus, LED flash

Features Image stabilization, Video Yes,

Secondary

Features

OS BlackBerry OS; 5.0, CPU 624 MHz

processor, Messaging SMS, MMS, Email,

Instant Messaging, Browser HTML, Radio

Games Yes + downloadable, Colors Black

GPS Yes, with A-GPS support, Java Yes,

BlackBerry maps, Document editor

Battery

Stand-by up to 408h, Talk time up to 6h

LG GD510 Pop

Size

Dimensions 107.5x52x13.2mm,

Weight 95.3 g

Display

Type TFT resistive touchscreen, 256K colors

Size 240x400 pixels, 3.0 inches,

Accelerometer sensor, TouchWiz UI, Sound

Alert types, Vibration; MP3, WAV ringtones

Speakerphone Yes, 3.5 mm audio jack

Memory

Phonebook 2000 entries, Photocall, Call

records Yes, Internal 78 MB, Card slot,

microSD (TransFlash), up to 16GB

Data


EDGE Class 10, 236.8 kbps, WLAN Wi-Fi

802.11 b/g, Bluetooth Yes, v2.1 with A2DP,

USB Yes, v2.0 microUSB, Camera Primary, 5

MP, 2592x1944 pixels, autofocus, LED flash

Features Smile and blink detection, image

stabilization, Video Yes

Features

Messaging SMS, MMS, Email, Browser WAP

2.0/xHTML, HTML, Radio Stereo FM radio

with RDS, Games Yes + downloadable,

Colors Black, Java Yes, MIDP 2.0,

MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player, H.263/H.264/MP4

player, Organiser, Voice memo, T9

Battery

Stand-by up to 620h, Talk time up to 9h 30

min

Samsung S5560

BlackBerry Bold 9700

Free download | flare.com.pkTech Tool Upcoming Mobiles

64

Size

Dimensions105.6x54.9x18.9mm, Weight158 g

Display

Type TFT, 16M colors, Size 240 x 320 pixels,

2.8 inches, Accelerometer sensor for auto-

rotate, Sound Alert types, Vibration;

Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones

Speakerphone Yes, with stereo speakers, 3.5

mm audio jack

Memory

Phonebook Practically unlimited entries and

fields, Photocall, Call records Detailed, max 30

days, Internal 4 GB storage, 128 MB RAM,

256 MB ROM, Card slot microSD

(TransFlash), up to 8GB

Data

GPRS Yes, HSCSD Yes, EDGE Yes, 3G TD-

SCDMA, Bluetooth Yes, v2.0 with A2DP,

USB Yes, v2.0 microUSB, Camera Primary 5

MP, 2592 x 1944 pixels, Carl Zeiss optics, aut-

ofocus, Dual-LED flash

Features

OS Symbian OS v9.3, S60 rel. 3.2, CPU ARM

11 434 MHz processor, Messaging SMS,

MMS, Email, Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML

Radio Stereo FM radio with RDS, Games Yes

+ downloadable, Colors Black, Brown, GPS

Yes, with A-GPS support; Ovi Maps Java Yes,

MIDP 2.1,

Battery


Talk time, up to 3 h 20 min (2G) / up to 4 h 10

min (3G)

Size

Dimensions 12.9mm thickness

Display

Type AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors

Size 320x480 pixels, 3.2 inches, Accelerometer

sensor for auto-rotate, Sound Alert types, Vibration;

MP3, WAV ringtones, Speakerphone Yes, 3.5 mm

audio jack

Memory

Phonebook Practically unlimited entries and fields,

Photocall, Call records Practically unlimited,

Internal 128 MB RAM, Card slot microSD

(TransFlash), up to 32 GB

Data

GPRS Class 12 (4+1/3+2/2+3/1+4 slots), 32 - 48

kbps HSCSD Yes, EDGE Class 12, 3G HSDPA, 3.6

Mbps WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth Yes v2.0

with A2DP, headset support only, USB Yes,

microUSB v2.0 Camera Primary, 3.15 MP,

2048x1536pixels, autofocus, Features Geo-tag-

ging, Video Yes

Features

OS Android OS, v1.5 (Cupcake), CPU 800MHz

processor, Messaging SMS(threaded view), MMS,

Email, IM, Browser HTML Radio Games Yes,

Colors Black, White GPS Yes, with A-GPS support,

Java Digital compas, MP4/H.263/H.264/WMV

player MP3/e-AAC+/WMA player, Google Search,

Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Calendar, Google Talk inte-

gration Voice memo

Samsung I5700 Galaxy Spica

Size

Dimensions 115.8x60x13.7mm, Weight 165g

Display

Type TFT capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors

Size 480x854 pixels, 3.7 inches, Multi-touch

input method, Accelerometer sensor, Proximity

sensor for auto turn-off, Full QWERTY keyboard

with 5-way navigation key, Sound Alert types

Vibration; MP3, Speakerphone Yes

Memory

Phonebook, Practically unlimited entries and

fields, Photo call, Call records, Practically unlim-

ited, Card slot microSD, up to 32GB, 8GB

included

Data

GPRS Class 12 (4+1/3+2/2+3/1+4 slots), 32 -

48 kbps, EDGE Class 12, 3G HSDPA, 10.2

Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps, WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11

b/g, Bluetooth Yes, v2.1 with A2DP, USB Yes,

microUSB v2.0, Camera Primary, 5 MP, 2592 x

1944 pixels, autofocus, dual-LED flash,

Features Geo-tagging, image stabilization,

Video Yes, D1 (720x480 pixels)@24fps

Features

OS Android OS, v2 (Eclair), CPU ARM Cortex

A8 550 MHz processor, Messaging SMS, MMS,

Email, IM, Push Email, Browser HTML, Games

Yes, Colors Black, GPS Yes, with A-GPS sup-

port, Java, Digital compass,

MP3/eAAC+/WAV/WMA9 player,

MP4/H.263/H.264/WMV9 player, Organizer,

Voice memo, T9

Battery

Stand-by up to 350h, Talk time up to 6h 30 min

Size

Dimensions 73x45x18.2mm, Weight 84g

Display

Type TFT, 256K colors, Size 240 x 320 pixels, 2.0

inches, Secondary external monochrome display,

128 x 36 pixels, 1.3", Accelerometer for auto-

rotate, Sound Alert types, Vibration;

Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones,

composer, Speakerphone Yes

Memory

Phonebook Yes, Photocall Call records, 30

received, dialed and missed calls, Internal 100

MB, Card slot microSD (TransFlash)

Data


HSCSD Yes, EDGE Class 10, 236.8 kbps, 3G

HSDPA 3.6 Mbps, Bluetooth Yes, v2.0 with A2DP

USB Yes, v2.0 Camera Primary, 3.15 MP,

2048x1536 pixels, Features Geo-tagging, video-

calling, Video Yes, QVGA@15fps, video light

Features

Messaging SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email,

Push Email, IM Browser WAP 2.0/HTML, Radio

Stereo FM radio with RDS, Games 1 + down-

loadable, Colors Sparkling Rose, GPS Yes, A-

GPS (US version only), Java Yes, MIDP 2.0,

Battery


Talk time up to 7h (2G) / up to 4 h 30 min (3G)

Motorola MILESTONE Sony Ericsson Jalou

D&G Edition

Nokia 6788

ZTE-G S312

X990 I Chat n Qwertyn GSM 900/1800 MHz or850/1900 MHz n Dimensions: 106.8mm×60.5mm×11.95mmn Display: 320 × 240 pixels,2.4’’, 262K, TFTn Weight: TBDn Battery capacity: Li-ion900mAh n Voice Talk Time: Maxim 500minutesn Standby Time: Maxim 500 hours n Optional: Dual Sims dual standbyn Ringtones: 64 Poly, MP3 player n SMS: 270n Camera: 1.3/2.0M, MMS1.2n WAP2.0, Ringtone & Picture

downloadn T-flash / USB, Bluetooth, FM

ZTE-G S212 n Dual-SIM Cardn 102.3mm X44mm X16.2mmabout 90g n GSM 900/1800 or 850/1900MHzn MT 6223n QWERTY Keypad Yesn CSTN 1.44'', 128*128, 65Kcolor, 64+32Mbitsn Support MicroSD (MicroSDn Card not included in salesbox), 2GBn Battery Li-ion 1000mAhn Maxim 350hn Maxim 350 minutesn Stereo 2.2mm jackn Charger connector 12pinconnectorn Flash Light Yes

General Features

Intel? Atom? MobileProcessor (1.6 GHz)1GB DDR2 system memory160GB SATA Hard Disk Drive(5400 rpm2)Microsoft?Windows?XP HomeOperatingSystemBuild-inHSDPA/HSUPAVivid 10.1¡± WXGA Wide Screen LCDBuilt-in Wireless LAN (802.11b/g)3-in-1 Media Card Reader(MS/MS Pro/SD),3 High Speed USB2.0 15-pin Standard External Display Output PortSize: 265mm¡Á185mm¡Á25mm Ultra Portable Notebook weight <1.2kg Communications Build-inHSDPA/HSUPABuilt-in Wireless LAN (802.11b/g)Built-in 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN

Items

Protocol

StandardSizeWeightTalk / Standby TimeOperating Temp.

MemoryLCD

Keyboard lightsBattery

Phone bookMelodyVibratorSide Volume KeyInbox Content/

Features

GSM 900/1800 MHz or850/1900GSM Phase 2+106mm×45.6mm×18.1mmAbout 65g (without battery)5– 6h / 180h

Standard：-10℃ ～ +45℃Limit：-15℃ ～ +55℃Flash: 64+ 32MbitDisplay size 1.5” inch (65k color) 8 LED amber color Standard Battery: 580 mAhLi-ionSIM & PhoneYesYesnoSolar battery cover, Battery,travel charger, user guide

65

Free download | flare.com.pk ZTE Mobile Range Tech Tool

66

Free download | flare.com.pkTech Tool Latest LapTop

Express your personality with the fashionable VAIO CW notebook. Designedto meet your computing and multimedia needs in style, the CW features an IntelCore 2 Duo processor, 4GB of memory, 320GB hard disk drive and NVIDIAGeForce graphics. Specificationsn Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bitn Technology : Intel Dual Core Processor technologyn Type : Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6600n Installed : 4GB PC3-8500 (2GBx2)n Type/Speed : DDR3/1066n Capacity : 320GBn Chipset : Mobile Intel PM45 Express Chipset

The 15.6 inch EasyNote TJ Series is perfect for a wide range of digital needsand is ideal for homes with multiple users. With a diverse assortment of the lat-est applications, you can use this notebook to do just about anything.Specificationsn Genuine Windows Vista Home Premiumn Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6500 (2.10GHz)n (2M Cache, 800 MHz FSB) n Installed memory : 3GB DDR2n HDD size :320 GB SATAn DVD Super Multi n NVIDIA GeForce G105M Cuda

The new dv6 widescreen panel offers you a new screen size that is ideal forboth computing and entertainment modes. Use the ample horizontal space forwidget and toolbars and enjoy a great movie experience in their original format.Specificationsn Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium Editionn Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6500 (2.1GHz)n 2MB L2 Cache / 800MHz FSBn Standard memory 4096MBn Memory type DDR2 800 MHzn Hard disk 250GB SATAn Blue Ray ROM with Dual-Layer DVD/CD Burner

The Extensa 4630 brings you with increased productivity and the enhancedreliability you need at work. Combined with indispensable Acer technologies andbroad wireless connectivity, this product is a just right choice to professionalusers.Specificationsn Linuxn Intel Core 2 Duo T6500 (2.10GHz)n 2MB L2 Cache / 800MHzn 2GB DDR2 memory, n 320GB SATAn S-ATA Hard Disk Drive with Acer DASP n DVD-Super Multi Double Layer drive,

The 15.6-inch Compaq Presario CQ61-340 with Windows 7 puts the versa-tility and productivity of notebook computing within your reach.Specificationsn Windows 7 Home Premium Editionn Intel Pentium Dual Core Processor T4300 (2.16 GHz)n Processor Cache Level 2 cache 1 MBn Bus Speed 800MHzn Memory (1 x 1024 MB ) + (1 x 2048)n Memory Max Up to 4 GB DDR2n Hard Drive 320 GB SATA (5400 rpm)n LightScribe Super Multi DVD Writer (+/-R +/-RW) with Double

Layer support

Precision aluminum. The new gold standard. Carved from a single block of alu-minum, the new MacBook Pro unibody enclosure is slim and streamlined with a soft-brushed surface and stunning contours. But its not all about beauty. The unibody alsomakes MacBook Pro more durable than ever. You can throw it in your briefcase or mes-senger bag and pull it out at an airport, in a hotel room, or on location without a secondthought. So wherever you go, you have everything you need to edit, compose, design,and createSpecificationsn 2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 6MB on-chip shared L2 cache

running n 500GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard driven 8x slot-loading SuperDrive (DVD�R DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW)

Sony Vaio VPCCW13FX/R

Hp Pavilion DV6-CTO21

Packard Bell EasyNote TJ-65

Acer Extensa 4630-652G32MN

Compaq Presario CQ61-340 (Windows 7) Apple MacBook Pro 2.8GHz 17"

Rs62,990

Rs 91,190

Rs82,190

Rs60,690

Rs2,29,990

Rs51,990

The technological marvel of the eMachines EZ Series all-in-one desktop includesGenuine Microsoft Windows XP Home , an Intel Atom Processor, both Gigabit andwireless connectivity and a gorgeous 18.5 inch LCD. Our EZ Series, which boasts astylish, space-saving design, fuels your creativity and productivity with its rich graph-ics performance and digital media features. Specificationsn Genuine Microsoft Windows XP Homen Intel Atom Processor N270 n (1.6GHz, 512KB L2 cache)n Integrated 18.5 inch widescreen display with 16:9 aspect ratio; 1366 x 768

native resolution; n 1024MB DDR2 SDRAM (1 � 1024MB)n 1 DDR2 slot total, 0 DDR2 slots available n 160GB SATAn 8X DVD�R/RW SuperMulti double-layer (DL) drive

Stay connected, share, get work done and have funwith a stylish, simple-to-maintain PC packed with powerand protection.Specificationsn Free Dosn Intel Core 2 Quad processor Q8200n 2.33 GHz, 4 MB L2 Cache, 1333 MHzn Chipset Intel� G43 Expressn Standard memory 2048MBn Memory DDR2n Memory slots 4 DIMMn Hard Disk 320 GBn Hard disk drive speed (7200 rpm)n Lightscribe SuperMulti SATA Driven Nvidia GeForce G210

Handle challenging office tasks and over-see company assets efficiently with theVeriton M480G. Premium components andessential applications ensure top perform-ance, while green certification cuts costs andcares for the environment.Specificationsn Free DOSn Intel Core 2 Duo processor E7400 (2.80GHz)n 3MB L2 Cache / 1066MHZ FSBn 2GB DDR3 Ramn 4 x DDR3 800MHz / 1066MHz Dual channel SDRAMn Maximum 8GBn Hard Disk 320GB SATAn 7200 RPMn DVD RW Super Multi

Cast your gaze on the ultimate eye-opening experience: the new faster, big-ger, and brighter iMacs. The most personal of personal computers comes outpacking a powerful punch. That thanks to the new 64-bit Intel Core 2 Duoprocessor, youll find in each and every new iMac.Specification n Processor Intel Core 2 Duo 2.66GHzn L2 cache 6MB shared n Frontside bus 1066MHzn Memory 2GB (two 1GB SO-DIMMs) of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM; sup

ports up to 8GBn Hard drive 320GB Serial ATA5; 7200 rpmn Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive with 4x double-layer burning (DVD�R

DL/DVD�RW/CD-RW)

Dell Vostro desktop solutions are designedexclusively with features to simplify the technol-ogy challenges of small business. Vostro deliversreliable performance backed by exceptional Dell support all at a great value. Specificationsn Free DOS n Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E8400 (3.0 GHz) n L2 Cache 6MB / 1333MHz FSB n 2GB PC2-6400 (DDR2-800)n 250GB SATA Hard Drive. n DVD RW SATA 16X SuperMultin Intel G45 Express x 4500 HD Graphics

For Internet-centric consumers, young professionals and families lookingfor a stylish, energy-efficient desktop PC at an affordable price, the CompaqCQ2000 delivers essential functionality and easy-to-use features. Specificationsn Intel Atom 330 1.6GHz n 1 MB L2 Cache 533MHz FSBn Chipset Intel 945GC Express n Memory Installed 1 GBn Maximum allowed 2 GB (1 x 2 GB)n 250GB SATA 7200 rpmn DVD ROM (SATA)n Maximum speed: Up to 16Xn Integrated on motherboard (see motherboard and chipset)

Acer eMachines EZ1600 Apple iMac-20 inch 2.66GHz

HP Pavilion P6118L Dell Vostro 220MT

Acer Veriton M480G Compaq CQ2101L

Rs44,990

Rs.1,09,990

Rs50,490

Rs44,490

Rs37,990

Rs26,490


67

Tech ToolLatest Computers

Increasingly widespread penetration ofmobile phones around the world is creatingnew opportunities for activists to organise,connect and open windows to their lives.

Innovative use of technologies like shortmessage service (SMS), video recorders andcameras, coupled with the power of socialnetworking platforms, represents the newtoolbox for activist groups that want to spreadmessages and access information.

“There are hundreds of groups that aredeveloping different projects for mobilephones,” said Katrin Verclas, co-founder ofMobileActive.org, an online resource foractivists using mobile technology.MobileActive.org offers a list of activist groupsand nongovernment organisations that usemobile technology, as well as research and tipson using mobile phones to their fullest potential.

Mobile phones are much more accessible forpeople in developing countries where internetconnections may be expensive or nonexistent, orwhere the infrastructure may not be able toprovide the constant source of electricity acomputer requires. Charged mobile phones canoperate for days without a power source.

“The fact that you have 4.5 billion subscribersshows that [mobile phones] are the biggest andeasiest communication in the world,” Verclassaid.

CameraMobile phones equipped with cameras and

video recorders allow activists to break free fromthe limitations of words, texts or tweets andbreach language barriers to offer pictures ofwhat is happening around them. According toVerclas, half of the phones in the world areequipped with some video or camera

capabilities, and they are being put to good use. It was through these innovations that Kiripi

Katembo Siku, an art student from theDemocratic Republic of the Congo, was able tocreate a film that portrayed street life in theCongo’s capital, Kinshasa. In a city wherefilming is often restricted, Siku needed a way toget his footage without carrying a large camerathrough the streets.

Siku relied on his much smaller video camera- the one in his mobile phone - to get the images.He attached his cell phone to a toy car with astring that was pulled by a young girl as shewandered the streets.

The result was a seven-minute movie openlydisplaying life in Kinshasa. The production wastitled “Voiture en Carton,” or “The CardboardCar.” The camera follows the girl’s pink shoes asshe passes children playing football, street-sidegambling and the general bustle of the city. More

than once, she pauses to right the fallen toy,which topples several times on the rough cityroads.

“Camera phones are affordable, small andeasy to manoeuvre,” Siku told CNN. “Theyallowed me to work more discreetly and getcloser to my subjects.”

TextingOne of the most basic functions of a mobile

phone is SMS text messaging - and, as it turnsout, one of the most powerful. It was SMS thatoffered many of the real-time updates found onTwitter and other social networking sites duringrecent Iranian and Lebanese elections thatcaptured global attention. SMS allows a user tosend 160 characters, including spaces, to otherphones or destinations on the internet. “[SMS]is, hands down, the most prevalent use of mobilephones today,” Verclas said.

In 2005, Greenpeace Argentina, anongovernmental organisation that promotesenvironmental protection programmes,successfully used SMS as a core component of itscampaign for “zero waste” in Buenos Aires.

After finding that Buenos Aires wasproducing and burying between 4,000 tons and5,000 tons of waste every day in landfills,Greenpeace began a campaign to reduce theamount of recyclable and compostable waste inlandfills to zero.

The campaign enrolled more than 4500activists to receive text alerts during criticallegislative battles and encouraged them to textor calls their representatives in a show ofsupport for the zero-waste policy.

The campaign lasted 15 months. BuenosAires city legislators voted unanimously toenforce a drawdown and eventual ban on theuse of landfills for recyclable and compostablewaste by 2020.

“There’s a lot of potential, and there’s a lot ofingenuity,” Verclas said, citing hopes for moreadvanced applications for simple phones as wellas the possibility of using solar power for masstexting by mobile phone someday.

Governments, too, are adapting mobiletechnology for innovative applications. DuringPresident Obama’s June 14 visit to Cairo, Egypt,and his July 11 visit to Ghana, subscribers inplaces where internet or television might not beaccessible received SMS texts with updates of hisspeeches. In response, subscribers were able tosend in questions for President Obama to answerin a podcast.

This is just what is existing where many moreis in pipeline of the telecom technologies. Let ussee where all this will lead us. �

Mobile phones are muchmore accessible for people

in developing countrieswhere internet connections

may be expensive ornonexistent, or where theinfrastructure may not be

able to provide the constantsource of electricity a

computer requires

Mobile phones equipped with cameras and videorecorders allow activists to break free from thelimitations of words, texts or tweets and breachlanguage barriers to offer pictures of what ishappening around them


70

Telepedia Megan Neff


71

SynopsisInternational

Once again, Sony today took the wraps off theworld’s lightest notebook - the VAIO® X Series.

Housed in a lightweight carbon-fiber chassis, the XSeries weighs just1.6 pounds (with standard battery)and is just over a half-inch thin - roughly the width of acell phone.

It features a 16:9 aspect ratio which means you get awider workspace - all packed into a compact 11.1-inch(diagonal) footprint. And not only is the scratch-resistant LCD display durable, it also provides brilliantpicture quality with 100 per cent colour saturation andimproved brightness, thanks to its LED backlighttechnology.

The X Series is also supplied with both a standardand super-extended capacity battery, delivering extra-long battery life for day-long productivity - up to 3.5hours for the standard battery and up to 14 hours forthe super-extended capacity battery.

“It’s one thing to make a notebook thin but whenyou consider the fact that the X Series also boastsindustry-leading battery life and wireless WAN— younow have a game changer - altering the way people useand think about their PC,” said Mike Abary, senior vicepresident of the VAIO business group at Sony.

The unit’s touchpad features a multi-touchfunctionality commonly associated with touch-enabledsmart phones. This means that you can zoom in and out,flip through pictures, rotate items clockwise and counterclockwise, and scroll vertically and horizontally withoutever touching your mouse.

The model also incorporates real-time GPSfunctionality, making it easy to find restaurants, hotelsor special sites of interest. Destinations can be found bysimply typing in an address or keyword and thenfollowing the turn-by-turn directions. It even includesestimated drive times to let you know how far you arefrom a destination (United States or Canada only). NoInternet connection is required in the United States orCanada. �

Karachi: HPannounced new products,solutions and servicesthat help organisationsdrive innovation andrapidly scale up and

down to meet changing business needs. “Technology is a fundamental contributor to business innovation, with HP’s portfolio of

products, services and solutions, organisations can build technology environments thatdeliver the outcomes that matter today and tomorrow,” Ann Livermore, Executive VicePresident, HP Enterprise Business said. HP helps customers to drive business innovationand create new opportunities. �

Karachi: A leadingtechnology companyWavetec PakistanLimited has secured1.68 million dollars

contract for setting up a country-wide network of real-time LED information displays forEthiopia Commodity Exchange (ECX). A senior executive of Wavetec said, the contract hadbeen signed by ECX CEO Dr Eleni Gabre-Madhin and Wavetec Director Sales for AfricaZiauddin Siddiqui in Addis Ababa on October 29, to complete the project within six to eightmonths.

This is a World Bank's funded project with the aim to end exploitation and increaselegitimacy of the trading process by making accurate data available. �

Karachi: The mobile operator has signed acontract with Nokia Siemens Networks to buildoff-grid sites using solar power. Telenor wasthe first cellular operator in Pakistan to have asite dependent on solar technology in January2008.

Under the contract, Nokia SiemensNetworks will provide its off-grid site solutionsthat use solar energy to power base station sitesin rural and remote areas. On a turnkey basis,

Nokia SiemensNetworks will

design the sites, taking into account local solarmapping, site landscape and other factors tomaximise the use of an abundant, clean, andnatural energy source.

Nokia Siemens Networks' Green EnergyControl will help deliver a sustainable solutionwhile optimising operating costs. The solar-powered sites will be implemented usingUniversal Services Fund (USF) that wasawarded to Telenor Pakistan in 2009. USF-based contracts aim to provide access to mobileservices for undeserved and unserved areas ofPakistan. �

Urbansole is a branded footwear from the house of Shafi (Pvt) Ltd, and was launchedin 1996 as a truly national brand and has since then become renowned not only in Pakistanbut it also has its customers in Middle-East, Russia, USA and UK with 17 COCO outletsand more than 45 relationship accounts.

Urbansole unveiled its new fabulous Spring-Summer Collection 2009-10 at a local fivestar hotel and invited its customersand general public to feel the “CoolBreese” of casual sandals & slippersin both urbansole and Pierre Cardin.Mr Jawad Musaddiq, Director saidthat this was the result of committedeffort on NPD and we wanted ourcustomers to enjoy the value of theirmoney with best quality leather andinternational designs.

Mr Kashif Zorain, BrandManager Urbansole added that weoutsource the best quality leatherfor urban sole and Pierre Cardinfrom our sister concerns and theUSP of these leathers is their eco-friendly properties. We use leathers quality assured frominternationals labs at Hong Kong and Germany. Our shoes are nickel/chrome free, pro-green, controls & prevents skin allergy and no pig lining, thus every step we takes helpsyou step up. �

World’s lightestnotebook by Sony

Spring-summer collection byUrbansole

Lahore: Group photograph of Mr Jawad Musaddiq, Director,Urbansole, Mr Shahid Cheema, BDM, Urbansole and Mr KashifZorain, Brand Manger, Urbansole with other officials at theevent.

Nokia to build off-grid sites

HP helps firms thrive inunpredictability

IT firm secures $1.68 millioncontract in Ethiopia

Free download | flare.com.pkSynopsis Flare Report

Islamabad: Electronic media managers fromeight prominent television channels have evolvedfirst-of-its-kind voluntary framework tostandardise professional guidelines regardingterrorism coverage.

Representatives of ARY News, KTN, Samaa,Dawn News, Dunya, Express, News, Express24/7, Geo and Aaj television met to conclude atwo-week long internal debate on how best torespond to viewer feedback on reporting incidentswhere large scale loss of human life has occurred.

Applying their collective experience andjudgment, they agreed on harmonising existingprofessional methods to perform the task ofhonest reporting in these times of extreme crisisand national danger.

Members of the group, a voluntary gatheringopen to all, agreed among themselves thatformalization of policies on reporting and newsgathering in terrorism-related cases was need ofthe hour.

The areas where the agreement was reachedpertained to field and live reporting, viewerexposure to extreme and disturbing visuals, deadbodies, badly injured people, accounts ofemotionally-distraught as well as eye-witnesses,

and real-time decisions on releasing informationduring war or in the case of hostage-situation.

Better training for camera crew and safetyorientation of reporters were other areas where thegroup agreed to implement swift measures in linewith the potential and constraints of each channel.

The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA)has already given its voluntary Code of Conducton coverage of terrorism to the government. Nowsince the electronic news managers have alsoagreed to voluntarily follow their own set ofguidelines, they called upon the government todesist from imposing any guidelines formulatedby official functionaries, as such guidelines would

be seen as restrictions that would run counter tothe spirit of freedom of expression.

The news managers who formulated theseguidelines included Tariq Wasi, Head ofOperations, ARY Digital Network, Mohsin Raza,Director News, ARY News, Azhar Abbas,

Managing Director, Geo News, Syed TalatHussain, Executive Director News, Aaj News,Abbas Nasir, Editor, Dawn News and DailyDawn, Ali Qazi, CEO, KTN, Fahad Husain,Director News, Express News and Express 24/7,Owais Tohid, Director News, Dunya TV, NasimZehra, Director Current Affairs, Dunya TV andAmir Zia, Director Current Affairs, Samaa TV. �

News TV channels agree on code of conduct

72

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari talking to President PFUJ Pervaiz Shaukat, Secretary General Shams ul AslamNaz, Mushtaq Minhas and other senior journalists.

Karachi: Intel Pakistan & Dell Pakistan together conducted a series ofroad shows with notebooks cloaked in Cherry Red, Alpine White, PrettyPink, Gecko Green and a whole array of other colour, accessorised withcrisp widescreen displays to meet user's specific needs.

The new products and services were showcased at a colourful event atthe Forum Karachi, with famous VJ Ayesha Omar and designer MunibNawab gracing the event. This event provided the visitors with a greatvisual experience resulting in holistic product know-how. Experts were

also present at the venue to provide clear information on the highperformance products that are tailored to the needs of specific consumergroups.

"The Dell consumer series, based on Intel Processors has embarked ona colourful and exhilarating journey in Pakistan. Our tagline 'Yours isHere', religiously followed, exhibits that knowing our customers is whatwe do best. The personality of each SKU is uniquely positioned forcustomers that seek a high definition lifestyle at the best price points. Ourkiller products, the Inspiron portfolio and Studio series are responsible forcreating some fantastic ripples in the market," said Nubla Iftikhar,Marketing Manager for Consumers and SMB for Dell Pakistan. �

Lahore: HP announced powerful telecom software that can helpservice providers tap Web 2.0 to spark growth in wireless revenue. TheHP Service Delivery Platform (HP SDP) now includes a virtual "sandbox"in which developers can create new web-based applications (apps),widgets and mash-ups on the service provider's wireless network. Thenew technologies in HP SDP 3.0 make service creation easy, fast andrewarding for independent developers.

By attracting non-telecom independent software developers (ISVs) andgiving them the tools to build innovativeapplications, service providers can enrichtheir wireless networks with thepersonalised services that subscribers wantand are willing to pay for monthly.

Web 2.0 services can involve complexrevenue sharing among content providers,developers and network operators, so HPSDP 3.0 now includes specific resources tohandle micro transactions, managerevenue streams and help serviceproviders build a successful revenue haring business model. The newtools build on a standards-based service-oriented architecture (SOA) thatreduces costs and complexity by replacing multiple service silos with asingle, unified resource layer.

The common layer gives developers simplified, secure access to theunderlying network and its key enabling technologies such as locationand presence. Several of the new tools incorporate HP businesstechnology optimisation software. �

Microsoft promotes innovation in PakistanIn line with its objective to promote development in the ICT sector of

Pakistan, Microsoft joined hands with Pakistan Software HousesAssociation (PASHA) by sponsoring PASHA ICT Awards 2009.

Country General Manager, Microsoft Pakistan, Kamal Ahmed said,“We are thrilled to sponsor the leading awards in the ICT sector ofPakistan. I congratulate PASHA on organising a highly successful event.These awards go a long way in encouraging IT professionals to come upwith latest solutions in communications technology. This gives a muchneeded boost to the local IT sector and in turn to the economy of Pakistan.We at Microsoft are extremely pleased and excited to be a part of such anevent.”

Commenting on Microsoft’s strong support, President PASHA, JehanAra said, “This is the sixth year of PASHA’s ICT Awards and I am happyto note that we are now associated with a name like Microsoft – the globalleader in innovative software solutions.”

These awards create an opportunity for top winning companies torepresent Pakistan at the Asia Pacific awards. By supporting suchventures, Microsoft aims to build a talent pool of software developersand contribute towards the progress of the ICT industry. �

Intel, Dell to cast the spellby innovative products

Powerful telecom software by HP

Dhabi Group and Essar Groupannounce strategic partnership

The Dhabi Group and the Essar Group on November 15 announcedthe signing of definitive agreements for an investment by Essar Groupinto the telecom assets of the Dhabi Group in Uganda and Republic ofCongo. The agreements signed by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan MabarakAl Nahyan on behalf of the Dhabi Group and Prashant Ruia, Group ChiefExecutive Essar Group in Abu Dhabi. The enterprise valuation of theUganda and Congo operations is collectively valued at US $318 million.

The Essar Group has committed growth capital to both telecomoperations to facilitate network expansion and marketing. Uponcompletion, the Essar Group will acquire a majority stake in both theassets. The partnership is also expected to bring operational efficienciesto the African operations.

HH Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Chairman of DhabiGroup, said that: “We are pleased to join hands with a Group that bothcomplements and extends our synergies to expand further into Africa.Warid has expanded its greenfield operations to become crediblecompetitors and challengers in the market where it operates; the time isnow right for the next stage of its growth and evolution.”

Commenting on the occasion Mr Prashant Ruia, Group ChiefExecutive, Essar Group said, “Essar is delighted to partner with theDhabi Group to expand Essar’s telecom operations in Uganda andCongo. This is in line with Essar’s plan to be a part of the growingtelecom market in Africa. This transaction with the Dhabi Groupaugments our successful launch of telecom services in Kenya under thebrand ‘yu’ which was a stepping stone for Essar to expand its telecomfootprint to the African continent.”

Essar's investment in Warid Telecom in Africa is a part of its strategicplans to grow its business in Africa. This deal is a reflection of Essar'splans to increase its presence in the Middle East and Africa regions as itexplores business opportunities by forging partnerships with prominentbusiness groups.

After the successful launch of mobile services in Kenya under thebrand ‘yu’, Essar Telecom is now expanding its footprint in East Africawith Uganda and Republic of Congo operations. Regarded as one of thefastest growing telecom operators in Kenya, Essar Telecom Kenya hasover 600,000 subscribers and expects this number to grow significantly asit completes its rollout across Kenya.

Essar Energy had recently announced the completion of theacquisition of a 50 per cent stake in Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd(KPRL), with the Government of Kenya holding the remaining stake.KPRL is a 4 million metric tonne (MMTPA) per annum refinery in Kenya.The Dhabi Group transaction is subject to regulatory approvals inUganda and Republic of Congo. Standard Chartered Bank acted asexclusive financial advisor to the Dhabi Group.


73

SynopsisNational

Karachi: Askari Bank Limited, one of thefastest growing domestic banks in Pakistan, haschosen to implement a wide range of OracleSolutions such as Oracle Database, Oracle FusionMiddleware and Oracle Applications includingOracle FLEXCUBE (core banking system) OracleReveleus (risk management system. The projectaims to modernise its IT architecture to improvebanking operations, business efficiency andcustomer service. Oracle is Askari Bank’s keybusiness partner in this significant effort.

“We evaluated many technology solutionsavailable in the market but Oracle is the onlytechnology solution provider that offered acomplete, highly available and secure solutionfor our stringent business requirements,” saidJaved Iqbal, CIO of Askari Bank. “We areconfident that Oracle solutions will ensurecontinuous availability of banking services andbusiness continuity while ensuring data securityand regulatory compliance.”

On the database side, Oracle DatabaseOptions like Oracle Database Vault, AdvancedSecurity, Data Masking and Audit Vault willprovide data Security to address auditing &compliance guidelines.

On the middleware layer, Oracle Fusion

Middleware products like Oracle SOA Suite andOracle Application Adapter will enable AskariBank to seamlessly integrate all its businessapplications. It will also assist the bank to reducethe time taken to introduce new schemes orproducts and reduce cost of manual integrationwithin various business functions.

“Oracle has been serving financialcorporations for decades. Banks around theworld rely on Oracle to help them streamlinebusiness processes and improve cost efficiencyratios to provide greater value to customers,”said Natasak Rodjanapiches, Regional ManagingDirector-Oracle ASEAN “We are pleased thatOracle is able to help Askari Bank build a highlyavailable, scalable and secure operatingenvironment to enable 24x7 services to itscustomers”.

Oracle FLEXCUBE’s core banking system’sflexible process configuration capabilities allowAskari Bank to configure business processes tosuit their needs. Its flexible open standards based

architecture coupled with extensive functionalitylends agility to bank’s operations and enablesthem to standardize, consolidate, manage risksand compete in challenging market conditions.

”Oracle’s comprehensive scalability &manageability features will help Askari Banksafeguard its infrastructural investment incoming years,” said Farhan Ibrahim Chaudhry,General Manager Sales (Technology Business),Oracle Corporation, Pakistan and SAGE (W). “Itwill also help Askari Bank to optimise its ITresources to its fullest, enabling Askari Bank tosignificantly reduce total cost of ownership andincrease return on investment.

Oracle Reveleus will provide Askari Bankwith the industry's most comprehensiveenterprise risk management capability enablingthe bank to comply with Pakistan State Bankregulations and those specified in Basel IIguidelines.

Other business applications to beimplemented by Askari Bank include OracleSiebel Customer Relationship Management,PeopleSoft HRMS (for human capitalmanagement), Oracle E-Business Suite Financialsand Oracle Maximum Availability Architectureas well for their growing business demands. �

Oracle, Askari Bank making mark in banking

Islamabad: Amalgamating telephony with unique banking solutions,Ufone and HBL entered into Mobile Commerce Partnership to extend nextgeneration of Mobile Technology.

With the help of this offer Ufone customers having their bank accountsin HBL through Mobile phone will have distinct alternative to conventionalbranch-based banking to conduct range of activities through their mobilephones instead of bank branches or through bank employees.

Through SSLbased securedWAP TechnologyUfone UPaymentsoffers PrepaidTop-up andPostpaid MobileBill Payments,Utility BillPayment andStatements andBalances to Ufoneand HBL’scommon valuedcustomers.

Mr Abdul AzizPresident & CEOUfone elaborated that all transactions will be settled online from HBLaccount in real time. “In near future the service will allow subscribers toperform Interbank Fund Transfer (IBFT) from an account to any otheraccount of HBL,” he added.

“Our quest for technology will not end here as we will explore furthernew combinations,” the official contended. �

Mobile Commerce Solutions: Ufone joinhands with HBL


75

SynopsisNational

Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited (FFC) signed a contract withAbacusConsulting for SAP Implementation. Fauji Fertiliser CompanyLimited is a leading fertiliser manufacturing company with over 60 percent share of urea manufacturing and marketing in Pakistan. FFC ownsthe largest urea manufacturing facility of Pakistan consisting of threeammonia/urea units. FFC is playing a leading role in industrial andagricultural advancement in Pakistan by providing quality fertilisers andallied services to itscustomers.

Addressing thesigning ceremony atFFC Head Office inRawalpindi, Lt. GenMalik Arif Hayat, HI(M) (Retd), ChiefExecutive andManaging Directorsaid, “FFC hasselected the best ofthe breed ERP to realize its strategic goals of remaining a leading player inthe industrial and agricultural advancements in Pakistan. SAP will provideend to end connectivity for all the business processes and activities of thecompany. It will help us to integrate all processes and create opportunityfor transforming FFC into a 21st century manufacturing facility. It will alsoprovide us the enhanced capacity not only to sustain our market leadershipbut to explore and venture into more challenging areas at differentlocations in Pakistan. This will significantly improve efficiency bystreamlining our operations”.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Asad Ali Khan, Chairman ofAbacusConsulting said, “We are delighted to be associated with FFC, as itsSAP Implementation Partner. SAP solution will greatly facilitate FFC inimproving its productivity and insight, reduce costs through increasedflexibility, improving financial management and supporting changingindustry requirements”. �

Fauji Fertiliser, Abacus-Consulting ink accord

Ufone and HBL signed an agreement for Mobile Commerce Solution. Picture shows Mr. Abdul Aziz, President & CEO Ufoneand Mr. Zakir Mahmood, President & CEO HBL, exchangingdocuments at the ceremony.

Lahore: Brigadier Malik Tahir Saeed (Retd), Senior Procurement Manager, FaujiFertiliser Company Limited (Centre Left) and Aamer Chaudhry, Partner,AbacusConsulting (Centre Right) at the SAP Contract Signing Ceremony. Asad AliKhan, Chairman AbacusConsulting (Centre Left) and Lt. Gen Malik Arif Hayat, HI(M) (Retd), Chief Executive and MD, Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited (CentreRight) are standing at the back.

Lahore: Pakistan International Airline’s PreHajj operation commenced on October 22 fromLahore and will continue till November 21, 2009,the post Hajj flights would start from December02, 2009 and will conclude on January 01, 2010.

PIA’s first pre-Hajj flight PK-9305 took offfrom Lahore on October 22 carrying 466passengers to Jeddah, while another special Hajjflight PK-1405 took off for Jeddah carrying 468intending pilgrims., District Manager PIALahore Mansoor Mela, Manager Hajj LahoreSaleem Ullah Shahani, Station Manager PIAArshad Chaudhry, PIA Public RelationsDepartment officials Yasmin Haroon & AtharHasan Awan, Airport Manager CAA andDirector Hajj Qazi Sami ur Rehman badefarewell to the intending pilgrims at HajjTerminal Allama Iqbal International Airport,Lahore.

The Pre-Hajj operation entails a total of 72flights from Lahore including 7 flights forMadinah, transporting 33696 intending pilgrims

for Saudia Arabia. The above number of Hajjismay be revised as per the requirements of theHajj Ministry.

Special suitcase for the pilgrimsFor the convenience of the pilgrims, PIA has

made special arrangements to provide suitcasesas gift to intending Hajj pilgrims. Suitcases

would be provided to the Ministry ofReligious Affairs for intendingpilgrims travelling through PIA forcollection with Passports, tickets and

other travelling documents by them (intendingpilgrims) from Hajji Camps.

PIA requests its valued passengers to collectthe Suitcase gifted by PIA from Ministry ofReligious Affairs at the time of collection ofPassports, tickets and travelling documents.

PIA also requests the intending Hajj pilgrimsto clearly mark their suitcases with their personalidentification marks. Complete name, AddressTags should also be attached so that they mayeasily identify their luggage at the time ofcollection at Jeddah Airport and on their returnflights to Pakistan.

PIA’s Hajj passengers are therefore, requestedto ensure that they do not carry more than onepiece baggage which must not be more than 32kg per piece to avoid any inconvenience duringtheir return flight and excess baggage if any willbe charged accordingly. Additionally,passengers are allowed hand carry baggage upto 7 kg weight only. �

Free download | flare.com.pkSynopsis National

PIA proud to serve the Hajj pilgrims

Karachi: Mobilink, Pakistan’s market leader incellular services and part of the Orascom TelecomHolding recently organised an entertainingCricket Tournament for the Voice Society forRehabilitation of Special Persons (Voice). The activity was organised by Mobilinkemployees volunteering under the banner ofMobilink Foundation to instil sociallyparticipative behaviour and affirm the equalstatus of special persons in society. Divided intomixed teams, Mobilink employees and Voicemembers played side by side. A total of 65players participated in the matches. Zahid Iqbal, Director, Broadband & CarrierDivision, Mobilink also attended the match andpresented prizes to the participants and trophiesto members of the winning team.

Volunteerism is a core value of Mobilink’sCulture of Excellence and employees are stronglyencouraged to engage in community endeavours.The Mobilink Foundation Torchbearers, as theyare called, are sanctioned to clock an average offour to five dedicated hours per person permonth during official working hours. On averagethe volunteers spent more than 3,000 hours in2008 in community service and have alreadyclocked in more than 700 hours this year.Founded in 2007, The Mobilink Foundation is thegrant-giving arm of Mobilink, which providessupport for the local community not onlyfinancially but also through dedicated volunteerhours. �

Mobilink cricket match for special citizens

Islamabad: More than 80 delegates from 30international airlines travelled to the U.A.E.recently to see innovative technology for whichDubai has become renowned throughout theairline business worldwide.

Delegates travelled to Dubai from airlinesbased in all five continents and included airlineCIOs, Heads of Commercial Operations andsenior managers. The dedicated forum washosted by Mercator, the Dubai-based businesstechnology provider and held at the EmiratesGroup Headquarters, opposite the new EmiratesTerminal Three at Dubai International Airport.

The two day event also showcased IATA’s‘Fast Travel’ initiatives and how they respond togrowing passenger demand for greaterconvenience and more control over theirjourneys - one relatively recent example is theintroduction of self service check in counterswhich already save passengers a great deal of

time. There were talks by IATA representatives,Mercator partners and senior managers, paneldiscussions and product demonstrations, with ahost of positive feedback being received fromexisting Mercator customers.

Duncan Alexander, Vice President, Sales andMarket Development, Mercator, said, “We aredelighted to use this event to highlight toindustry professionals our latest product -Jupiter - a value proposition which includes aconsolidated suite of applications closelyintegrated with Mercator’s airline reservationand airport control systems, MARS and MACS.The combination is designed to give airlinesgreater business and system integration, returnon investment, process improvement andsignificant cost reduction.

“Mercator has continually enhanced andmaintained the core of its reservation anddeparture control technologies. The current

global economic climatepresents a need for all airlinesto keep costs down while we at

Mercator have invested time and money indeveloping our portfolio to offer productswhose concepts have been developed not onlyinternally but externally with major industryplayers, such as Farelogix and Calidris.” �

Mercator showcases tech-IT solutions

76

Duncan Alexander, Vice President, Sales and MarketDevelopment, Mercator

District Manager PIA Mansoor Mela, Manager Hajj Saleemullah Shahani, Station Manager PIA Arshad Chaudhry &other senior officials of PIA on PIA’s first pre-hajj flight toJeddah at the Hajj Terminal Allama Iqbal InternationalAirport Lahore.

Zahid Iqbal, Director, Broadband & Carrier Division,Mobilink presents trophy to a participant at the cricketmatch organized by Mobilink employees for members of theVoice Society for Rehabilitation of Special Persons.


77


Lahore: PIA’s 322nd Board of DirectorsMeeting held at the PIA Head Office approvedthe un-audited interim financial statements forthe nine months period ending September 30,2009.

The members of the board of directors noted

that despite the economic downturn andnegative situation for travel and tourism earningsof the airline improved to Rs63.9 billion, anincrease of around Rs3.5 billion or 5.9 per cent

over the corresponding period last year. The increase was mainly due to rise in

passenger revenue by Rs3.3 billion 6.3per cent.However, improvement in passenger yield waspartly offset by reduction in passenger traffic.

PIA’s revenue from chartered flightscontinued to showexceptionalgrowth andincreased byRs408 million (274per cent); non-transport revenueincreased toRs1963 million anincrease of Rs132million (7.2 percent).

PIA’s after tax loss during the last threequarters substantially reduced to Rs10.8 billionfrom Rs27.6 billion compared to same period inthe previous year. The reduction in losses was

mainly due to reduction in costs and increase inrevenues.

Board directed management to continue tofocus on the improvement in both domestic andinternational passenger traffic, and also takecounter measures to improve the cargo and MRObusiness.

Besides, the BOD approved 15 per centincrease in pension for Pay Group I to IVemployees with effect from January 01, 2009 andof pay group V and above with effect from July01, 2009.

Regularisation of Pilots services forpermanent employment after successfullycompleting 18 months as First Officer oncommercial flights was also approved by theboard of directors.

Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, Minister forDefence & Chairman-PIA presided the meetingattended by Captain Mohammad Aijaz Haroon,Managing Director. Directors present were SyedNaseer Ahmed, Malik Nazir Ahmad, Mr JavedAkhtar, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Syed Athar Ali, FederalSecretary Defence, Prof Mian Ijaz ul Hassan, MrMubashir Iftikhar and Mr Husain Lawai. �

PIA earn Rs 63.9 billion by Sep.09

Karachi: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd, aleading mobile phone provider, has launched itsCorby Series by announcing three mobile phonesdesigned around the Corby concept, which aimsto deliver stylish devices to support the highlyconnected lifestyles of today’s younger mobileusers.

The new Corby family devices, dubbedSamsung CorbyTXT (B3210), Corby Touch(S3653) and Samsung CorbyPRO (B3410) seek tofurther meet the varied needs of the youthmarket, while aligning with Samsung’s strategyof designing mobiles to match every lifestyle.

The three models are differentiated by keyfeatures, including messaging, multimediaentertainment and business functionality, butalso deliver the original Corby’s trademarks ofbold colours, pop-style contours and a curvedform factor.

“The Corby family is in-line with our ongoingstrategy of developing different mobiles to matchevery lifestyle,” said Mr Steve Han, ManagingDirector of Samsung Electronics’ Pakistan.

Furthermore, Mr Zeshan Qureshi, the Headof Samsung mobiles, Pakistan and Afghanistan,

also added, “The focus with the original Corbyand now with the Corby family has been to offerour consumers choice: choice over the colour ofthe handset, choice over how they stay connectedand choice over the features and functionalitythat best suit their unique personalities and

communications requirements.” Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a

global leader in semiconductor,telecommunication, digital media anddigital convergence technologies with2008 consolidated sales of USD96billion. Employing approximately164,600 people in 179 offices across 61countries, the company consists of twobusiness units: Digital Media &Communications and DeviceSolutions. Recognised as one of thefastest growing global brands,Samsung Electronics is a leading

producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobilephones and TFT-LCDs. �

Samsung launch the Corby Family

Karachi: The National CommoditiesExchange Limited (NCEL) continues to offerfresh memberships with lucrative opportunitiesin a growing commodity trade market. Businessenterprises, institutions and individualparticipants in the commodity markets have been

invited to capitalise on its growth potentialthrough a partnership with a prestigious nationalinstitution.

NCEL is Pakistan’s first and onlyCommodities and Futures Exchange with atechnological infra structure allowing tradinghubs all across the country. The shareholders ofNCEL are all robust financial institutions,including the National Bank of Pakistan, ZaraiTaraqiati Bank (ZTBL), Pak Kuwait InvestmentCo., and the three national stock-exchanges.Currently Gold, Rice, Palm oil, and KIBOR(Karachi Inter-Bank Offered Rate) futures arelisted on the exchange. Crude oil and Silverfutures listing is expected in the near future.

Samir Ahmed, Managing Director, NCELsaid, “The idea behind opening newmemberships is to take the market to the realinvestors and users. We foresee a manifoldincrease in memberships over the next few yearsas NCEL becomes a truly national exchange. Theinitial membership fee of NCEL, including

deposits, was at Rs 1 million, which has nowrisen to Rs2.5 million. With the anticipatedgrowth in business volumes, it can go up furtherthrough periodical revisions by the board of theexchange.”

Unlike the stock exchanges NCEL has nolimits on number of memberships. At itsinception, a total number of 260 membershipswere granted. The exchange became operationalin 2007 and memberships were reopened in 2008,to take in additional new members. The totalstrength now stands at 288 members.

“NCEL is a transparent and trustworthyplatform to trade on because of its modern riskmanagement techniques such as pre-trade riskcheck in real-time. We offer our membersultimate reassurance while acting as the centralcounterparty for buyers and sellers, andproviding clearing and settlement online throughthe banking system,” he added. �

NCEL open for new memberships

The 322nd meeting of PIA Board of Directors’ held at the PIA Head office Karachi.

New Delhi: Internet giant Google isconsidering entering India's third-generation(3G) telecommunications market, a report said.The Business Standard newspaper quotedsources in India's telecom industry as sayingGoogle may either team up with an Indiancompany to bid for 3G bandwidth or take on arole as a technology partner.

India is set to begin an auction of 3G radiobandwidth in January and has said foreigncompanies will be allowed to participate. Butnon-Indian players will have to find Indianpartners as India caps foreign ownership intelecommunication companies at 74 per cent.

A spokesperson for California-based Googledeclined to comment when contacted by thepaper. Third-generation mobile services offerusers high-speed access to the internet with

email and video capabilities on cellulartelephones.

Experts say the auction of 3G radiospectrums for mobile service will put India'scellular market - the fastest growing in theworld - on track for a new level of wireless

telephony. India's government has said it aims to

raise 250 billion rupees (5.38 billiondollars) from the sale of 3G bandwidth.

IRandom search results by 'MysteryGoogle'

Washington: No matter what you type intothe query box at Mystery Google it serves upthe results of someone else's search. A searchfor "Twitter," for example, delivered links towebsites about "cabbage." The search engine islocated at mysterygoogle.com.

There is one consistent result. Type in thequery "What is Mystery Google?" and the replyis "That is the site you are on."

The Mystery Google website has the spartanlook of the traditional Google home page butthe background is black as opposed to whiteand features a glowing moon at the top of thepage. It also bears the notice "Google is atrademark of Google Inc." �

New York: Hewlett-Packard Co, the world's number one maker ofpersonal computers expects very aggressive pricing in the US PCmarket in the coming holiday season. "I think we will see a lot ofaggressive pricing around 'Black Friday,'" said Todd Bradley, who is incharge of HP's PC business as executive vice president of the personalsystems group. "Some of it will be by us, some by our competitors."

Holiday season pricing will not be less aggressive than last year, headded in an interview during a visit to New York. Last holiday season,the financial crisis led many US consumers to pull back from spending,prompting some heavy discounting by retailers.

Black Friday is the day after the Thanksgiving holiday and istraditionally seen as the first big day for holiday sales. The weekendincluding Black Friday, which occurs this year on November 27, usuallycounts for about 10 per cent of the season's sales.

This past summer, Wal-Mart Stores Inc sold an exclusive CompaqPresario notebook computer that itdeveloped in partnership with HP forUSD298. Bradley said HP did not have anyplans to sell a PC below that price, thoughhe did not yet know whether some retailerswould try to go lower.

Bradley said that consumers remainfocused on buying lower-priced products. "There is a real price-valueequation," he said. Microsoft's launch of Windows 7, the latest versionof its operating system will help to drive PC sales. "I think the productis a very strong one and they have put a lot behind promoting it," hesaid in reference to Microsoft. Overall, Bradley said that he was"cautiously optimistic" about the holiday season. HP was managing itsmargins and planning cautiously but was also in a position to meetdemand if sales were stronger than expected. �

HP sees aggressive PCholiday pricing

Geneva: Iraqi refugees in Syria will receive UN food vouchersthrough text messages on mobile phones, the World Food Programmesaid.

In a test project targeting 1,000 Iraqi refugee families, the UnitedNations agency will send a 22 dollar voucher every two months bySMS to each family, who will be provided with a special SIM card.

The beneficiary can then exchange the electronic voucher for rice,wheat flour, lentils, chickpeas, oil, canned fish, cheese and eggs atselected shops.

Addressing concerns aboutmobile phone ownership amongthe refugee population, WFPspokeswoman Emilia Casellasaid all the 130,000 Iraqirefugees currently receivingfood aid from the agency inSyria have mobile phones.

"We're currently providing news about distributions on mobilephone messages to the 130,000 caseload right now," she said.

The pilot project extends the use of paper food vouchers viamobile technology. "This if it bears fruit will potentially becontinued," she added. Casella said food vouchers in general allowpeople to "buy food when they need it as opposed to having to queuein long lines or go to distribution centres."

"It also is better for the economies of the communities in whichwe're able to use food vouchers because in essence we're not givingfood away but we're actually providing an additional market to thelocal shopkeepers," she added. �

UN to text messagefood vouchers


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Google eyeing India 3G market

Chinese telecommunications equipmentmanufacturer ZTE reported third quarterrevenues of CNY 15.13 billion, up 42.81 per centfrom the year-earlier quarter. In terms of marketdevelopment, the group reported substantialgrowth in operating revenue largely attributableto large-scale 3G network construction in thedomestic China market.

According to product groups, ZTE registeredyear-on-year revenue growth of 47.32 per cent for

carrier networks,which was drivenmainly by

revenue generated from sales of the company's3G network equipment, optical transmissionproducts and data communication products.Revenue from terminal products also grew by38.67 per cent, which was in line with salesgrowth for 3G products. Revenue from thegroup's telecommunications software systems,services and other products grew by 17.85 percent, reflecting primarily growth in the sales offixed terminals.

Net profit rose 58.18 per cent to CNY 409million or CNY 0.23 per share. For the finalquarter of the year, the group will pursue itsstrategies in greater depth with a focus onenhancing its capabilities in strategic applicationsand operations. ZTE will continue to strengthencooperation with mainstream internationalcarriers. Core to ZTE's strategy will be to seekincreased presence in key markets such asWestern Europe and North America whilereinforcing its position in the China 3G market,incorporating balanced and sustainable businessdevelopment. �

ZTE Q3 net profit rises 58.2pc

India said a long-delayed auction of radio bandwidthfor third generation (3G) telecommunications serviceswill start in January and will be open to foreign firms.

The auction will start on January 14, 2010 with bids tobe submitted by December 21, the Department ofTelecommunications said in an announcement posted onits website, adding that the time schedule could berevised.

The auction of 3G radio spectrum for mobile serviceswill put India's cellular market - the fastest growing inthe world, on track for a new level of wireless telephony,experts say.

The governmenthas said it aims toraise 5.38 billiondollars from the saleof 3G bandwidth thatwould allow high-speed internet, videodownloads and othersophisticated services on cellular telephones.

The government hopes to use the money raised fromthe auction to help plug a yawning fiscal deficit.

"The government of India is keen that potential newentrants to the Indian telecommunications sector, as wellas existing operators, should be encouraged to take partin the auctions," the ministry statement said.

India has said it aims to sell four 3G licences and threebroadband wireless access licences in 20 of the 22 telecomzones. It does not have available spectrum to auction inthe other two zones. �

Washington: Google unveiled a free navigation system for mobile phones in a moveseen as a potential challenge to the makers of GPS navigation devices. US telecom carrierVerizon Wireless and US handset maker Motorola meanwhile is selling its newsmartphone in the United States, the Droid, is first to feature Google Maps Navigation.

The Droid, cost 200 dollars after a 100 dollar rebate and is being touted as a challengerto Apple's popular iPhone, is powered by Android 2.0, Google's next-generation mobilephone operating system. Google Maps Navigation will currently only work onsmartphones using Android 2.0.

It includes many of the features of atraditional GPS device made bycompanies such as Garmin and TomTomsuch as three-dimensional (3D) views andturn-by-turn voice guidance. The internet-connected system allows navigation usingvoice search in English, provides livetraffic data, satellite imagery from GoogleMaps and Google's "street view" - realpictures of destinations. Verizon and Motorola said the Droid, which features a Qwertykeyboard, a five-megapixel camera and DVD-quality video capture and playback.

Verizon is the latest US telecom carrier or manufacturer to adopt Google's Androidsoftware in a bid to challenge the iPhone and Blackberry from Research in Motion.Android is already being used to power smartphones from T-Mobile, and US wirelesscarrier Sprint Nextel and Taiwan's HTC are also releasing a mobile phone powered byAndroid.

The Wall Street Journal reported this month that US computer maker Dell is teamingwith telecom colossus AT&T, exclusive carrier for the iPhone in the United States, tolaunch an Android-based smartphone next year. Technology industry tracker Gartnerpredicts that Android-based smartphones will capture 14 per cent of the global market bythe year 2012, as compared with a mere two per cent today, according to a report inComputerworld. �

Shanghai: At a Shanghai electronics market,row after row of iPhones - real and fake - are ondisplay, as vendors cash in ahead of the officiallaunch of Apple's trendy smart phone in China.

"The 'high imitation' iPhones sell much betterthan the smuggled ones," said an anonymoussalesman.

His candid words are not good news formobile operator China Unicom, which hasofficially started selling the iPhone in the world'sbiggest cell phone market, more than two yearsafter the gadget's US launch.

Unicom and Apple announced a multi-yeardeal in August to offer the touch-pad iPhone in abid to turn around weak performance againstrivals China Mobile and China Telecom byattracting customers with high-end tastes.

Unicom says it hopes to sell five millionhandsets in three years, but experts andcustomers question how realistic that goal is

when tech-savvy consumers have been snappingup cheaper fake and smuggled models formonths.

Shaun Rein, head of the Shanghai-basedChina Market Research Group, said two millionof China's nearly 720 million mobile phone usersare already using authentic iPhones purchased orabroad, and demand may already be met.

"When the iPhone came out in the UnitedStates in 2007, there was a huge demand, and a

lot of people were going to the United States,buying handsets, cracking the code and sellingit," Rein said.

"Almost everyone who wants an iPhonealready has one."

On top of that estimate, countless moreChinese are using fake iPhones that are virtuallyindistinguishable from the real thing, some ofwhich come pre-loaded with the popular QQinstant messaging system as an added bonus.

Hai Bin, a 32-year-old employee at an auctionweb site, said he was doubtful the official handsetwould make much of a mark in China. "I've hadthe iPhone since 2008 - one of my friends boughtit in Hong Kong when he was on a business trip."

In China most people use pre-paid mobilepackages, in part because subscription contractsrequire an employer guarantee or governmentdocuments such as a residence permit that can behard to get in major cities, Rein said. �


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US revenues forHuaweiTechnologies,China's largestmaker of mobiletelecoms equipment,

will increase more than 60 per cent this year, anexecutive said.

The company's US revenues grew 60 percent to USD250 million last year, revenuegrowth in 2009 would exceed that, CharlieChen, Huawei's senior vice president in charge

of US business told the media.Chen also reiterated the company's group

target of USD30 billion in sales for 2009. Huawei and domestic rival ZTE Corp both

nearly doubled their global market share in thesecond quarter, as China's telecoms carriers arein the middle of a USD58.5 billion spendingspree to build new 3G networks. �

Huawei sales to grow over 60pc

India to start 3Gauction in January

Free GPS navigation for mobile phones

iPhones in China before official launch

New Delhi: India's telephone customer base has crossed the 500 millionmark in 15 months ahead of target, official figures revealed. Thegovernment had forecast that India would hit half a billion phone users bythe end of 2010, but it crossed this level in September, the TelecomRegulatory Authority of India (TRAI) figures showed.

"The set target of 500 million telephones by the end of 2010 has beenachieved by September 2009," the regulator said in a statement on its website. The number of telephonecustomers in India rose to 509.03million at the end of Septemberfrom 494.07 million in August.This takes total density to 43.50per cent in the country, whosepopulation stands at nearly 1.20billion.

Mobile density stands at 40.31per cent as mobile operators added 14.98 million users in September alone.Growth in the telephone market - mainly driven my mobiles - has beenblistering since 2000 and outpaced all forecasts.

Total telephone density stood at just 2.8 per cent in 2000 and registeredeight percent in 2004. The country is the second-biggest market for cellularservices after China, which has more than 600 million users. India is thefastest-growing mobile market in the world.

Mobile operators led by Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar and TataTeleservices have been luring customers with cheap tariffs of less than onecent a minute. Rock-bottom calling rates have been the main driver ofIndia's cellular phone boom.

In a bid to draw new mobile customers, operators which only used tooffer per minute rates are introducing per second billing, reducing callcosts further. But the fierce competition has been putting pressure onIndian telephone companies' earnings and analysts predict consolidationin the crowded market. �

Madrid: The inventor of the mobile phone said the devices havebecome too complex, with a range of features from cameras to music, sincehe made the first-ever wireless call over three decades ago.

"Whenever you create a universal device that does all things for allpeople, it does not do any things well," former Motorola researcher MartinCooper said at a privacy conference in Madrid.

"Our future I think is a number of specialist devices that focus on onething that will improve our lives," the 80-year-old added.

Cooper, who was born inChicago, was the leadengineer of the Motorolateam that developed thehandheld mobile phone. Hemade the first-ever wirelesscall from a busy Manhattanstreet corner on April 3, 1973.

"The first cell phonemodel weighed over one kiloand you only could talk for20 minutes before the battery ran out, which is just as well because youwould not be able to hold it up for much longer," he said.

"What we did with this mobile telephone was create a revolution.Before the mobile phone existed we were calling a place, now we arecalling a person."

Since that first call was made the popularity of mobile phones hassoared, with more than four billion people owning one today, Coopersaid, compared to only 300,000 in 1984. �

Chowgachi: Chunnu Biswas opened his tiny two-room tin-roofed postoffice in the morning as usual, but another long day stretched aheadwithout any letters for him to sort or deliver.

It was the fourth day in a row that the 45-year-old postman in thevillage of Chowgachi in western Bangladesh did not have any business,and dust lay thick on the large table where he used to process piles ofmail.

"Now we are mostly idle," he said. "Villagers come here to chat, not topost letters. Only a few old men write letters these days. Everyone elseuses their mobile phones to speak to each other and send texts."

As a government employee, Biswas's job is safe for the moment, butthe rapid take-up of mobile phones across Bangladesh has left him and40,000 other postmentwiddling their thumbsand wondering whatthe future holds.

MobasherurRahman, the directorgeneral of BangladeshPost Office in thecapital Dhaka, admitshe is worried abouthow his Britishcolonial-eraorganisation willsurvive.

"The Postal Department faces the toughest challenge in its 150-year-old history," he said. "Ten years ago we delivered 240 million letters. Itcame down to 200 million five years ago, and last year we posted only 150million."

"Except on rare occasions, Bangladeshi people are forgetting the art ofwriting letters. Mobile phones are everywhere and very cheap. Peoplejust love to call or send text messages."

Bangladesh has some 10,000 post offices spread across the largelyrural nation, but Rahman says many of them now get little post formonths on end thanks to mobile phones. The sharp fall in letters hasforced the authorities to look for new roles for post offices and the armyof posties - the khaki-wearing men who carry letters to the remotestsettlements.

The impoverished country, which has a population of 144 million, hadonly 1.5 million mobile phones in 2003, but last month had 50 million.And the number is expected to double by 2015 as the economy continuesto benefit from remittances sent home by overseas workers and double-digit growth of merchandise exports.

Also boosting mobile phone use has been the fall in national call costs,from around seven taka (10 cents) a minute in 2003 to just one taka,enabling even poor people to communicate with relatives in other townsor villages. The impact of emails is another looming threat to the postservice, though computers remain rare in both urban and rural areas.

With an annual loss at the Postal Department of 22 million dollars lastyear, Rahman says the service has to reinvent itself if postmen are to keptbusy. In the past year, his department has signed deals with 16 privatebanks to carry their remittances to places where the banks do not havebranches. And agreements have also been signed with global moneytransfer giant Western Union to deliver the US company's money ordersthrough 500 post offices, he said.

Rahman has one other plan to keep postmaster Biswas and hiscolleagues in gainful employment -- a nationwide letter-writingcompetition. "We are going to launch competitions titled Writing Letterto Your Friend, A Daughter's Letter to Her Mother or A Son's Letter toHis Ailing Father," he said. "We can't lose this great human habit ofwriting letters, which I think is one of the most beautiful forms of art." �

India registers 500mphone customers

Inventor wants mobilephone to go back

Mobile phones ringdeath knell for postmen

The sharp fall in post has forced the authorities to look fornew roles for post offices.


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Free download | flare.com.pkSynopsis International

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New Centrelink technology willenable a full range of services to bedelivered at disasters anywhere inthe country. The Centrelink point-

of-presence can be operated anywhere inAustralia, using a 3G, ADSL or satelliteconnection and provides up to 10 staff to accessthe full range of Centrelink services and centralservers.

The performance of the CPOPs used in anemergency response role will be closelyexamined and could become the standard forCentrelink to deliver services in remote and ruralareas, agency chief information office JohnWadeson said. "This kind of communityresponse is a key role for Centrelink now."

"We're basically turning our emergencyresponse as leading into some of these long-standing issues about how you do remoteservicing. We're going to try to enable a muchmore mobile Centrelink presence - to do that wehave to be able to give them the application ontheir desk.

"In time, if you want to stare out to the future,it could make Centrelink able to be just about

anywhere." The CPOP consists of laptops, printers,

wireless access points and communicationsequipment that connect to central servers usingthin-client technology.

Mr Wadeson said two units would bedeployed for the coming bushfire season,alongside 200 laptops also capable of operatinganywhere in Australia. Thin-client technology isat the heart of the CPOP, which, unliketraditional desktops, uses remote servers insteadof CPUs to process instructions. Some Centrelinkapplications have high bandwidth demands andcannot operate remotely, but these can beaccessed over a low bandwidth connection using

thin-client technology, Mr Wadeson said. This means remote computers can access

Centrelink's central servers and provide servicesin real-time, using any available 3G, ADSL orsatellite connection.

"When you're out in a remote community, forexample, you're going to run into a whole lot ofpeople that want you to fix something to besorted out and needs to be done."

When it came to deciding the connection toaccess services in remote locations and disasters,Mr Wadeson did not want to be boxed in by onetechnology. "The staff can connect anywhere,because we can connect through either ADSL, 3Gor satellite," he said.

"We can now get satellite connectionsanywhere in the country."

"We use things on a fairly large scale and wepush them to the limit of technology because ofwhat we try to do and we cannot afford to putpeople out there saying this will work if it getsout there and doesn't work. We will monitor thisvery heavily as it unfolds, but at this stage,certainly with the ones we have working now,we’re very pleased with the results." �

Mobile overhaul to sharpen disaster services

Geneva: The UN telecom agencylaunched a blueprint for online childprotection, as experts warned thatchildren must be accompanied onthe internet in the same way as theyare in the real world.

International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Chief Hamadoun Touresaid the Child Online Protection guidelines would evolve every year tokeep up with fast moving changes in web interactivity, content andtechnology.

They advocate a mix of government-led enforcement, parental control,education and technical controls or filters to tackle issues such as bullyingand the temptations of online commerce.

"This is one of the more important things that our generation has toprotect our children," Toure said at a seminar on the guidelines during theTelecom World 2009 fair. The series of guidelines published online weredrawn up by a group of experts from child welfare groups, the IT andtelecoms industry, regulators and law enforcement agencies.

Children were urged to set limits in meeting online friends offline andin accepting invitations, and to react and tell someone else about theirconcerns, all distilled under the slogan of being SMART.

Recent surveys cited by the ITU have indicated that 93 per cent of 12 to17 year olds went online in the United States, while 72 per cent of childrenin France surfed the web alone. The ITU estimates that by early 2009 some1.5 billion people used the internet compared to 200 million by thebeginning of 1998. Toure said he hoped the overall issue would be takenup by the UN General Assembly to ensure countries adopt online childprotection measures at home. �

UN agency unveils childonline protection guidelines

What will deliver next-generation broadband?

London: Openreach, the BT spin-off responsible for the fibre rollout,recently announced Bradwell Abbey in Milton Keynes and Highams Park,London as the first "brownfield" trial sites for FTTP.

Around 20,000 homes and businesses will receive speeds of up to100Mbps by March 2010.

Steve Robertson, chief executive of Openreach, said BT was respondingto pent-up demand for the faster fibre. "Service providers have asked us formore FTTP and so we have listened to them." "The UK already leads theworld when it comes to broadband availability and today's announcementwill help the UK climb the speed league tables as well," he said.

A recent study of the global state of broadband, conducted by OxfordUniversity's Said Business School, put the UK 25th out of 66 countries interms of the quality of its network. Itwas not in the countries judged by thesurvey to be "ready for tomorrow".

BT faces stiff competition from otheroperators, notably Virgin Media, whichhas upped the speed of its cablenetwork to 50Mbps and has beentrialling speeds of up to 200Mbps.

The government has pledged tomake its broadband tax law before thenext election. The tax, which will collect £6 a year from all householderswith a fixed line telephone, will provide a fund to subsidise fibre rollout toareas not regarded as economic by firms such as BT and Virgin. It alsopledged in its Digital Britain report to provide a minimum of 2Mbpsbroadband to every UK home by 2012.

Andrew Ferguson, editor of broadband website ThinkBroadbandwelcomed BT's decision to extend its fibre footprint but thinks it couldmake government targets look too conservative.

"The broadband world changes so quickly that things happening at civilservice pace just simply cannot keep up. Or put another way, how willthose with a 2Meg connection feel when 2 million homes have access to100Meg speeds?" he said. �

Dhaka: The total number of mobile phoneusers in impoverished Bangladesh has hit 50million, making it one of the fastest growingtelecom markets in the region, officials said. Thecountry's telecoms regulator said mobile phonesubscribers crossed 50.4 million at the end ofSeptember, meaning more than one in threepeople in one of the poorest countries in theworld have a cell phone.

Bangladesh issued its first mobile phonelicence in 1993, but growth was slow in the first10 years, with total subscribers reaching just 1.5million in the early 2003. However, theBangladesh economy has grown rapidly in recentyears, fuelled by a better-than-expected flow ofremittances, and the prices for phone use havefallen sharply due to competition. In 2003, the costof a national call was around seven Taka (10 UScents) a minute, but is now around one Taka perminute.

Grameenphone, majority-owned byNorwegian firm Telenor, was a key driver in thegrowth with almost half, or 22 million, of the total

subscribers with thecompany. "The first 50million has taken 15 years toreach. I feel that in the rightbusiness environment, thenext 50 million subscribers

will happen much faster," Grameenphone's chiefexecutive officer Oddvar Hesjedal said.Bangladesh has six mobile phone operators, withfive owned by top emerging market companiessuch as Axiata of Malaysia and Orascom of Egypt.

State-owned Teletalk is the bottom-placedoperator.

Earlier this month, World Bank researchshowed that every 10 percent increase in mobilephone connections brings about an increase of 0.6percent in economic growth. �

San Francisco: Microsoft is rolling out arevamped MSN home page that incorporatesits new Bing search engine and easy access totrendy online services Twitter and Facebook."Now is the time to clean up the mess on theWeb; people need less clutter and less hassleto find whatmatters most tothem," Microsoftcorporate vicepresident ErikJorgensen said in ablog post.

MSN's "smartdesign" includes news and entertainment fromonline sources such as MSNBC, Fox Sports,Hearst, and Hulu. The home page integrateslinks to leading social-networking communityFacebook and wildly popular microbloggingservice Twitter.

A "What's New" feature on the home pagelets people channel in feeds from as many as50 websites, including Pandora, Flickr, andYelp. Microsoft is providing an online peek atthe new home page at preview.msn.com andexpects to complete the US rollout early nextyear. �

Colombo: Luxembourg-based Millicom saidit had agreed to sell its Sri Lankan mobileoperations to Emirates Telecommunications forUSD155 million, completing a divestmentprogramme.

Millicom International Cellular said the saleof its Sri Lankan cellular operations, thecountry’s third-largest, to EmiratesTelecommunications Corp., or Etisalat, wasexpected to be completed.

“We are very pleased to have agreed to sellour Sri Lanka operations to Etisalat,” MillicomCEO Mikaek Grahne said in a statement postedon Millicom’s web site. The Abu Dhabi-basedcompany was buying a company with “astrong market position,” Grahne said.

Millicom, which operates in 16 countries,announced earlier this year that it was sellingoperations in Cambodia, Laos and Sri Lanka to

focus on Latin America and Africa. TheCambodia and Laos firms were later sold.

“This agreement represents the finalelement of our recent divestment programmeand will leave the group well positioned tofocus on the significant long-term growthopportunities in Latin America and Africa,”Grahne said.

Sri Lanka became the first South Asiancountry to introduce cellular phones when itunveiled an analogue network in 1989. Hometo 20 million people, Sri Lanka’s five-playermarket had 11.5 million mobile phone users atthe end of April, according official figures. �

Etisalat to buy Millicom’s Sri Lankan Mobile Unit


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Mobiles sporting the latest release of theWindows Mobile operating system areavailable for sale worldwide. Microsoft is alsoformally launching its application store, knownas Windows Marketplace for Mobile.

While the service will launch with about 60applications available in the UK, Microsoft'sAlex Reeve said that number will soon risesharply. Windows-run phones can also makeuse of the My Phone service, a synchronisationservice managed "in the cloud".

The new operating system and theapplication store were first announced inFebruary, when a "beta" testing version of theMy Phone service also launched. Microsoft haspartnered with major network operators T-Mobile, O2, Vodafone and Orange in the UK,as well as with Car phone Warehouse andPhones4U to distribute handsets made by a

wide range of manufacturers. The expansion - as well as the rebranding to

"Windows phones" - is an effort to increase

market share in the mobile handset world,where Windows currently holds about 9 percent. "I think one of the fundamentaladvantages that we have...is the amount ofchoice there is in terms of hardware choice andplatforms, and that just keeps going and

going," said Alex Reeve, Microsoft's director ofmobile business in the UK. "Right there.'

The OS update - the first since March 2008 -is viewed as minor, as Microsoft is developinga more complete overhaul of the OS. The resultof that, Windows Mobile 7, should be releasedin early 2010.

Significant changes in the 6.5 release includea move away from the use of the stylus andtoward more finger-friendly icons and buttons,and a push to see more "at a glance" from thelock screen and the main menus. The operatingsystem comes bundled with Internet ExplorerMobile 6.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Reeve admittedthat "this is an area where Microsoft probablyhasn't kept up with the market as well as weshould have in the past, but with now with thenew version, we're right there". �

Microsoft launches Windows phones

Bangladesh mobile phoneusers hit 50 million

MSN home


87

EventFlare Report

Get together at PEMRA

Singer, Rahat Multani performing in the party. Mr. Basit Khan singing in the party.Miss Farina, Miss Sajila, Miss Fardeen, Mr. Tahir and Secretary to Authority in the Party.

Mr. Mushtaq Malik exchanging views with Mr. Basit Khan during the party.

A Group photo of PEMRA Officials with Chairman Mushtaq Malik on the occasion.

Sohail Mansoor, Secretary Information, and Miss Sajila enjoying the party.

Sohail Mansoor, Secretary Information, Malik MushtaqChairman PEMRA, in the party.

Chairman PEMRA Malik Mushtaq has arranged a Party which was attended by Secretary InformationSohail Mansoor, Executive Member Dr. Abdul Jabbar, DG Basit Khan, Director General Salim Ahmedand other senior PEMRA officials. In the party renowned singer Rahat Multani has performed with his

sweet voice which was enjoyed and applaud by the audience.

Sohail Mansor, Secretary Information, Malik Mushtaq, Chairman PEMRA at the party.

An officer of PEMRA talking with Miss SajilaMr. Mushtaq Malik and Mr. Basit Khan arriving at party

PM Yusuf Raza Gilani shakes hands with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at his residence in Islamabad.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton being received by Governor Punjab Salman Taseer and PunjabChief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif at airport.

President Asif Ali Zardari greets PML-N Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif uponhis arrival at the Presidency for meeting in Islamabad.

Mrs. Uzma Aijaz Haroon, Wife of Managing Director PIA (2nd from L), Mrs.Saleem Siyani, wife of Deputy Managing Director PIA (2nd from R) PIASSA ladyrepresentative Mrs. Taswwwur Atique alonge with PIA female employees at the

stone laying ceremony of PIA Day Care Centre, held at PIA head office.General Ilker BASBUG, Commander Turkish Armed Forces who was official visit toPakistan being seen off by Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at PAF

Base Chaklala.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shaking hands with Interior Minis-ter Rehman Malik during her visit to the shrine of 17th century Muslim

saint Shah Latif Bari Kazmi, also known as Bari Imam, in Islamabad.

Free download | flare.com.pkMosiac National

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Free download | flare.com.pk MosaicNational

Lahore: Mr Steve Han, MD Samsung Electronics, Mr Injae Lee, Senior Manager, Mr Baber Ali Kazmi, Category Head-HA , Mr Azam Mehmood, Manager Retail DWP

and Mr Shoaib Younus Manager Marketing DWP Group at Samsung brand shop opening in Wapda Town.

KARACHI: Country GM Nokia Pakistan Imran Khalid Mahmood, Head of Eseries Mar-keting, Nokia Middle East and Africa, Trude Gajland and Khurram Pradhan display the

latest Nokia E72.

Capt Mohammad Aijaz Haroon MD PIA and Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan Federal Ministerfor Population & Welfare see-off pilgrims on the 1st Haj Flight from Sialkot to Jeddah

Rabia Siddiqui PR Manager SAMSUNG Electronics with the winners of SAMSUNG + UOnline Campaign. The lucky winner were awarded SAMSUNG Star mobile phones.

LG Electronics, a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications,recently launched its first ever state-of-the-art Information & Service Center at G-4 ParsaTower, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karachi. Mr. S.K. Baik, Voice-President LG Electronics, Mr J.C.Jeong, President LG EME, Mr. E.D. Choi, General Manager Karachi Office, Mr. Y.S. Koh,

Service Director and other LG team members were present on the occasion.

Lahore: Mr Irving OH, General Manager Imaging & Printing Group HP Singapore & Rajesh Tibrewala, Director Sales & Marketing HP Singapore pictured at the Enterprise

Solutions Seminar.

Lahore: Mr Amer Riaz Khan, Manager Marketing, Wateen, with the special winners oflaptops given away by the Wateen Telecom.

Lahore: Mr Bakhtiar Khawaja, Group Head Training and Development, Bank Alfalahenjoying the festivity with his team.

89

No Line RentCompetitive RatesCrystal Clear Voice

Free VAS

Serena Williams (R) and her sister Venus (L) pose with the daughter of the Qatari Emir,Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani (C), after receiving their trophies following their

WTA Championships final tennis match at the Khalifa International Tennis and SquashComplex in Doha.

A model shows a jewellery set during a Christie's exhibition held in the Gulf emirate ofDubai.

The women dressed up as new dolls in their display boxes strolling in the Fantasy FestMasquerade March in Key West, Florida. Fantasy Fest is Key West's annual 10-day mask-

ing and costuming festival.

A man walks past posters promoting the Apple iPhones at a store in Beijing. CountlessChinese are using fake iPhones that are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing,some of which come pre-loaded with the popular QQ instant messaging system as an

added bonus.

Runners and admirers stand with Lance Armstrong (2R) in midtown Manhattan for agroup run through Central Park in New York City. Following a Twitter notice, Armstrong,38, arrived at Niketown to begin the run. Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France win-

ner, has twice run the New York City Marathon - in 2006 and 2007.

A migrant worker uses a mobile phone as she waits for her documents to be processedafter arriving from Malaysia, at a special terminal for migrant workers in the Soekarno-

Hatta airport in Jakarta.


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MosiacInternational

Free download | flare.com.pkMosiac International

92

Japanese model and singer Anna Tsuchiya show off KDDI's latest mobile phone handsets, BraviaPhone U1 (L) and SA001 (R), during a press preview in Tokyo.

Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO of Google, speaks at a news conference at Google's headquarters inSanta Clara, California.

A Dell Sx2210t touch monitor with built-in web cam and facial recognition and running Windows 7 is seen being demonstrated at the Windows 7 Launch Party in New York.

A model of Toshiba shows off the company's new laptop PC, "dyna-book MX" during the company's Microsoft Windows 7 PC

press preview in Tokyo.

United Arab Emirates' Minister of Higher Education Sheikh Nahayanbin Mubarak al-Nahayan welcoming Belgium's Prince Philippe and his

wife, Princess Mathilde in Abu Dhabi.

An employee of Masunaga Optical Manufacturing displays the blinking glasses "Wink Glasses" to avoid dry-eye when the users

concentrate on video gaming or on the Internet at the International Optical Fair Tokyo.

An Emirati guest checks a grand prix racing game at Gitex, the MiddleEast's largest information technology exhibition, held in Dubai.. A model poses next to Mitsubishi's i-MiEV model, the world's first volume production electric vehicle,

at the Tokyo Motor Show in Chiba. Futuristic concept cars, plug-in hybrids, zero-emission electric ve-hicles and even a hydrogen-powered scooter jostled for the limelight as the Tokyo Motor Show kicked

off on October 21. 93

MosiacInternational

Lady photographers viewing the pictures after capturing at Rikugien Gardens in Tokyo.

Models show off KDDI's latest mobile phone handsets, SH003 (L) and CA003, during a press previewin Tokyo.

Steve Ballmer (C), CEO of US Microsoft Corp. poses for photo with Taiwan's ChunghwaTelecom officails during a press conference in Taipei.

A US marine takes a picture during a joint landing exercise between the US and SouthKorea in Pohang.

A model displays pure gold Disney character dolls showing Snow White and the sevendwarfs, priced at 30 million yen (300,000 USD) and produced by Tanaka Kikinzoku Jew-ellery in Tokyo for the promotion of Blu-ray disks of Disney movies. Gold surged to a

new record high in New York market, a day after an announcement of a massive sale ofgold by the International Monetary Fund to India.

Filipinos on their way to honour their dead on All Saint's Day in Manila on November 1have their pictures taken inside a pink coffin in a gimmick sponsored by a local com-

pany specialising in memorial services. Millions of Filipinos across the country troopedto cemeteries to honour their dead on All Saint's Day.

Researcher Miao Wang poses with an iPhone equipped with a remote interface to drivethe "Spirit of Berlin", an autonomous car which can be remotely driven with an iPhone, at

Berlin's Templehof airport.

A US marine takes a picture during a joint landing exercise between the US and SouthKorea in Pohang.


95

MosiacInternational

Lahore: With a view tohelp invigorate nationaleconomy, the 7Th mega event"Telecom and IT Asia 2009",involving a high level expert conference and anExpo of Telecom and ITTechnology would be held in the provincialmetropolis on November 17-18, 2009.

This Mega event is beingorganised by monthly the

Development Times, incollaboration with Institute ofTelecom Engineers Pakistan(INSTEP).

IT and Telecom Division,Federal Ministry of IT,Pakistan TelecommunicationAuthority (PTA), PakistanSoftware Export Board andEngineers' Study Forum are also extending their support in organising theevent. �

Telecom and IT Asia2009 expo

Karachi: To encourage thecreation of innovativeapplications for Intel Atomprocessor-based products,Intel Corporation recentlylaunched the Intel AtomDeveloper Programme forindependent softwarevendors (ISVs) anddevelopers.

The programme providesa framework for developersto create and sell softwareapplications for netbooks

with support for handheldsand smart-phones availablein the future.

Through the programme,developers seeking to reduceoverhead and streamline thecreation of new applicationsmay also license developmenttools and applicationmodules directly from otherindependent developers andISVs.

"We want to fuel thegrowth of Intel Atom-based

products designed for themobile lifestyle," said ReneeJames, Corporate VicePresident and GeneralManager, Intel Software andServices Group.

"The netbook has becomeone of the most popularconsumer devices in themarket today, but its truepotential has been limited byapplications that are notoptimised for its mobility andsmaller screen size. �

Intel Atom Developer Programmelaunched

In the wake of terroristattacks at personnel andsensitive installations, thetelecom sector companies

have reinforced securityarrangements in and aroundtheir head offices andcustomer service centres inthe major cities of thecountry.

Moreover, a new securityadvisory has been issued toall the employees of thetelecom companies to meet

any precarious situation dueto rush at the companyoffices.

As the customer service

centres are witnessing arecord high number ofvisitors these days - thanks tothe introduction of 668 SIMVerification System, and thevisiting customers are eagerto get their illegal SIMsblocked which are not intheir name.

The security staff of

cellular companies hasdirected the employees tofollow special security drillsin case of any emergencysituation, an official toldFlare.

"The staffers have beendirected to avoid rush areaswhile travelling and do notoffer lift to any stranger. Incase of firing, no one shouldgo in the open while theemployees should not panicon seeing any suspectedperson and the informationshould immediately bepassed on to the securitypersonnel," added theofficial.

Moreover, the securitycover has been strengthenedaround the company headoffices and leading customerservice centres wherevisitors are asked fororiginal ID Cards beforeentering the customerservice centres. �

Telcos reinforce security arrangements

Islamabad: Chairman,Pakistan TelecommunicationAuthority (PTA), DrMuhammad Yaseen reiteratedhis commitment that theauthority would not allow anyperson or company to violatePTA laws and it is making allpossible efforts to regularisethe services being provided bydifferent cell phone operators.

He further said that PTAhas recently started a driveagainst unverified SIMs and sofar it has blocked 12.9 millionunauthorised SIMs across thecountry.

He said this while talkingto reporters after visitingdifferent customer servicecentres of cell phone operatorsin the capital. He said thatmore than 17 million mobilephone subscribers haveapproached their prescribedservice providers for inquiringabout their SIMs record and 10

per cent of them have visitedservice centres for correction oftheir SIMs record since thePTA launched SIMInformation System 668.

Dr Yaseen said that thenewly launched service isworking smoothly and theefforts made by PTA to correctdata of mobile users andunauthorised SIMs are bearingfruit. It may be noted that PTAhas recently introduced the'SIM Information System - 668'which has enabled the mobilesubscribers to know the totalnumber of SIMs issued againsttheir names with each mobileoperator by sending theirCNIC number to 668. PTA hasalso prepared a web-link on itswebsite www.pta.gov.pk. Anysubscriber from within oroutside the country can alsoknow number of SIMs issuedagainst his/her CNIC throughthis link. �

PTA chief vows to regularisecell phone services

Pak’s 1st SMS-based Secure Mobile Payment Technology


96

Synopsis National

Karachi: ChairmanPakistan TelecommunicationAuthority (PTA), DrMohammad Yaseeninaugurated Pakistan’s firstSMS-based Secure MobilePayments Technology at alaunch event hosted byAKNMTECH, a Mobile ValueAdded Services Provider.

As Pakistan’stelecommunication industrycontinues its steady marchtowards growth andprosperity, this technologicalinitiative is designed to enablemore than 94 million mobileconsumers to interact withtheir respective financialinstitutions and conductmobile transactions in asimple, reliable and secureform.

PTA ICT Directorate andAKNMTECH have venturedupon this enterprise toprovide financialmanagement empowermentto the consumers, thusproviding them with the fiscalflexibility and confidence ofconducting their bankingtransactions reliably throughtheir mobile phones usingsimple medium of SMS.Furthermore this platformproposes a harmoniousuniformity whereby bankingand telecom institutions canintegrate their respectiveservices to it and furtherenrich the service quality fortheir consumers. It providesan engaging, efficient andsecure platform for mobileand banking services

providers to offer to theircustomers a true “Anywhere,Anytime” mobile bankingexperience.

Speaking at the occasion,Chairman PTA, DrMohammed Yaseen said thatPTA has always been verymindful of regulatoryprogress and technological

initiatives that thrust theindustry into new dimensionsof commercial expansion. Thisplatform will allow for

integrated solutions to bedeveloped to benefit thebanking and telecomconsumers of Pakistan andhelp evolve the veryrelationships these consumers

have with their respectiveservice providers. Eventuallywe hope that this technologywill help further cement thereputation Pakistan enjoys inthe International communityas an important telecommarket.

Mr Zahoor Motiwala,Director AKNMTECHPakistan, said that with thephenomenal growth ofmobile phone users andfinancial institutions inPakistan, now is anopportune time to implementa harmonious union betweenthe telecom and financialservices sectors. We feelproud that PTA has allowedus the confidence to pursuethe development of thisplatform. �

Islamabad: Despite theencouraging global trendregarding growth in the ITIndustry, Pakistani market is

showing the reverse trendand has not been able toexploit emergingopportunities.

Munawar Iqbal, thepresident of PakistanComputer Association, saidthis while reacting to new

report of IDC's WorldwideQuarterly PC Tracker. Thereport shows that Global PCshipments rose 2.3 per cent

year on year in the thirdquarter of 2009 (3Q09).

Munawar Iqabal said thatthe computer and IT industryof Pakistan has not been ableto keep the momentum as a result of numerousfactors including worse ever law and order situationin the country.

The other contributingfactors, he said, are energycrises, ill conceived taxationpolicies.

He said that despite theongoing mix of gloom andcaution on the economic front,the PC market continues torebound quickly. �

The telecom industry inPakistan has taken aquantum-leap in facilitatingcommunications, reachingout to the extremely remoteareas of the country, withworld-class connectivity andservices for the masses.After achieving thistremendous scale in out-reach of the cellularnetwork, the industry hasnow begun to focus onadding value to the existingfacilities being deliveredthrough telecom networks.

Value Added Services(VAS) are now the mainfocus of the marketoperators.

Mobilink, being thepioneer of cutting edge

cellular services throughoutPakistan, has always tried to bring inrevolutionary new products and VASincluding; Mobile MoneyOrder, Mobilink Genie,Mobilink Pollen-Count(Hay-fever) etc.

Similarly, MobiTrack isyet another revolutionaryVAS developed for thecustomers’ convenience.

It was recentlyintroduced through a briefbut comprehensiveorientation anddemonstration in front ofthe electronic media, wherethe wonderful features andabilities of this product werehighlighted.

The Mobilink team alongwith the operations team of

Trakker Pakistan Ltd (TPL)made this presentation

hosted at the MobilinkOffice at Beverly Center.

Trakker and Appellohave entered into a working

collaboration for GPSnavigation services.MobiTrack is the locallycustomized version of theunique award-winning Java-based navigation platformfor mobile devices:WISEPILOTÂ®.

Based on self-confirmedmaps from Trakker,encompassing various cities of Pakistan,MobiTrack currently coversLahore, Islamabad, Karachiand 60 per cent of all majorhighways in Pakistan.

The process of addingmore cities to the systemincludes; Faisalabad,Gujranwala, Multan,Sialkot, Peshawar andHyderabad. �

MobiTrack: A unique service of its kind

Sony opened its 4th SonyWorld, flagship outlet atLiberty Round About atLahore and is expected toattract and cater to a recordnumber of customersbecause of its ideally central location.

Liberty Round About isconsidered a shopping hubwhich witnesses a lot ofshopping activitythroughout the day.

The ceremony was heldon October 10, 2009 and wasinaugurated by the Speaker National Assembly,Ms Fehmida Mirza

who was accompanied byMr Mokaida (Manager SonyProducts, Pakistan). Otherguests present at theopening were Mr. ManzoorKhan (Director Pan PacificElectronics), MohammadJaved Khan (National SalesManager, Pakistan) and Mr Khalid Saeed(Marketing Head Pakistan).

Sony World showcasesall Sony products includingBravia LCD TVs, handycams, cyber shot cameras,DVD players, videowalkman, walkman,projector, and headphones -all under one roof. �

Sony World at Liberty

Islamabad: In order tonurture employee skillsfurther the management ofUfone & Rausing ExecutiveDevelopment Centre(REDC) of the Suleman

Dawood School of Business(SEDC), Lahore University

of Management Sciences(LUMS) recently signed acontract which will allowUfone employees to getdiverse exposure andlearning.

Ufone as a major telecomplayer in the market, focus

on personal as well asprofessional developmentwhich stands true as a beliefof the company where 'it’sall about U'.

Abdul Aziz, President &CEO Ufone said, “We have avery hard working anddiversely experienced teamintact at Ufone which hasallowed us to keep a strongposition within the telecommarket. This initiative shallenable us to improve theorganisation as a whole asthe specially designedcurriculum will not onlyhelp strengthen ourmanagement techniques butit will also develop astronger bond between theemployees and theorganisation”. �

Ufone, LUMS in an accord

Pakistan’s IT industry shrinking


97

National Synopsis

Karachi: IGI Stock Fund(IGISF), an open ended equitymarket fund of IGI Funds, hasrecently been awarded 5 starrating by PACRA. The ratingsignifies stellar performance,well rounded managementand strict adherence toregulatory parameters.

The Mutual FundPerformance Ranking (StarRanking) aims to distinguishfunds based on their relativeactual performance within asimilar category of funds. Inmeasuring performance,PACRA considers absolutemonthly return and riskadjusted return measuredthrough standard deviation. �

IGI StockFund rated

5 star

Picture shows the press conference of MobiTrack when Trakker and

Appello entered into a working collaboration for GPS navigation services.

Picture shows (L to R) Mr. Naveed Khalid Butt, Chief Officer Customer

Operations Ufone, Mr. Moqeem Ul Haq, GM Strategic Planning & Project

Management Office Ufone, Mr. Abdul Azia, President & CEO Ufone, Dr.

Shaukat Brah, Dean Suleman Dawood School of Business, Ms. Aisha

Azhar, Marketing Manager Rausing Executive Development Centre and

Dr. Faheem Ul Islam, Assistant Professor Suleman Dawood School of

Business at the occasion.

Fogy weatherdisturbing

flightsschedule

Lahore: Due to fog in someparts of the country, theschedule of PIA flights hasbecome subject to weatherconditions.

Flights to & from Lahore,in these weather conditionsare generally affected. The lowvisibility has affected theflights to and from Lahore,resulting in “Consequential”delays for the Internationaland Domestic departures andarrivals.

PIA has advised thepassengers to please checkflight timings by calling PIAon 111-786-786. �


98

Synopsis International

New York: MicrosoftCorp launched Windows 7 inits most important release formore than a decade, aimingto win back customers afterthe disappointing Vista andstrengthen its grip on the PCmarket.

The world’s largestsoftware company, whichpowers more than 90 per centof personal computers, hasreceived good reviews for thenew operating system, whichit hopes will grab back theimpetus in new technologyfrom rivals Apple Inc andGoogle Inc.

The new system - which isfaster, - comes almost threeyears after the launch ofVista, whose complexityfrustrated many home usersand turned off businesscustomers.

The success of Windows -which accounts for more thanhalf of Microsoft’s profit - iscrucial for Chief ExecutiveSteve Ballmer to revive the

company’s image as theworld’s most importantsoftware firm.

“I have to say I’mchomping at the bit,” Ballmertold an audience of Microsoftcustomers and partners inToronto.

Cheaper than Vista:Microsoft is chargingUSD199.99 for the HomePremium version ofWindows 7, or USD119.99 for

users seeking to upgradefrom older versions of theoperating system - well belowcomparable prices for Vista. Italso has a range of offers inconjunction with retailer BestBuy and PC makers such asDell Inc and Acer Inc. �

Microsoft launches Windows 7

Fibre will be available toover 10 million UK homes.An extra one and a halfmillion homes will benefitfrom super-fast broadbandby 2012, BT has said.Originally the telecoms firmsaid that it could onlydeploy so-called Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) to amillion homes because of itscost. But it now believes 2.5million homes can benefitbecause it will be cheaper toprovide than it had firstthought. �

Superfastbroadband

extendsreach

Beijing: China Mobile,the world's largest mobilecarrier, faces little profitgrowth in the comingquarters as costs to build anew 3G network weigh andincreasing competition pushit towards lower valuesubscribers.

Profits for China's topthree mobile carriers havebeen under pressure sincelate last year when ChinaMobile and its two mainrivals.

China Unicom and ChinaTelecom, embarked on aUSD58.5 billion plan to

build new networks capableof carrying more data andmultimedia content.

China Mobile reportedits first year-on-year profitdecline in years in thesecond quarter, after Beijing raised thenumber of mobile carriers tothree from two in anindustry-wide overhaul. China Mobile isthe largest by number ofsubscribers, with more than500 million customers -more than the combinedpopulations of the UnitedStates, Germany and Britain. �

China Mobile 3rdquarter profit

ticks up

New York: IBM raised itsfull-year outlook andreported higher-than-expected quarterly profit asits growing focus on higher-margin software and serviceshelped it cope with weaktechnology spending.International BusinessMachines Corp still failed tosatisfy investors, whoseexpectations had risen alongwith a 24 per cent rise in theshares over the past threemonths.

Indeed, IBM reportedthird-quarter net profit roseto USD3.2 billion, orUSD2.40 a share, from

USD2.8 billion, or USD2.04 ashare, a year earlier. Analystson average expected a profitof USD2.38 per share,according to ThomsonReuters I/B/E/S. Revenuefell 7 per cent from a yearearlier to USD23.6 billion,but it rose one per cent fromthe previous quarter and wasbetter than Wall Street'sforecast of USD23.4 billion.

IBM forecast a return torevenue growth in the fourthquarter and said it wasahead of pace to achieve itstarget earnings of USD10 toUSD11 per share in 2010.Total gross profit margin

rose to 45.1 per cent from43.3 per cent a year earlier.One concern amonginvestors was that service

contract signings fell 7 percent USD11.8 billion. Suchsignings are an indicator oflong-term sales.

IBM has managed toescape the worst of the techdownturn of the past year byshifting more of its salesfrom servers to software and services in outsourcing,automation and technologysupport - areas that have remained relativelystrong as companies seek ways to cut costs.

IBM shares, which hadrisen on hopes of a recoveryin technology spending, fell 3.88 per cent toUSD123.01 in extendedtrading after closing atUSD127.98 on the New YorkStock Exchange. �

IBM raises full-year outlook, posts higher profit

Laptop for every pupil in Uruguay

Dhaka: Bangladesh'slargest ever initial publicoffering by mobile phoneprovider Grameenphone wasoversubscribed by severaltimes, officials said, as thewindow for localsubscriptions closed.Thousands of people havequeued at banks around thecountry when subscriptionopened for the IPO, an eventseen as a key test for thenational stock market.

Grameenphone plans toraise 70.4 million dollarsthrough the IPO sale of 69.44million shares. �

Uruguay has become thefirst country to provide alaptop for every childattending state primary school.President Tabaré Vázquezpresented the final XO modellaptops to pupils at a school inMontevideo.

Over the last two years,362,000 pupils and 18,000teachers have been involved inthe scheme. The "Plan Ceibal"(Education Connect) projecthas allowed many familiesaccess to the world ofcomputers and the internet forthe first time.

Uruguay is part of the OneLaptop per Child scheme, anorganisation set up by internetpioneer Nicholas Negroponte.His original vision was toprovide laptops at USD100

(£61) but they proved moreexpensive.

The Uruguay programmehas cost the state USD260(£159) per child, includingmaintenance costs, equipmentrepairs, training for theteachers and internetconnection.

Around 70 per cent of theXO model laptops handed outby the government were givento children who did not havecomputers at home.

"This is not simply thehanding out of laptops or aneducation programme. It is aprogramme which seeks toreduce the gap between thedigital world and the world ofknowledge," explained MiguelBrechner, director of theTechnological Laboratory of

Uruguay and in charge of PlanCeibal. "A revolution."

Ms Bardino said that someteachers were originallyopposed to the introduction ofthe XO laptops. "We have alady who's been teaching for30 years and when they gaveus the computers and thetraining, she asked for leavebecause she didn't want tohave anything to do with theprogramme.

All the teachers have beengiven training, but the extentto which they use the laptopsin the classroom is up to them.Research carried out recentlyby the State Educationauthorities revealed that someteachers have chosen not toinclude computer-relatedwork in their lesson plans. �

Grameenphone IPO

'oversubscribed'

Washington: Countriesneed to forge new trade rulesgoverning the movement ofelectronic data across bordersas the world becomesincreasingly connected, aMicrosoft official said.

As more and moresoftware services are providedover the internet “people willbe calling on computerslocated around the world,”said Brad Smith, senior vicepresident and general counselfor the U.S. software giant.“We have a patchwork of lawsaround the world that isincreasingly creating a very

confusing almost quagmire forinformation providers,” Smithsaid at the Global ServicesSummit - a meeting thatbrought together banking,telecommunications, shippingand other service industryprofessionals.

One country may insistthat e-mails be kept for a yearfor security purposes whileanother requires they beerased after six months toprotect privacy, he said.

“If that’s the case, it’s verydifficult to locate a data centrein one country and providethat service to consumers in

another country,” Smith said. Technology will continue

to change and “the trade ruleswill need to change in orderfor these benefits to continueto flow around the planet,”Smith said.

Former U.S. TradeRepresentative CharleneBarshefsky, in a speech to thesame group, suggested thecreation of a new internettrade agreement to foster thedelivery of software servicesacross borders. Smith did notendorse that approach, sayinga variety of mechanisms maybe appropriate. �

Complaints againsttelecoms companies havecontinued their meteoric rise,soaring more than 50 per centin the past year despitegovernment threats to regulatethe industry unless it lifts itsgame.

Some 230,065 complaintswere lodged with theTelecommunications IndustryOmbudsman according to its2008/09 annual report, withmore than half of thoseattributed to Telstra. TheTelstra trend is consistent withprevious years.

The telco recorded a totalof 103,831 complaints relatingto problems arising fromcustomers’ landline, mobileand internet services. Theombudsman, Deirdre

O'Donnell, said the resultswere mixed for Telstra and itsnew chief, David Thodey.

"There is no doubt we havea high level of engagementwith Telstra that they activelyseek our assistance and ourbusiness intelligence torespond to systems andprocess issues.

Optus also bagged its fairshare of complaints, rackingup a total of 31,210 grievancesfrom across its three businessdivisions: networks, mobileand broadband.

Although the TIO reporteda 54 per cent rise on 2007/08complaint figures, theombudsman said it was able toresolve approximately 90 percent of these with a referral tothe service provider. �

Telstra records highesttelco complaints

Helsinki: Nokia, theworld's biggest mobile phonemaker, took on the iconiciPhone by suing US rivalApple for infringing 10 Nokiapatents on mobile phonetechnology. "The patentscover wireless data, speechcoding, security andencryption and are infringedby all Apple iPhone modelsshipped since the iPhone wasintroduced in 2007," Nokiasaid in a statement.

Nokia said it had filed thecomplaint against Apple withthe Federal District Court inDelaware in the United States.

"By refusing to agreeappropriate terms for Nokia'sintellectual property, Apple isattempting to get a free ride onthe back of Nokia'sinnovation,

"The company stressedthat it had spent 60 billiondollars in research anddevelopment over the pasttwo decades. "The ten patentsin suit relate to technologiesfundamental to makingdevices which are compatiblewith one or more of the GSM,UMTS (3G WCDMA) andwireless LAN standards,"Nokia said. �

Nokia sues Apple overpatents

The singer posted her lastTweet at the end ofSeptember - and has givenaway her Macbook andBlackBerry so she isn’ttempted to return.

Lily’s only means ofcommunication with theoutside world is a homephone or an old mobile,which she leaves behind ifshe has got anything funplanned.

“We thought she wasjoking, but it’s been a monthsince she last Twittered,” asource said.

“Before then you couldalways get a response from

her straight away. “Nomatter what time of day or where she was,she’d be glued to herBlackBerry.

Now you have to leave amessage on her homeanswer phone.

“She does have a clappedout old mobile phone, butyou’re lucky to get her onthat because she keepsleaving it when she goes out. “She was soobsessed with the next new thing that it has shocked everyone.

“It’s like she’s back in the80s.” �

Lily Allen quitscomputer

Washington: Twitterannounced a deal with India'stop mobile company Bharti

Airtel that will allow users ofthe hot micro-bloggingservice to send "tweets" atstandard SMS message ratesand receive them for free.

"In many parts of the

world people do not haveinternet access but they cantext - and that means they can

access Twitter," Biz Stone, aco-founder of the SanFrancisco-based companysaid.

"There are over one billionpeople with internet access on

the planet but there are morethan four billion people withmobile phones and Twittercan work on all of thembecause even the simplest ofthese devices feature SMS,"Stone added.

He said Twitterpartnered with Bharti Airtel"because organic growth inthe region has beenunusually strong and thereis huge potential for positiveimpact."

Twitter, which allowsusers to pepper one anotherwith 140-character-or-lessmessages known as "tweets,"has grown rapidly inpopularity since it waslaunched in August 2006and claims to have topped50 million users. �

Twitter partners for SMS tweets

Google's relationship withApple is undergoing majorchange. Internet giant Googlehas announced theresignation of one of itsdirectors, Arthur Levinson,who is also on the board ofcomputer maker Apple.

It comes two months afterGoogle chief executive EricSchmidt quit the Apple boardbecause Google's interestswere increasingly competingwith Apple's. The move waswelcomed by the US FederalTrade Commission (FTC)which has been probingoverlapping boardmemberships.

The two firms used to beseen as allies against the

dominance of Microsoft.However, they have startedcompeting directly in recent

years in areas such as mobilephones. Under US law, no-one is allowed to serve on theboards of two companieswhich are direct rivals.

In May, the FTC began aninvestigation into whether

the presence of Mr Schmidtand Mr Levinson on theGoogle and Apple boards

could lessen competitionbetween the two firms. MrLevinson, who is alsochairman of biotech companyGenentech, had been aGoogle board member sinceApril 2004. �

The surging battle between Apple, Google

New data technology trade rulesneeded: Microsoft


99

International Synopsis


100

Synopsis

San Francisco: US media giantHearst Corp launched LMK.com, afree online magazine that scours theinternet for news and photos andpresents the information as topicpages. Hearst described LMK, anacronym of Let Me Know, as a new

digital service that "curates, designsand delivers the most authoritativecontent on any important person,place or thing."

LMK pulls in facts, stories,pictures and even tweets frommicro-blogging service Twitter and

then customises the information onweb pages devoted to individualtopics.

LMK debuted with an"enhanced channel" devoted to UScollege football, but home page "hottopics" �

New Hearst e-magazine weaves tales from internet

San Francisco: Intel Corp's quarterly outlookand results soared past expectations, sendingshares seven per cent higher and fuellingoptimism over a tech sector recovery before the crucial holidayseason.

Intel's rosier than expected forecast andcomments about recovering demand forpersonal computers cheered markets andhelped lift shares in tech heavyweights fromDell to Hewlett-Packard.

Intel Chief Financial Officer Stacy Smith toldthat the technology sector was leading the wayout of the economic downturn as demand forPCs rebounded. Intel reported a net profit in itsthird quarter of USD1.9 billion, or 33 cents pershare, compared with USD2.01 billion, or 35cents per share, a year earlier.

That exceeded the 28 cent per share profitexpected on average by analysts.It forecastfourth-quarter revenue of USD10.1 billion, plusor minus USD400 million, and said grossmargins in that period should be 62 per cent, plus or minus threepercentage points. �

Intel glides pastStreet expectations

YouTube now gets over a billion hits aday, according to a new video blog post bythe founder of the website.

Chad Hurley's blog marks the thirdanniversary of YouTube's controversialacquisition by Google. The site was boughtby Google in 2006 for USD1.65 billion - aprice it later described as "a premium".

Earlier this year YouTube was at thecentre of a content row over the amount ofroyalties it paid to musicians for hostingmusic videos. Six months later the dispute

was resolved when Google agreed to payUK royalty collecting body PRS for Music anundisclosed lump sum. Music videosreappeared for British YouTube visitors inSeptember.

Mr Hurley co-founded the web site in2004 with Steve Chen and Jawed Karim.They met while employees at online payservice PayPal. "We wanted to create a place where anyone with a videocamera, a computer, and an internet connection can share their life, art,and voice with the world, and in many casesthey can make a living from doing so," Mr Hurley said, reflecting on YouTube's original aims. �

One billion a dayturn to YouTube

International

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