The Ministry of IT and Telecom is moving forward with its SMARTPHONE installment policy, seeking approval from the Ministries of Law and Finance. After extensive discussions with stakeholders in a working group meeting on mobile financing, the ministry is readying the policy for submission to the federal government for further review and approval.
This initiative builds on previous endeavors, with the ministry having initially submitted the Mobile Phones Financing Policy to the Federal Government in December of the previous year. However, the policy was returned for additional review by the Ministry of Law in January.
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The proposed mobile phones on installment program aims to increase access to technology, especially for those with limited financial means, by offering interest-free installment plans. Furthermore, the policy addresses concerns regarding defaulters by outlining measures for blocking mobile phones of individuals who fail to fulfill their installment obligations.
The implementation of this policy will involve significant participation from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), departing from the traditional reliance solely on mobile companies for enforcement. The PTA’s Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) will be crucial in executing the blocking process.
