Tech Readers » Telenor

DTAC Thailand Provides Rs. 68 Million to Telenor for Flood Effectees

Zaheer Ahmed Khan — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:01:59 +0000

Telenor Group’s operating company DTAC Thailand handed over a cheque of Rs68 million to Telenor Pakistan here today as its contribution toward the ongoing flood relief efforts.

To announce the donation a press conference was organized by Telenor Pakistan at a local hotel. Present on the occasion from Telenor Pakistan were Aamir Ibrahim, Vice President Corporate Affairs & Chief Strategy Officer; and Affan Haider, Head of Corporate Communications & Responsibility. DTAC was represented by Thana Thienachariya, Chief, Corporate Affairs & Strategy; and Wansit Saiyawan, Department Head, Corporate Affairs, PR & Communication.

Addressing the press conference Thana Thienachariya said: “DTAC and its employees have a long tradition of reaching out to communities in their time of need. As soon as we learnt about the devastating floods in Pakistan and the widespread destruction they have caused, DTAC Management decided to commit funds toward Pakistan’s flood relief efforts. We also made a passionate appeal to our employees to donate generously. By contributing the equivalent of Rs68 million to the relief efforts we hope we are able to help in some small way toward lessening the loss and grief that the people of Pakistan are facing due to these destructive floods.”

Aamir Ibrahim thanked employees of DTAC and members of its Management for personally coming to Pakistan to hand over their donation. “Your contribution will help make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of flood affected people by helping rebuild their livelihoods and overcome their immediate difficulties,” he said. “Such generous donations help Telenor Pakistan reinforce its commitment to help the flood affected, especially through long-term sustainable rehabilitation projects that are in line with the local needs.”

Last month, following the large-scale devastation caused by the floods, Telenor Pakistan pledged Rs100 million toward the flood relief efforts and entered into a partnership with Pakistan Red Crescent Society.

One-third of the pledged amount has already been spent on purchasing relief goods and medicines. These will support 6,000 families across Pakistan and comprise 15-days rations and medicine supplies.

Telenor Pakistan employees are also donating funds of their own. Until now, they have collected close to Rs10 million. The company has promised to match all employee contributions four times over. Other fund-raising methods being employed include donations through SMS, easypaisa and donation boxes placed at Telenor Sales & Service Centers. Special telethons on various TV channels and Radio stations are being held to raise additional funds and increase awareness of the issues being faced by the flood affected. Telenor Pakistan employees across the country are assisting further with the relief activities through volunteer efforts, carrying out assessments and distributing food, non-food items and helping with medical supplies.

All additional funding received will be used to facilitate rehabilitation of communities affected by the floods. A plan to rebuild some of the affected schools is already being chalked out with the help of partners.

Easypaisa Gone International, Launches ‘International Home Transfer’ Service

Zaheer Ahmed Khan — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:49:41 +0000

Tameer Microfinance Bank and Telenor Pakistan made another addition to the bouquet of easypaisa services with the launch of ‘International Home Transfer’ in collaboration with Xpress Money, UK. This service adds on to the existing domestic remittance service Money Transfer by providing international home remittances receiving facility in Pakistan. The latest easypaisa service can be availed by anyone with a valid CNIC irrespective of any mobile operator or bank affiliation through all Sales and Service Centres and Franchises of Telenor Pakistan and all branches of Tameer Microfinance Bank.

Vice President Financial Services Telenor Pakistan, Roar Bjaerum, announced the launch of ‘International Home Transfer’ service and shared, “Lack of financial infrastructure in many areas of Pakistan makes the process of receiving international remittances sent by loved ones abroad cumbersome. easypaisa International Home Transfer is meant to facilitate bridging this gap. At the same time, this service is part of our vision to offer wider range of financial services to increase financial inclusion in Pakistan.”

Speaking at the launch of International Home Transfer, the Chief Executive Officer Tameer Microfinance Bank, Nadeem Hussain said, “The regular stream of new additions in the easypaisa portfolio displays regulators confidence in the reliability and performance of the solution. This new service offers all the benefits of any conventional remittance service. We are making quick progress towards offering new services providing additional benefits to the customers.

The senders of funds from abroad can transfer the money through the wide network of Xpress agents present in more than 80 countries including United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom. A transaction ID will be generated on sending the amount which, along with the CNIC, are required to claim the funds through all Telenor Pakistan Sale & Service Centers, Franchises and Tameer Microfinance Bank outlets. International remittances can play a valuable role in providing foreign exchange, but more importantly, also offer significant potential to support incomes of poor and vulnerable groups. Tameer Bank has been given a member status of Pakistan Remittances Initiative (PRI). PRI is a joint initiative of State Bank of Pakistan, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Ministry of Finance aimed at increasing the inflow of remittances through legal channels. Keeping in mind the importance of international remittances to Pakistan’s economy, the International Home Transfer service is being offered without any charges.

Telenor Pakistan and Tameer Microfinance Bank’s easypaisa International Home Transfer Service will extend its relationships to more transfer agents in addition to Xpress Money in the future.

Telenor Pakistan Management Helps Flood Victims

Zaheer Ahmed Khan — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:49:41 +0000

Telenor Pakistan Management volunteered recently to assist in the ongoing relief efforts in Charsadda, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. They took active part in the registration of coupons, offloading relief goods from trucks and distributing them among the affected families. Relief items were distributed among 402 families during the day.

Here they can be seen being briefed by a Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) team member before the distribution. Telenor Pakistan’s flood relief drive includes volunteer initiatives and provision of relief items to the affected families. It has pledged PKR100 million for the flood relief activities and has signed a MoU with PRCS for the relief and rehabilitation of those affected.

Telenor Talkshawk 5 Paisa Ramzan Offer – Call As Low As 5 Paisa/30 Secs.

Zaheer Ahmed Khan — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 08:50:08 +0000

After Mobilink and Zong, now Telenor brings Ramzan special discount offer for its subscribers who can now call to any Telenor number for as low as 5 Paisas per 30 seconds from 7AM to 7 PM everyday in the month of Ramzan.

All Telenor subscribers can avail the discounted rates except Talkshawk Har Second subscribers.

Subscription Price:
Rs. 12+tax or Rs. 14.34 Inclusive Tax will be charged.

Tariff Details

How to Subscribe?

Dial *345*201# USSD to subscribe

For further details, visit: http://www.telenor.com.pk/talkshawk/5paisaoffer.php

Telenor Providing Financial Assistance to Pak Wheelers

Zaheer Ahmed Khan — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:24:03 +0000

Telenor Pakistan, as one of the project sponsors, has provided financial assistance to Pak Wheelers, a group of 11 engineering students of EME College, NUST, Islamabad to build Prodigy, Pakistan’s first hybrid car. The vehicle will represent Pakistan in the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2010 to be held in Malaysia in July. Telenor Pakistan will provide Team Leader Syed Hassaan Ali with international communication facilities during the competition to enable him to share live updates.

The single-seater Prodigy has a gasoline-run combustion engine that works in conjunction with electric motors that makes it run more efficiently. It harvests energy lost during breaking and reuses it for moving. Energy is stored in super capacitor banks through a micro controller based Energy Management Unit. Prodigy has a fiber glass body and can go up to 250 km in just one liter of fuel.

Affan Haider, Head of Corporate Communications & Responsibility, Telenor Pakistan while commenting on the project said: “Telenor Pakistan appreciates Pak Wheelers commitment behind Prodigy. We have always encouraged innovative ideas, especially those that are environmentally responsible. With projects ranging from low energy lighting solutions for our offices to establishing cellular sites that run on solar energy, Telenor continue to promote a greener, healthier and eco-friendly Pakistan.”

When Pak Wheelers began their senior year project, they had a commitment to an environment friendly cause but little financial resources. Their goal was to hoist Pakistan’s flag in the Shell Eco- Marathon Asia 2010. Helping them in their aim are sponsors from the corporate sector that have provided financial support for Prodigy.

Telenor Pakistan has been a responsible corporate organization since its inception. In addition to a number of initiatives, Telenor Pakistan recently took up the challenge of changing perceptions and lives of persons with disabilities through its flagship corporate responsibility program, Khuddar Pakistan. With immense support from the community, these efforts have translated into sustainable corporate responsibility initiatives.

Telenor Pakistan also extends its support to environment friendly initiatives. Recently, Telenor Pakistan employees in Islamabad planted trees in Margalla National Park and pledged a second round in the monsoon season to plant and care for another 1,500 trees in collaboration with CDA.

Telenor Pakistan Provides Communication Services to PBC in Attabad

Zaheer Ahmed Khan — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:16:59 +0000

Telenor Pakistan is providing free telecommunication services to Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) in Hunza to assist in emergency communications regarding the situation in Attabad and surrounding areas. Telenor Pakistan is the only service provider for cellular services in the area.

PBC has established an FM radio station in Hunza Valley to keep residents informed of developments regarding the rapidly changing situation in and around Attabad. Telenor Pakistan is providing free handsets, SIMs, free airtime and EDGE sticks to reporters and other PBC staff.

Murtaza Solangi, Director-General PBC while welcoming Telenor Pakistan’s contribution said: “We appreciate Telenor Pakistan’s support and cooperation in providing the necessary communication services as these will help us to ensure that credible and timely information is conveyed to those affected by the rising water levels of the Attabad Lake and the Hunza River.”

Affan Haider, Head of Corporate Communications, Telenor Pakistan commenting on the initiative said: “The Gilgit-Baltistan area holds special significance for us as we were one of the first mobile operators to begin services there. We have also been at the forefront of disaster response in the area. By offering telecommunication services to PBC reporters and staff in Hunza, we hope to contribute towards the relief efforts for the affected residents of Attabad and surrounding areas.”

Earlier this year, Telenor Pakistan presented a cheque of Rs2 million to Qamar Zaman Kaira, the Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting and then Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan to augment the Government’s efforts to help those affected by the land-sliding in Attabad.

Telenor Pakistan runs an active corporate responsibility program that comprises community support initiatives intended at social change.

Chairman Telenor, Harald Norvick’s Meets BOI Chairman Saleem H Mandviwala

Zaheer Ahmed Khan — Sat, 29 May 2010 09:40:31 +0000

Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwalla, Minister of State / Chairman, Board of Investment (BOI) held a detailed and interactive session with a 5 member delegation of Telenor Group which was headed by Mr. Harald Norvik, Chairman Telenor Group. Senior management of Telenor including Mr. Sigve Brekke, Head of Asia, Telenor Group, Mr. Jon Eddy Abdullah, CEO Telenor Pakistan and Mr. Aamir Ibrahim, Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Affairs Division, Telenor Pakistan.

Mr. Mandviwalla noted that Telenor is now a flagship company of Pakistan which has captured a sizable market share within a very short period of time through their operations in the country, and lauded Telenor Group for recognizing the potential in the cellular market of Pakistan and investing a significant amount of US$ 2 billion in this sector. The delegation called on Chairman BOI to discuss various issues regarding the current tax rate situation in Pakistan.

Telenor Group argued that the current GST for telecom companies is higher than any other sector amounting to 19.5% and an introduction of value added tax (VAT) in this sector would reduce this rate and help telecom companies in the country to focus in other areas of investment. Mr. Ibrahim mentioned that currently telecom sectors contribute approximately Rs. 120 billion in advance tax and GST to the Government of Pakistan. He also stated that just recently the Cabinet resolved the Access Promotion Contribution (APC) issue and have allowed a 2-2.5 cent APC which is still less than 5 cents which is provided to PTCL even though most access has been given by cellular companies in the country. Most people do not even have a landline to their name and are solely dependent on their cellular phones.

Mr. Abdullah noted that the decision on APC will allow Telenor to reinvest and help them to focus on expansion in untapped areas and municipalities in Pakistan. He further mentioned that currently only 30-40% of areas are covered in Pakistan and currently 60-70% population is a subscribed with a cellular network. Therefore there is a tremendous opportunity to introduce cellular services in remote areas of Pakistan. The noted that Balochistan proposes a tremendous opportunity, if the Government can provide adequate facilities and security to telecom companies in the province. Mr. Bekke noted that the only way the telecom industry will achieve further growth is if telecom companies and the Government work in tandem.

The notion that the telecom sector is stagnant was negated by CEO Pakistan, and he stated that there is still room for expansion in Pakistan and Telenor sees a growth potential of 15-20 million customers to its existing customer base of 95 million. Mr. Abdullah also noted that since their establishment in Pakistan, Telenor has not repatriated a single dollar as they believe in a long term investment perspective and have reinvested all their earnings back in to Telenor Pakistan. He praised the working of the Universal Service Fund (USF) and how it has helped to streamline bidding processes for broadband, fiber and GSM contracts for under served and un-served areas of Pakistan.

In the end Mr. Norvick appreciated the Board of Investment’s guidance and assistance during their set up and throughout their tenure in Pakistan. He stated that the meeting and productive discussion at the Board of Investment has provided him with an increased understanding about the investment climate in Pakistan and some of the challenges such as inflation, energy shortages and specifically taxation regime. He reiterated Telenor Group’s strong commitment to Pakistan and in the development of the Pakistani telecommunications industry for the good of the Pakistani people. He also stated that he was impressed with the results that Telenor Pakistan has delivered and is also one of the best performing companies within Telenor Group itself. Mr. Norvick stated that this was due to the presence of a dedicated management and a skilled workforce that has made their Pakistani operation world class.

Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwalla assured the Telenor Group that they will voice their concerns of taxation with the concerned authorities and facilitate and assist them in every possible way. He praised Telenor’s commitment in Pakistan and appreciated their expansion plans in the country.

Djuice Bring it On! Enjoy Couple of Weeks in UK on Djuice’s Expense

Zaheer Ahmed Khan — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:06:47 +0000

Do you love your college? Do you think that it is the most happening educational institute across Pakistan?? And do you have the creativity, style and originality to represent your college life?

Then Djuice says. ‘Bring it on!’

Show much how much you love being a part of your college, the pride you have in it and the extent you would go to uphold its standing and you could go to an expedition to UK for 2 weeks, courtesy Off screen!

So, are you up for the challenge? Is your adrenalin pumping?

Then simply follow the steps below and get involved in the challenge that is the talk of the each and every college across Pakistan!

Contest details:

If you are a Djuice user, then simply upload your thrilling content on the ‘Djuice Bring It On!’ contest page.
The content could be in the form of a song, video, SMS, Picture etc.
Once the content is uploaded, voting lines would be open, so get your friends and family to cheer you on and vote on your content.
The final selection of content is based on the maximum number of votes and

panel decision.

For more details visit: www.djuice.com.pk

Telenor: Massive Indoor Solution – Lahore

Bilal Akram — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:54:07 +0000

One of the biggest indoor active solutions in Asia has recently been completed by Telenor. Right now the solution is only deployed in Lahore’s Shah-Alam (Azam Cloth Market). This is also one of the largest indoor coverage solutions for Pakistan’s metro site at this moment.

This is what business community of Azam Cloth Market was dreaming for, where more than 10,000 shops are situated. This huge wholesale and retail market serves the entire country; hundreds and thousands of visitors, buyers and sellers come together to the market every day.

There are more than 10,000 shops situated in Azam Cloth Market and this seems like a dream comes true of the business community of Azam Cloth Market. This is a huge place for wholesale and retails markets which are serving the entire country. On average thousands of buyers, visitors and sellers come together to the market everyday.

With the total of 7 Remote Units and 206 Active Solution Omni Antennas make up the whole market, spanning 800 m radius, covered.

Telenor: $80 Million Investments in Pakistan

Bilal Akram — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:51:18 +0000

Telenor is investing 80 million dollars in Pakistan in order to expand network, an unnamed Telenor official of Daily Times quoted this.

However, this investment is not so big; nevertheless it is a long looked-for investment inflow in the Pakistani market, and one would agree that this is the highest investment by a single company in the last few months.

Compared to 736 million dollars of FDI during July 2008 to July 2009, its qualities mention here sums up to the total of 205.4 million dollars during July 2009 to 2010.

Reports say that this investment will be spent on various upcoming and existing projects associated to network infrastructure expansion. Number of franchises, number of cell sites and other infrastructure related projects will be achieved.

Couple of years back Telenor had planned to invest 500 million dollars for Group’s Pakistani arm, on one condition if it was granted 3G license. On the other hand, delay in 3G license has stopped the progress of many things along with a turn in investment plans of the cellular companies.

Tech Readers » Telenor

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