The interim government has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, scheduled to commence on January 12, 2024, offering an installment plan for iPhones to the public.
Umar Saif, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology, revealed the specifics of this collaboration with telecom stakeholders, an announcement he initially made in October 2023.
He stressed the necessity for such a program, recognizing that while a significant portion of the Pakistani population uses mobile phones, the high cost of premium devices remains beyond the financial means of many.
Dr. Saif underlined the objective of this new initiative, which aims to enable individuals to access the latest smartphone models through convenient and affordable installment plans.
An interesting facet of this offering is the inclusion of iPhones among the devices covered by the installment plan. To ensure adherence to the installment payments, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will enforce the Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking Systems (DIRBS), potentially blocking handsets in cases of defaulting on installments.
Dr. Umar Saif emphasized that this policy is designed to promote responsible financial behavior while facilitating the continual expansion of smartphone accessibility across diverse income brackets.
Telecom companies are primed to play a pivotal role, providing smartphones directly to consumers through structured installment plans, thereby extending the advantages of mobile broadband, particularly to lower-income segments of society.
