The government’s latest policy permits individuals to purchase mobile phones through installment plans.
The government’s latest policy permits individuals to purchase mobile phones through installment plans.
The caretaker government has announced the launch of the ‘Contract-based Smartphones Policy’ scheme starting from January 15 next year. This initiative will enable individuals to purchase smartphones in installments, with plans to expand the scheme to benefit other users in the future. The policy aims to facilitate people, including those traveling abroad, in acquiring the latest smartphone models through convenient installment plans. Federal Caretaker Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif, revealed the new policy, emphasizing its approval after extensive discussions with telecom company stakeholders.
The ‘Contract-based Smartphones Policy’ aims to encourage responsible financial behavior and ensure the continued expansion of smartphone accessibility. To protect investors from defaults, measures such as blocking mobile phones and potentially national identity cards of defaulters are being considered. Telecom companies will have the opportunity to offer smartphones directly to customers through installment plans, particularly benefiting low-income segments. The Information Ministry, led by Dr. Umar Saif, is also introducing ‘Standardised Quality Measurement Tests’ in collaboration with various entities to enhance IT education in universities and create job opportunities for fresh graduates.
Dr. Umar Saif highlighted plans to offer job opportunities to 20,000 to 25,000 students through the Industry Placement Programme after passing standardized quality measurement tests. Funds will be allocated to support industry-specific courses in universities, focusing on preparing students for current industry trends. The goal is to increase trained manpower in the industrial sector and align educational institutions with industry requirements. The minister emphasized the importance of rapidly initiating new quality courses in entrepreneurship and exports to foster growth in the IT sector and bring about a productivity revolution in the economy.
