The caretaker government has announced the initiation of an iPhone installment plan, set to commence on January 12, 2024.
Dr. Umar Saif, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology, shared that the decision to implement this change was driven by the consistent requests from freelancers. He underscored the significance of this initiative in empowering freelancers, enabling them to ease the process of sending remittances using the global platform PayPal.
Moreover, Dr. Saif disclosed plans for the launch of 5G technology in July of the upcoming year, with an accompanying auction of 300 MHz of spectrum. The move is anticipated to usher in a new era of high-speed connectivity for the country.
The Cabinet has given its approval for the National Space Policy, a significant step that opens the door for private companies to harness the potential of low orbit satellites in space.
This decision marks a significant stride in opening up opportunities for the private sector in space-related ventures.
Dr. Saif passionately discussed a meaningful partnership with telecom industry leaders to introduce a noteworthy initiative on January 12, 2024, aimed at promoting responsible financial behavior. This innovative program is designed to empower consumers by providing them with the opportunity to own the latest phone models through convenient installment plans. Notably, this offering will also feature iPhones. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will play a pivotal role by implementing the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking Systems (DIRBS) to safeguard against handset misuse in the event of installment payment failure.
Dr. Saif emphasized that the main aim of this policy is to encourage responsible financial practices and facilitate the ongoing growth of smartphone accessibility within the nation. Telecommunication companies are set to play a crucial role by offering smartphones directly to consumers through installment plans, thereby extending the advantages of mobile broadband, particularly to individuals in lower-income brackets.