The interim government has introduced a groundbreaking initiative set to kick off on January 12, 2024, offering the public an installment plan for iPhones. Umar Saif, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology, unveiled the details of this collaboration with telecom stakeholders, a revelation initially made in October 2023.
Highlighting the significance of such a program, Dr. Saif acknowledged that while a considerable portion of the Pakistani population uses mobile phones, the high cost of premium devices remains a financial challenge for many.
The primary goal of this new initiative, as stressed by Dr. Saif, is to make the latest smartphone models accessible to individuals through convenient and affordable installment plans.
A noteworthy aspect of this offering is the inclusion of iPhones in the devices covered by the installment plan. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will enforce the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking Systems (DIRBS) to ensure compliance with installment payments. Handsets may be blocked in cases of defaulting on installments.
Dr. Umar Saif emphasized that this policy aims to encourage responsible financial behavior while fostering the continued expansion of smartphone accessibility across diverse income brackets.
Telecom companies are set to play a crucial role by providing smartphones directly to consumers through structured installment plans, thereby extending the benefits of mobile broadband, especially to lower-income segments of society.
