Zong ‘Super 3G’ – Million+ Customers and Counting!

Zong, a subsidiary of China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC) and Pakistan’s first and only 4G mobile service, today celebrated crossing one million ‘Super 3G’ customers, a milestone it achieved last month, at an event in Lahore. The company decided to celebrate the milestone with its 1st and 1,000,001th ‘Super 3G’ customers in a bid to acknowledge their unwavering support and commitment to the brand.

Zong ‘Super 3G’ offers the best in class technology HSPA+ (High Speed Packet Access) which is capable of providing maximum speeds of up to 42 Mbps (twice as fast as normal 3G available in Pakistan) to its users.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Barakat-Ullah, Regional Director Sales and Distribution, Zong stated, “This milestone is a proof of the exceptional service we are offering to our 3G subscribers and for us this number is just the beginning. Our ‘Super 3G’ service caters to the need of every type of internet user and gives them the chance to experience browsing and data transfer speeds never before witnessed in Pakistan. Through our superior infrastructure – our people and processes are aligned to provide a differentiated customer experience because at Zong the customer comes first in all that we do.”

Speaking about the milestone, Dr. Fan Yunjun, CEO and Chairman, Zong stated, “I would like to congratulate everyone at Zong who has made this achievement possible. At Zong, we are committed to provide innovative services to our customers; being the first telecom service provider in Pakistan to achieve this milestone is just a stepping stone to greater traction and more 3G connected customers in the coming months.”

Zong Super 3G’s unmatched speeds give customers the freedom of uninterrupted streaming of their favorite movies, videos and other content, lightning fast downloads, indulgence in entertaining games with friends, and connection with their loved ones. Zong might be the latest entrant in the telecom industry of Pakistan, but it has the fastest growth in subscriber base and this milestone further solidifies its industry position as the premier telecom service provider.

Warid Telecom Hosts Events for its Corporate Customers

Pakistan’s most trusted Telecom service provider, Warid Telecom has always been at the forefront in serving its customers. The company has always taken initiatives to celebrate the company’s customer synergistic relationships. Recently, as part of the company’s efforts to fortify the relationship with its loyal corporate customers, Warid hosted a movie night at IMAX Cine Star Lahore and exclusively sponsored Grand Tombola Night for the sixth consecutive time in Islamabad.

The corporate customers and their families were invited for a fulfilled movie night in Lahore which was attended by number of corporate clients including Descon Engineering, Gourmet bakers, DHA Lahore, Metro Cash & Carry and other clients.

The Grand Tombola event in Islamabad was also a tremendous success, attended by over 3000 premium guests belonging to various respective institutions, including Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy, Air Blue, BESTWAY and Wi-Tribe. The attendees highly appreciated the event and hoped that Warid in the future as well, would continue to support such corporate mixers.

Aimed at enriching relationship with its corporate clients, Warid has always focused towards institutionalising several initiatives including customer engagement programs to augment customer experience, recreation activities, cultural and sports activities, career counseling and corporate sustainability initiatives.

To encourage the participants and winners of the Grand Tombola competition, cash and other prizes were sponsored by Warid telecom, ending the event with a blissful applause.

Lumia 730 Dual SIM Now Available in Pakistan

Microsoft Devices Pakistan announced the availability of the Lumia 730 Dual SIM in Pakistan. With a wide angle front facing camera, affordable price tag, and sleek, pocketable style featured alongside integrated Microsoft experiences, Lumia 730 lets people easily capture and share more of what they want.

The Lumia 730 combines a slim, vibrant style with powerful performance to create an uncompromised smartphone experience. Alongside Dual SIM 3G support, the Lumia 730 provides outstanding personalization brought by Windows Phone 8.1 to deliver memorable Skype video calls with the wide-angle front-facing camera. People can share more of the world around them, or bring more family and friends into a call. People can also take unbeatable selfies with the Full HD 5MP front facing camera, and quickly and easily share to social networks like Facebook and Instagram. With a focal length of 24mm, Lumia 730 front facing camera captures more of the scene, ensuring people never cut out another member of the group or miss an unbelievable background during a selfie.
“People are moving from using their front facing camera to take a close up selfie or have a solo Skype call, to making it much more about where they are and what they are doing.” said James Rutherfoord, Vice President, Microsoft Devices North Africa, Levant and Near East. “With the Lumia 730, we’re enabling people to easily capture and share more of what they want through unique Lumia innovation and the best Microsoft experiences.”
A powerful Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 400 processor, featuring a quad core CPU at 1.2GHz, supports a fast, and smooth user experience with the latest version of Windows Phone 8.1, including one swipe notifications from Action Center, and the fast Word Flow keyboard. The Snapdragon 400 processor is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. (QTI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated.

People can create unique selfies with the updated Lumia Selfie app which comes pre-loaded on Lumia 730. With a viewing angle of almost 180 degrees, and a 4.7” HD OLED display, people can watch their favorite shows, movies or video clips even in bright sunlight. Seamless integration with Microsoft services such as Skype and Microsoft Office, with Outlook, Word, Excel, OneNote and PowerPoint is available out of the box for leading productivity on the go. 15GB of free cloud storage is available on Microsoft OneDrive to sync, store, access and share content like photos online. A world of apps is available for Windows Phone, including favourites like WhatsApp, Viber, Instagram, Vimeo and Flipboard – plus apps that sync across devices so people can pick up where they left off. The 2220 mAh battery keeps you going throughout the day, and lasts even longer when you replace the back cover with a wireless charging shell (charging pad sold separately).

The Lumia 730 is expected to be available in Pakistan at an estimated price of PKR 28,950/-. The Lumia 730 will be available in a range of colours including bright orange, bright green and stylish neutrals such as dark grey and white.

Zong Launches the Much Awaited First 4G LTE Service in Pakistan

Zong, a China mobile company and Pakistan’s fastest growing telecom network officially launched its 4G LTE mobile service in Pakistan. Dr. Fan Yunjun, CEO, Zong stated that the technical team and commercial team are fully prepared to launch this service in 7 major cities of Pakistan during the first phase. The roll out of Zong 4G LTE will help consumers take advantage of lightning fast mobile internet speed that is multiple times faster than the available 3G networks.

Dr. Fan Yunjun while talking to the media at the press conference said, “Over the years, we have invested a lot in our network expansion and technology. We are proud to be the leader in technology as we are the only Super 3G & 4G LTE operator in the country. It reinforces our commitment to the people of Pakistan to provide innovative services that offer real value to the consumer. Through recent 3^rd party network test and consumer survey, Zong super 3G keeps No.1 speed and 47% customer select Zong as the best 3G operator. We have built our 4G LTE network with the same commitment to performance and reliability for which we have long been recognized”. He added “alongside 4G LTE we will also be offering our very own 4G enabled handset, the M811 which is our first step to provide the customer with a complete bouquet of hardware and service provision.”

The launch of Zong 4G heralds in a new era in the field of mobile communications technology and strengthens the company’s position as the most innovative and consumer oriented telecom operator in Pakistan. The company has already started providing consumers with its ‘Super-fast’ Super 3G mobile service, and once its 4G LTE mobile service enters the foray, the markets will be able to test and compare the difference in speeds between the two.

He further added, “The initial launch targets the 7 major cities, where we have the vast network coverage which ensures the availability of the fastest data speeds. Soon enough we shall expand both our Super 3G and 4G LTE services to other cities and towns in a bid to provide the benefits of high speed internet to the maximum number of Pakistanis. 4G LTE will help reshape the lives of the consumer and provide services never experienced before in the Pakistani Telecom industry”

The arrival of Zong 4G will help corporate customers and small businesses the most by allowing them to work wherever they want, whenever they want. Businesses will also be able to react faster to the needs of their customers and introduce remote working practices for staff which can help reduce costs and increase productivity. Consumers will be able to carry out a plethora of online activities almost simultaneously which shall save them time and keep them connected to the world at large, right on their mobile phone. With the launch of its Super 3G and 4G LTE mobile services, Zong has ushered in the new era of Mobile Internet Revolution in Pakistan which shall provide boost to the country’s economy and offer a much needed platform for the businesses and individuals aspiring to achieve their true potential.

Microsoft Devices Now Available on Daraz.pk

Microsoft Devices Pakistan recently signed an MoU with Daraz.pk, enabling fans of Windows Phones to browse, select and purchase their favourite Lumia devices directly from the comfort of their homes. Daraz.pk is Pakistan’s leading online shopping portal which is visited by millions of people from around the country and is celebrated for its reliability and convenience.

This collaboration presents Lumia devices to a unique segment of online shoppers. The Lumia series, known for its innovation and trendiness, is one of the fastest growing smartphone ranges around the world. It offers uncompromised smartphone experiences, personalized third-party apps and pioneering Microsoft services to millions of people across the globe.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Kamran Masood Niazi, Communications Manager, Microsoft Devices Pakistan said: “Microsoft Devices is gaining a lot of traction in Pakistan. As more and more people are gearing themselves with smartphones, our collaboration with Daraz.pk gives our valued customers and admirers the chance to purchase Windows Phones right from their homes. With Daraz.pk’s unparalleled shopping experience, Microsoft Devices has expanded its reach to millions of hearts in the country. I am extremely thankful to our teams, especially Ali Fahad, Usman Ashfaq, and Umair Aleem.”

Commenting on the occasion, Farees Shah, Co-Founder, Daraz.pk said: “Our partnership with Microsoft Devices is a further testament to our commitment of making Daraz.pk the pioneer e-commerce website in Pakistan. The Lumia brand is synonymous with a well-designed and quality product, and we are delighted to welcome them on board. With the proliferation of 3G internet technology, we are confident that this collaboration will be beneficial for consumers across Pakistan and allow them to access the full range of Lumia phones whilst sitting in the comfort of their homes.”

As the youth of the country are becoming digitized via the use of smartphones and social media, the trend of online shopping is also becoming popular among them.

TIMEPEY a product of Zong and Askari Bank, facilitates KPK Government in distributing funds to the North Waziristan IDPs

Zong, a China mobile company and Pakistan’s fastest growing telecom network, and Askari Bank Limited, recently reached an agreement with FDMA to utilize its mobile cash transfer service “Timepey”, to assist the Government’s electronic cash Disbursement to the Displaced Person (DPs) of Northern Waziristan. The scheme was launched by His Excellency Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, Governor, Khyber Pakthunkhwa (KPK) during a ceremony held at the KPK house, which was attended by officials from Zong, Askari Bank and FDMA.

Under the program, 25,000 Zong SIMs are being provided to the registered DPs. Zong SIMs shall now be utilized to distribute Prime Minister’s relief package through Zong and Askari’s Timepey Branchless Banking service ensuring transparency and efficiency in the process. Under this relief package, every dislocated family will be given cash disbursement allowance of Rs.25, 000 -37,000 in the first month, i.e., July 2014. The DPs are being registered at make shift camps by NADRA and are then been given free of cost Zong SIMs. Funds are disbursed on the basis of data verified by FDMA. The first batch of bulk disbursement of the relief package was executed on 11th July, 2014.
Speaking to the media at the signing ceremony, Sajid Mahmood said, “Zong has always taken the first step to give back to the society and being a responsible corporate citizen we take pride and take it as our duty to help our brethren in need. Zong Timepay is a reliable money transfer service and we feel honored to be the only operator to support the Federal government in this noble cause undertaken by them. Zong/Askari Bank Timepay will ensure reliable, transparent and timely delivery of funds to DPs so they have enough provisions for the Holy month of Ramadan, Eid and days to come.”
Mr. Abdul Farooq, Area Manager of Askari Bank said, “Askari Bank and Zong have a long and strong relationship and with this collaboration with the Federal Government, we are facilitating free of charges safe and timely payment of funds to the DPs. This Ramadan, we are taking a small initiative to lessen their burden and share the blessings of Ramadan with our brothers and sisters”.
Arshad Khan, DG, FDMA said, “Some 66,726 migrating families from North Waziristan were registered in cities of Bannu and Peshawar recently. We are making every arrangement possible to accommodate these families and provide them with the support they require. I would like to thank Zong and Askari bank for putting their best foot forward in this hour of need and agreeing with the government to provide us with an efficient and transparent mechanism to distribute relief amongst these violence stricken families.”

Talking on behalf of the government, Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan added, “The government is aware of the problems being faced by the displaced families and would utilize all available resources to provide relief and assistance to them. The funds assigned under Prime Minister’s program will be used for assistance, relief and rehabilitation of the DPs. Such crisis and difficulties have to be faced by every nation but it is through unity and unanimous support from all quarters, civilian and corporate, that they rise again. The government will remain with the DPs until their complete rehabilitation through its monthly relief efforts thanks to Zong and Askari bank’s Timepey services.”
Being a part of the world’s largest 3G and 4G network, Zong CMPak is the 1st and only Super 3G and 4G LTE service provider in Pakistan, and has the fastest growth in subscriber base in the industry which is why in just a short period it has managed to take over the 3rd position in the industry. As a company aware of its social responsibility, Zong has always been active in supporting initiatives that make a positive contribution to the community.

Microsoft Devices Offers Exclusive Apps for Ramadan Kareem

Microsoft has introduced exclusive Ramadan content for the users of Lumia and Nokia X range. Now, users can welcome this auspicious month with renewed fervour and attain divine blessings with Ramadan apps, which are available on the Windows Phone Store for Lumia phones and Nokia Store for Nokia X range of devices.

The announcement comes at a time when Muslims all around Pakistan are devotedly observing the blessed month of Ramadan. During this holy month, the demand for exclusive Ramadan content rises, and Microsoft has introduced the apps to let users observe the venerated month with full zeal.

Commenting on this announcement, Kamran Masood Niazi, Communications Manager, Microsoft Devices said: “Ramadan is a month of self-awareness and devotion towards Allah. It is a month in which we gain inner tranquility and salvation through worship and fasting. Keeping in view the sanctity of Ramadan, Microsoft brings Ramadan Kareem apps for your Windows Phone and Nokia X devices. With these apps, users can read the Quran and listen to tilawat by renowned Qaris of the world. They can also read Ahadith, special duas and azkaar along with sharing them on social networks to spread the blessings far and wide among family and friends.”

Users can recite the Holy Quran and listen to tilawat by globally famous reciters such as Al-Sudais and Al-Gamy by downloading the Al-Quran app. Other apps such as Mushaf Al-Madinah, Quran Lite etc. let users share the ayahs via social networking websites. With apps like Ramadan Kareem, Ramadan Time etc. one can keep track of suhoor and iftar timings while reciting special Ramadan duas.

There are a number of apps such as Athan+ and Missed Prayers through which users can keep a track of namaz timings based on their locations and a check on their missed prayers. These apps also give location-based directions to nearest mosques. Apps like Hadith Qudsi Arabic, Daily Hadith etc. provide a daily update on authentic ahadith which can be shared via email, Facebook, Twitter and SMS. Manasek and Hajj & Umrah Guide provide information about various rituals of Hajj and Umrah.

Users of both Lumia phones and Nokia X devices can download these amazing apps for this Holy month and rejuvenate their enthusiasm for Ramadan.

Synergy Group to Expand Network with Dentsu Aegis Network

As a part of Synergy Group’s expansion plans, Michael Nederlof, Regional CEO, Dentsu Aegis Network visited Pakistan to boost collaboration with its local partner.

Mr. Nederlof currently oversees the operations and expansion of 6 Dentsu Aegis’s brands in Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, namely, Dentsu, Carat, Vizeum, Isobar, iProspect and Poster scope. During his trip, he visited all three Synergy Group offices in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

Mr. Nederlof discussed growth plans in terms of capability enhancement by introducing new businesses and tools to support an integrated communications approach for servicing clients in Pakistan.

Mr. Nederlof said, “We started two years ago with our partner Synchronize media and I am very happy with the progress we are making. We are winning clients in the domestic and international markets. We have already established Carat in Pakistan; our next step is to expand in creative, digital, out of home and research together.  Currently, we have six businesses under the Dentsu Aegis Network and we plan to launch all of them in Pakistan together with Synergy Group.”

Mr. Ali Mandviwalla, COO, Synergy Group, welcomed Michael to Pakistan, saying, “2014 is of great significance for Synergy Group. Michael’s visit at this juncture marks a substantial new beginning in our relationship with Dentsu Aegis Network. This progressive partnership will not only add value to our existing businesses but will also benefit our clients in terms of available resources, global knowledge and research under the Dentsu Aegis Network.”

The strategic partnership between Synergy Group and Dentsu Aegis Network’s media agencyhas proven to be a successful venture for both the companies.

Over the years, Synergy Group has expanded itself as one of the most valued integrated communication agency networks in Pakistan.

Nokia XL Introduced in Pakistan

Microsoft Devices launched their flagship Android-based device, Nokia XL in Pakistan. Nokia XL brings an exciting mix of Android apps and Nokia experiences and is an on-ramp to Microsoft services such as Skype, OneDrive and Outlook.com.

Speaking on the occasion, Arif Shafique, Country General Manager, Microsoft Devices Pakistan & Afghanistan said: “Microsoft Devices has connected billions of people around the world through remarkable mobile devices and innovative technology. Our new Nokia XL smartphone is primarily targeted towards emerging markets to deliver a superb mix of services.

Commenting on the launch, Ammar Ahmed, Product Marketing & Portfolio Manager, Microsoft Devices Pakistan said: “Nokia XL features in the affordable smartphones category and is designed for consumers who want to enhance their smartphone usage experience manifolds. It will enable users to fully engage and enjoy the exciting technological advancement in the country.”

Nokia XL derives Microsoft Devices’s renowned handset quality and design with a fresh, tile-based user interface inspired by the Lumia family. It comes with Fastlane, a screen which lets users switch between their favourite apps seamlessly. People can access curated, quality-tested apps on the Nokia Store and other third-party app stores. Nokia XL also boasts a 5″ display with 2MP front-facing camera – ideal for Skype video calls – and a 5MP rear-facing, autofocus camera with flash. It will be available in bright green, orange, cyan, yellow, black and white.

 

Lumia 630 Dual SIM Now Available in Pakistan

The Nokia Lumia 630 Dual SIM with Windows Phone 8.1 in now available in Pakistan. The first Dual SIM Lumia smartphone delivers an unrivalled affordable smartphone experience, with quad-core processing and a Clear Black 4.5” LCD screen.

Commenting on the occasion, Arif Shafique, Country General Manager, Microsoft Devices Pakistan & Afghanistan said: “With high-end technologies and apps, a seamless Windows Phone 8.1 experience and the first ever Dual SIM Lumia empowering people to connect on their terms, we think the Lumia 630 Dual SIM is undoubtedly the best smartphone in its affordable price range.”

The Lumia 630 Dual SIM adds award-winning design and experiences found on high end Lumia smartphones to the leading personalization brought by Windows Phone 8.1. Users can now seamlessly switch between two SIM cards to manage their social life, clearly separate calls and messages to make it cheaper and easier to connect on their own terms. A quad-core Snapdragon processor delivers fast, uncompromised social experiences with Word Flow, Internet Explorer and social apps like WhatsApp, WeChat and Instagram.

The smartphone showcases a new matte polycarbonate design with changeable shells available in bold new colors like bright orange, bright green and bright yellow, in addition to matte black and white. The 4.5” Clear Black screen, offers better viewing angles and visibility in bright conditions. Integrated features including one swipe notifications from Action Centre, the new Microsoft Enterprise feature pack, Microsoft Office, One Drive, and Camera make the Lumia 630 a great tool for work and play. The new Sensor Core also brings low power motion sensing to help people track their activity all day without using up the large 1830mAh battery – perfect for exercise and exploration using apps like Bing Health and Fitness.

A wealth of storage is available, with memory expandable by up to 128GB using a microSD card, allowing people to save and switch locations of pictures, videos, music, maps and apps with ease.