How to Choose Best Web Host for you?

Before I answer to this question, we need to find out: What type of hosting do you really need?
Type of hosting available are:

• Shared Hosting
• Unmanaged VPS
• Unmanaged Dedicated Server
• Unmanaged Cloud Computing
• Managed VPS
• Managed Dedicated Server
• Managed Cloud Computing

Shared hosting is obviously out of question for big websites. Let’s look at other available options.

PayPal in Pakistan

PayPal in Pakistan Looks Possible, but it May Take Time!

Talk of PayPal entering Pakistan got buzzed up in previous 2 days, especially after some professionals got involved in discussion on TGP.

As always, Fouad Bajwa was amongst the campaigners, who announced that Mr. Ibrahim Qureshi (Director Raffles Pvt. Ltd) has promised to voice the need of PayPal in Pakistan during Obama’s presidential summit.

Discussion caught further attention when a member revealed that Paypal’s advance team recently visited Pakistan. He further said that PayPal is already engaged with local lawyers and other related institutes to start building their infrastructure to offer Paypal services in Pakistan.

This looked quite fascinating and importantly it made sense, particularly, after a recent announcement by PayPal to aggressively campaign in Asia (to be number one in region like they are in Europe and America) with an evident focus towards the mobile commerce along with traditional e-commerce services.

For the purpose, PayPal announced last month to double its employees from 1000 to over 2000 this year, with 100 new jobs alone for Singapore, company’s regional headquarter.

Though, PayPal has officially not authorized all this. Anuj Nayar, Director, Global Communications at PayPal in a communication with ProPakistani accepted that like always, PayPal is looking at ways to grow the business in Asia. However, he said that he has nothing in hands to announce about PayPal’s specific plans for Pakistan market.

A source at PayPal, who wanted to remain unnamed, told ProPakistani that Pakistan has some serious issues relating to its ecommerce infrastructure, payment gateways, which make it impossible for PayPal to step in to Pakistan. He said, PayPal’s usual feature of linking an email with customers’ bank account will never be possible in given banking infrastructure of Pakistan.

He admitted that PayPal has studied Pakistan, and recognizes the potential, however, stated problem is not in hands of PayPal.

In his opinion, PayPal may start operations while accepting limited banks, probably starting with Citibank (which has payment gateway), and then rolling out solution for other banks of the country.

Regulatory issues with State Bank of Pakistan are considered as hurdles too, but as stated earlier, there is no question of arguing over regulations when there is no infrastructure in place.

This is where our local banks and of course the government has to play some role. Payment gateways are a must have thing. We had reports of PTA working on it, but nothing concrete could be said on it, as of now.

So as a crux, one can safely say that its not PayPal who is not coming in Pakistan, its our banks who are not well equipped.

On a side note, as PayPal has plans to offer mobile banking solutions in the region, companies like EasyPaisa can come in, and join hands with PayPal (given that their banking partner– Tameer Bank, starts offering electronic payment solution).

But only time will tell that EasyPaisa and PayPal will work in hands or will become rivals.

Ban Proposed on Sale of Used Computers

The ministry of information technology has been asked to draft a proposal for a ban on the import of used computers and IT accessories, on directions of President Asif Ali Zardari.
Earlier, LCCI had requested the president to ban the sale of used/old computers.
If ban imposed, no vendor/seller will be able to sell used/computers in the market, eventually causing computer prices go high by 4 times at least.
Computer manufacturers are terming used computers:

• high energy consumption devices
• dumping ground of electronic wastage for developed countries, causing environmental and social damage
• A hit on economy

While those opposing the ban on sale of used/old computer opine:

• High PC penetration due to availability of used/old computers in market
• Low priced computers
• Cost saving through in-expensive (internet) communication
• Increased awareness
• Boost in economy for multiple domains, such as, ISPs, vendors, FMCGs, advertising, media etc

Clearly computer manufacturers, Intel being the leader, are grouping up to run this on-media and off-media campaign for ban on sale of old/used computers to capture their share – instead of investing into country for setting up a manufacturing plant in the country, like they have in India.
If a computer manufacturing plant is deployed in the country, it will not only serve local economy but will also bring down the prices for new computers.
Before any conclusion on this and imposing ban, Government must realize all aspects and that a common man may not afford to buy a reasonable new computer costing well over 20,000.
As per estimates, there are total of 14,00,000 computers in Pakistan, out of which 60 percent are used/old computers, 24 percent internationally assembled new computers while 16 percent locally assembled new computers.

PTCL is Going to Double the DSL Speeds: Again

It seems like PTCL is going to double the DSL speeds of broadband customers very soon, most likely with in month or two, at most – same like it did last year. According to news the existing packages will be doubled as

• 1 mbps to 2mbps
• 2 mbps to 4mbps
• 4 mbps to 8 mbps
  

According to PTCL representative and feedback of different users PTCL is testing these double speeds on randomly selected subscribers from different areas of country. These users will be downgraded after the testing period ends to their original speeds and will be upgraded after official announcement, which is most likely to be on 23^rd march, but can be delayed as no final date has been announced yet.
The up gradation process may take several months according to the size of network. Though PTCL is using is ADSL2+ which supports up to 24mbps but at same time there are many subscribers on Copper media, which supports up to 4 mbps at most (that too with distortion).
We hope that student package users will also get this upgrade and can enjoy higher speeds at discounted rates as recently PTCL discontinued all student packages above 1mbps.
We will keep you informed on this, you can also share your experience in comments if you got this test up gradation.
No official words on the situation yet.

Local Content is Going to be Vital for Broadband Uplift

CPLC has recently published the report on the cell phones snatched/theft incidents. According to their data which they collected from February 2009 to January 2010, a total of 36377 cell phones were reported snatched or theft. Those snatch/stolen incidents which were never reported are other than this figure.
CPLC has compiled their data according to areas, brands and colors such as…

• Samsung has been most stolen mobile after Nokia. Nokia made almost 75% of total snatched/stolen phones
• Snatchers like Black color mobile phones more. Or let’s put it this way, there are more black phones in the country than any other color. A total of 77.4% snatched cellphones were of Black in color.
• 44.4% of the incidents occurred in Karachi alone
• Karachi Saddar came second in the list after Gulsh-e-Iqbal
• 12529 mobiles are reportedly snatched
• 23848 cellphones are reported in theft columns.
• 45568 reports of cellphones snatched/thefts were from Punjab.
• If you are carrying white body Trend Mobile cellphone then better do a bit of tap dance because the snatchers don’t like this as a whole. Only 1.8% of the total reported incidents were of white body color in nature. Whereas only 45 mobiles of Trend Mobiles made were reported snatched/theft.
• Karachi West is having least reported incidents. Only 4.9% of the total!

It must be noted that there is no info regarding the recovery of cellphones, meaning that, there were either no recoveries made at all, or they are very little in numbers.
On PTA’s part, these numbers suggest that regulator has failed to aware consumers and blocking handsets through IMEI system, that is in place for years now. It looks that there is a huge market for stolen handsets, which are being purchased and then re-purchased with no hurdle at all.
It merits mentioning here that IMEI based blockage system had failed when shopkeepers started re-setting IMEI numbers of blocked cell phones (through easily available software).

E-payments Grow to Rs 4.1 Trillion in Q2 FY 10

The electronic payments continued to show a rising trend as both the number and value of such transactions increased in the second quarter (Oct-December) of the current 2009-10 fiscal year (FY10).
According to State Bank’s Second Quarterly Report on Retail E-Payments and Paper Based Instruments released on Friday, the volume and value of E-Payments transactions in the country during the second quarter of FY10 reached 46.4 million and Rs 4.1 trillion respectively showing an increase of 0.2 percent in number and 6.1 percent increase in value as compared to 4.0 percent increase in number and 0.3 percent increase in value in the previous quarter.
The Report said the use of electronic channels has showed a consistent growth as during the second quarter contribution of electronic transactions in total retail transactions recorded at 35.3 percent in number compared to 35.7 percent share recorded during the previous quarter. In terms of value, the electronic channel’s composition recorded at 10.90 percent against 10.1 percent share recorded in the previous quarter.
During the second quarter of FY10, the volume and value of ATM transactions in the country reached 27.3 million and Rs 210.7 billion respectively showing a decline of 2.2 percent in number and 0.5 percent decline in value as compared to 10.5 percent increase in number and 12.0 percent increase in value in the previous quarter. Whereas, the volume and value of online banking transactions in the country reached to 14.2 million and Rs. 3.9 trillion respectively showing an increase of 8.8pc in numbers and 6.4 percent increase in value as compared to 4.5 percent decline in numbers and 0.4 percent decrease in value in the previous quarter.
According to the Report, total number of Automated Teller Machines during the second quarter reached to 4,217 registering a growth of 4.0 percent as compared to 1.4 percent increase in the previous quarter. The volume of Real Time Online Branches (RTOB) during second quarter reached at 6,587 and recorded a growth of 7.6 percent as compared to 1.3 percent increase recorded in the previous quarter. The total quantity of POS terminal reached 50,920 showing a decrease of 1.5 percent in number as compared to 4.0 percent increase in previous quarter.
The volume and value of debit cards transactions were reported at 29.98 million and Rs. 235.25 billion respectively showing an increase of 3.7 percent in numbers and 9.7 percent increase in value as compared to 3.0 percent increase in numbers and 2.2 percent increase in value in the previous quarter. Similarly, during the second quarter of FY10 the volume and value of credit cards transactions were reported to be 3.8 million and Rs. 17.0 billion respectively showing a decrease of 10.0 percent in numbers and 8.7 percent decrease in value as compared to 6.9pc decrease in numbers and 2.6pc decrease in value in the previous quarter.
In addition, the total number of cards (debit / credit /ATM only) in circulation during the second quarter reached to 9.95 million which shows an increase of 6.8 percent compared to 4.3 percent increase in the previous quarter.
The Report pointed out that during October-December 2009 quarter, the volume and value of Point of Sales (POS) transactions in the country were recorded at 3.9 million and Rs 18.4 billion respectively showing a decline of 11.8 percent in numbers and 20.25 percent decrease in value as compared to 5.3 percent decrease in numbers and 1.75 percent decrease in value in the previous quarter.

Get Free Golden Numbers: Telenor Weblounge

Telenor Weblounge is one stop online solution for its entire persona subscriber. You can get the golden number of your choice through the available inventory, and for time being – its free of additional charge.
The main functionalities of Weblounge allows you to port your number from any other network to Telenor with convenience, make online payments, choose and subscribe add-ons of your choice and many other special offers. This all can be done through credit/debit card payments and your Sim will be delivered at your door step through TCS.
GOLDEN NUMBERS are now available FREE of charge from PERSONA Weblounge.

• Purchase New Connection and get it delivered to your door step (no delivery charges)
• Port-in your existing number to Persona from any other mobile network without the hassle of visiting any sales & service center.
• Make online persona bill payments
• Subscribe Add-ons.
• Subscriber or modify to Value Added Services online.
• Track your usage & manage your call and SMS records online.
• View and download your last invoices.

60 % Pakistanis On Internet Believe in Online Love: Survey

The BBC World Service global poll showed that 60 percent of Pakistanis who use the Internet regard it as a good place to find a partner.
The poll, conducted among nearly 11,000 Internet users across 19 countries, revealed that India and Pakistan are among the countries with the greatest numbers of enthusiasts for Internet introductions.
“This shows what a major role the Internet now plays in the lives of millions of people around the world,” GlobeScan Research Director Sam Mountford said in a statement.
“For many, and particularly in the developing world, it’s not just somewhere to work, shop, or communicate with friends, but a credible way of finding a partner in life.”
However, the results also suggest that those with a higher level of education are less likely to regard the Internet as a good place for romance – 28 percent of those with a university education felt it was, compared to 36 percent of those who had not completed high school.
The survey interviewed 10,976 adults who had used the Internet in the previous six months across 19 countries, and was conducted for BBC World Service by polling firm GlobeScan.
Via Reuters

Orascom Interested in any Asset on Sale

Mobile telecoms is a sellers’ market and Orascom Telecom is interested in any asset for sale, in any geography, its Executive Chairman Naguib Sawiris said.
“If you ask me what are you interested in, I would tell you any mobile asset regardless of the geography,” Sawiris told Reuters at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
Orascom currently operates in countries such as Algeria, Tunisia, Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, North Korea and Canada.
In Pakistan, Sawiris said he expects to see consolidation this year because companies are not making money.
“We are open to be a party to that (consolidation), be a consolidator,” Sawiris said.
Despite Swaris talked more in general, still this is first time that Orascom has shown its interest for investing in Pakistan, after the group had decided to hold investments in the region.
Via Reuters

Women in Developing Countries Less Likely to Own a Mobile Phone

Women in Pakistan, particularly the rural areas, are one of un-explored and potential areas for telecom operators to extend their sales and ultimately the revenues.
A recent research by ‘The charitable foundation’ (founded up by the wife of the UK’s former Prime Minister, Tony Blair) has concluded that woman in a low or middle-income country is 21% less likely to own a mobile phone than a man.
Research shows that, by extending the benefits of mobile phone ownership to more women, a host of social and economic goals can be advanced.
Report says that if operators bring mobile phone penetration among women on a par with penetration among men, this report shows they would collectively earn US$13 billion in additional revenues each year.
Key findings show that:

• There are 300 million fewer female subscribers than male subscribers worldwide
• A woman is 21% less likely to own a phone than a man in low and middle-income countries – 23% in Africa, 24% in the Middle East, and 37% in South Asia
• Regionally, the incremental annual revenue opportunity for operators ranges from US$740M in Latin America to US$4B in East Asia
• Going forward, two thirds of potential new subscribers for mobile network operators will be women
• Women in rural areas and lower income brackets stand to benefit the most from closing the gender gap
• 93% of women report feeling safer because of their mobile phone
• 85% of women report feeling more independent because of their mobile phone
• 41% of women report having increased income and professional opportunities once they own a phone

Via Cellular News

Spectrum Prices in Pakistan to Go High

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has planned for changing annual spectrum fee for radio based services. For the purpose, authority has asked the industry for input on the matter, before March 15^th, 2009.
PTA says that current spectrum charging methodology was defined back in 2000. It said that the situation has changed altogether due to increased spectrum demand, availability of abundant spectrum coupled with inflation.
PTA justified that spectrum pricing review has not been done for 10 year to avoid undue economic pressure on the licensees.
PTA has warned that periodic review of spectrum prices would be carried out to introduce utilization efficiency, bring technological innovation and tackle any distortions observed after implementation of proposed charges.

Ufone2 Ufone Offers 1000 Min and 10,000 SMS

Now by porting your current number to the Ufone network you can obtain unlimited SMS to any network for three months and up to 1000 on-net minutes absolutely free!

* The first free 3000 sms will be available upon activation of SIM, the next 3000 free SMS will be available the next month, after consumption of at least Rs.50 worth of balance other than the already provided Rs.100
* The third month’s free 4000 SMS will be available after a further consumption of at least Rs.150 worth of balance
* Upon usage of free balance (i.e., Rs 100), within 30 days of SIM activation, 50 free onnet minutes will be awarded on each RS 50 usage. Maximum limit is 1000 minutes.
* Free minutes are valid for 7 days and free SMS are valid for 30 days
* Free minutes are only Ufone to Ufone
* Free SMS are to any network in Pakistan

All you have to do is switch to the Ufone network by March 5, 2010, and use as much balance as you can besides the available Rs.100 balance and get up to 1000 Ufone to Ufone minutes and unlimited free SMS to any network for the next three months.

Ufone Advertised the same few days earlier with different print and TVC, for both new users and MNP users, but this time focus is on MNP users. Ufone also claims to deliver the sim free to you doorstep in 48 hours.

How to get this offer?

Call 033-1236-1236 from your mobile now and get your FREE Ufone SIM delivered to your home within 48 hours .
Note:
Free minutes & SMS will be added within 7 days to customer’s account This offer is valid on SIMs purchased or numbers ported until March 5, 2010 48 hours delivery – Subject to the completion of correct required customer information, Only selected Cities. Terms and conditions apply 19.5% FED on usage and 10% withholding tax at recharge or bill applies. Using SIMS without proper documentation is a crime – PTA Limited time offer.

Oracle Academy Program to be Promoted in Universities

Mr. Bashir Ahmed, Director, HEC addressing a seminar to promote Oracle Academy Program in Universities in Pakistan. Dr. Khaver Zia, Beaconhouse National University, and Aamirah Nyazee, Manager Corporate Citizenship Oracle SAGE-West are also seen in the picture.

Participants from Oracle, HEC and various universities at a seminar to promote Oracle Academy Program in Universities in Pakistan. 3700 students from 18 participating universities in Pakistan have already gained hands-on experience with Oracle’s industry-leading database, middleware and applications software.

Beware of Fake Job Scams

We came across another scam hitting Pakistani shores – this time with a new way.
Scammers pose as representative of MTN of South Africa (a cellular company), and calls young professionals offering them very catchy jobs with hefty salaries. They pose as if MTN is going to start telecom services in Pakistan, and company is large scale hiring the workforce.
When you confirm via email or call, and provide them with details – they ask for Pay Order of Rs. 900/- (amount may vary from person to person) as Guarantee that you will not skip the test.
This is not un-expected as evil minded people will keep exploring new ideas to trap the innocents. Government should run awareness campaigns, for good, so that everyone is aware of such scams (and upcoming scams)
There is an important thing to note that scammers offer jobs as per location and areas of expertise of young people. For instance, if you have done ACCA and you live in Lahore, then interview email will offer you Accountant’s job based in Lahore. This shows that database of any of job portal is either compromised or website itself is involved in the scam.
Message for Everyone

• Make sure that you had applied for this job – before going for any interview
• No private company asks for fee as a guarantee for test
• Report these instances to FIA (here is a method on how to file a complaint with FIA)
• Never ever send/give money to anyone – unless you have the product in your hands
• Spread this message to your friends and family

Message for Authorities:
Authority concerned should take severe actions against the Scammers; following are some of their numbers. So you got the clue – now hunt them down, right away.
92-42-36135166
03222259234
Following is sample email that you may get…!

From: “mt n” <mtntel@gmail.com>
To: <*censored*>
Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 18:42:45 +0500
Subject: Att qasim
Dear Job Applicant,

We are pleased to inform you that your CV has been short-listed in MTN TEL for the post of SENIOR ACCOUNTS EXECUTIVE based in LAHORE city. This is the preliminary step of your hiring. After your CV short listing step, you just have to appear in our entry/personality test. This is a very simple test based on questions related to your personality/ personal behavior. On passing this test, candidates are hired as a permanent employee on the day of test after final interview.
Job Specification:
·        Job timings: 9am to 5pm
·        Salary Range: RS 30,000 Plus(based on final test and interview)
·        Company conveyance will be provided for pick and drop all over the city.
·        Fringe benefits.
For details and registration, you need to call our Human Resource Department on below mentioned numbers.
Contact Details:
Human Resource Department
Direct Landline: 92-42-36135166 (You can retry incase you find the numbers busy)
Direct Cell Number: 03222259234
NOTE:  Call Timings Mon to Sat 9am to 4pm
NOTE: If you have already received any short listing email from MTN Tel then please follow that email because the repetition error can be occurred due to computerized database.
Thanks and Regards,
Human Resource Department.
MTN TEL Limited.
Website: www.mtn.com
MTN TEL COMPANY PROFILE
MTN TEL LTD is an upcoming big Telecom company in Pakistan. This company has various product lines. MTN TEL is an equal opportunity employer facilitating its employees with benefits like Insurance, Medical, Provident Fund and Home Allowance etc. MTN TEL is under the supervision of large South African Group. This brand will be competing with major Telecom brands in Pakistan with the support of its marketing and financial strengths.
For reference to their operations in Pakistan:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTN_Group
(See in MTN Coverage head)

Mobilink’s Blackberry Stock Clearance Loot Sale

Looks, Mobilink want to clear its stock – by all means. For the purpose, they are offering plenty of discounts on Blackberry handsets.

Earlier, Mobilink offered 30 % Discount on all Blackberry Storm smarphones, if bought online – and now the offer got even better.

Despite, the fact that Blackberry Storm didn’t click the market, Mobilink’s this loot sale is pretty impressive. Following are three offers you can choose from!

BlackBerry® Pearl™ Free with Blackberry Storm

The BlackBerry® Pearl™ is offered free of cost, if you buy a Blackberry Storm, till the stocks last.

BlackBerry® Pearl™ with 40 % off!

The BlackBerry® Pearl™ 8110 and Pearl 8120 both have discounts on them of 40%! This offer is only till stocks last.

BlackBerry® Storm™ with 30% off!

BlackBerry® Storm™ smartphone is available from Mobilink with 30%! This offer is only till stocks last

To avail this offer click this link and fill the form: http://www.mobilinkgsm.com/indigo/bb_offer.php

Djuice Pakka Dost goes Internationl

Pakka Djuice Pakka Dost goes Internationl

After the Local Pakka Dost, Djuice now connects with your Pakka Dost living abroad. So if you want to talk to your best friend in UK? want to SMS your shopping list to brother in USA? djuice announces the International Pakka Dost offer.

Now all djuice subscribers can avail special rates to UK, USA & Canada on one number. Djuice customers can also avail discounted SMS rates on the international FnF number

How to Subscribe:

• Dial *345#101#. Form the menu that comes up, select option # 2. You will be prompted to enter the international number. Please note the number has to be added with the code.
• Dial 555 and choose the 7th FnF slot Format for the number should be 00. For eg: 0016462611054

Tariff

• This offer is valid for all djuice price plans
• There is no subscription price for this offer (one time FnF administration charges or Rs.2 + tax apply)
• Calls to USA (Landline + Mobile), Canada (Landline + Mobile) & UK (Landline only) will be charged at 50 Paisa/30 Sec + Tax
• Calls to UK (Mobile) will be charged at 7.99/30 Sec+Tax
• SMS will be charged 50 Paisa/SMS+Tax
• The SMS & call rates will be applicable on one international FnF number only
• Offer is valid 24 hours a day.

Balance Inquiry Charges are Being Taken Back? NO Way!

Recently, there came reports in media that Competition Commission of Pakistan has issued notices to as many as 24 top officials of cellular companies on charges of cartelization and price fixing.

These notices came after an inquiry which found that all five cellular firms were involved in collaborative imposition of balance inquiry charges and other price rated concerns

As a mobile user, you must be thinking if these notices will result in withdrawal of balance inquiry charges? Unfortunately, it is largely assumed by experts that this may not happen – despite, case hearings and then CCP’s order is yet to come.

This assumption is made upon CCP’s previous orders, which are still pending execution. One of such orders were for Mobilink to not to sell locked Blackberry Handsets, as CCP termed this anti-competitive practice. We all know Mobilink is still bluntly selling locked Blackberry Handsets.

We are not saying that cellular companies don’t take CCP very seriously, however, it is evident that cellular companies follow PTA much ahead of CCP in terms regulatory affairs.

When we spoke to senior officials of cellular companies, they said that it is un-comprehendible that two authorities are trying to regulate telecom industry. Most of them were of the view that CCP ordinance need amendments, and it must ask PTA for execution of its orders.

When we spoke to a legal expert, he said that Telecom Act of Pakistan and Mobile Cellular Policy have clear definition of PTA’s control over pricing issues. At the same time, whole of Pakistan comes under the jurisdiction of CCP, he added. When there are multiple regulations from different departments that apply to same industry, concerned regulator is responsible for carrying out regulatory affairs, he concluded.

Whatever the situation is, if ever announced, results of CCP’s current notices will benefit consumers by large. But when will this happen, remains a question mark!