Ufone wins best advertising campaign of the year award
Ufone the leader in innovation and the best telecom brand in Pakistan (Source: AC Nielsen Study Top Brand report 25th April 2011) was bestowed the best advertising campaign award 2010-2011 by the Pakistan Advertising society (PAS). The PAS was formed to promote the value of advertising and to ensure that the recipients realize the importance advertising has in economic development and to spread how imperative it is for the consumer to have options to choose from. The society’s existence strives for excellence in advertising.
Over the last few years advertisers have taken a number of steps in order to stand out in the hope that consumers will choose their brands over those being offered by competition, but one brand that has stood out no matter what industry is ‘Ufone’. Ufone has given humor as a platform a whole new meaning, the unique yet highly amusing advertising with concepts never before seen have taken over the hearts of the nation. It is due to the element of excitement and humor that today Ufone’s ads are loved by all no matter where they reside around the country. Most importantly a number of these adverts are true to life hence viewers can relate to instances in their own lives. The team of actors/comedians in their advertising have each become household names which has played an important role in the likeability towards the brand itself.
Mr. Akbar Khan Chief Marketing Officer Ufone said that this is indeed a milestone for Ufone. Pakistan is a country with a growing and diverse advertising sector and we get to experience a number of challenging and unique advertising practices on a daily basis. The team at Ufone strives to be the best at what we do and this award is recognition of our hard work. Ufone always has and always will bring a smile to the people of Pakistan.
About Ufone: Ufone is an Etisalat Group Company with its presence in all the major cities of Pakistan along with a comprehensive coverage across all major towns, villages and tehsil headquarters of the country. The company employs more than 3,850 people and operates with a network of more than 375 franchises and 26 company-owned customer service centers along with a distribution network of 150,000 outlets nationwide.
Wi-tribe revamps its brand (Pakistan)
In a move to celebrate second years of operations in Pakistan, Wi-tribe has rejuvenated its brand.
The re-branding initiative established a new motto: “create your own world” changing the previous motto of “online with no line”. To celebrate the second anniversary, Wi-tribe is also offering double data volume during June.
Ufone, PTCL introduce Uth Futura phone (Pakistan)
Ufone, which operates in Pakistan, has introduced the ‘Uth Futura’ phone with Pakistan Telecommunication Company (PTCL).
The phone is a dual-mode GSM/EV-DO handset with a QWERTY keyboard that can also be used as a 3G modem for PCs and laptops and comes with mobile TV functionality.
Ufone will be offering the phone for US$81.62 which includes ten free internet hours.
Pakistan mobile international traffic reaches 3.4 bn minutes
Data from Pakistan Telecommunication Communication (PTA) have revealed that Pakistan’s mobile international traffic has hit a record with 3.4 billion minutes registered during first six months of current fiscal year, revealing 22% rise as compared to previous year.
The last two quarters of the previous financial year recorded 2.8 billion minutes. Total outgoing traffic trend as depicted by figure revealed the growing trend of making calls from Pakistan to other destinations around the world as 0.96 billion international outgoing minutes have been recorded during the first two quarters of 2010-11 as compared to 0.93 billion minutes in the last two quarters of previous year.
Correspondingly, international incoming traffic has also been growing for the last two quarters and reached 2.5 billion minutes as compared to 1.9 billion minutes during previous two quarters. With regard to SMS, all mobile companies generated approximately 100 billion SMS during Jul-Dec 2010-11 as compared to 86 billion during the preceding two quarters. This shows a 16 percent increase in the SMS traffic in two quarters. Ufone leads the SMS traffic parameters followed by Telenor and Mobilink. Warid and Zong have low SMS traffic as compared to their competitors.
New IBM Technology Helps Communications Service Providers Deliver Growth in the Face of Hyper-Competition
Today at the TMF Management World 2011 conference, IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced new software and services designed to help communications service providers (CSPs) deliver new and innovative services to subscribers.
With the world’s carriers facing high market saturation, a sharp decline in fixed wireline services and the rapid proliferation of smart devices, CSPs are turning to new technologies in analytics and cloud to make their operations more efficient and deliver improved user experience.
The IBM Service Provider Delivery Environment (SPDE) is a communications industry framework which provides the foundation for much of the software that runs the world’s communications services. The enhancements in IBM SPDE being announced today will expand capabilities in the areas of cloud-based services, business-to-business commerce, enterprise marketing management, real-time analytics, 4G-LTE network support and improve alignment with key industry standards such as TMF Frameworx.
As part of today’s announcement, analytics and campaign marketing management software gained from recent IBM acquisitions have been incorporated into SPDE. This will allow for CSPs to effectively manage marketing campaigns while simplifying and enhancing the customer experience, offering benefits such as timely offers based on prior behavior, and a deeper understanding of the customer base.
“As service providers today are focused on entering new markets and differentiating their services, they need to continue to expand while maintaining a massive network infrastructure,” said Scott Stainken, General Manager for IBM’s Global Telecommunications Industry. “Using IBM SPDE, communications providers can manage their networks more efficiently, bring new, personal solutions to subscribers based on their specific wants and needs, and use analytics to identify and fix problems before they begin.”
The IBM SPDE framework is designed to enable CSPs to easily create, deliver and manage new services. It includes best practices that identify and document proven architectural patterns, as well as design guidelines that align with industry standards and which have been gleaned from successful projects done with top CSPs all over the world.
To support the development of solutions that address key challenges faced by service providers, SPDE has added capabilities in the following key business areas: Customer Management; Sales and Marketing; Operations Support; Subscriber Services; Corporate Management; Information Technology and Network Technology.
One of the customers taking advantage of SPDE is Ufone, a Pakistan-based CSP who has been able to drive profitability in a highly competitive market by using SPDE-enabled business process solutions.
“At Ufone, we are committed to making it easier than ever for our customers to do business with us,” said Faisal Khaliq, Chief Information Officer for Ufone. “We feel it is critical to invest in the customer management, sales and marketing, and subscriber services solutions that are delivered on the IBM SPDE framework in order to provide the services our customers want and deserve.”
Another customer utilizing the benefits of SPDE is Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT). IBM has provided TSTT with consulting services, integration, application support services and software solutions. These essential technologies and services enable TSTT to manage its network, provision and configure services, and effectively reach and market to their customers.
“TSTT has adopted these solutions to improve service quality, reduce costs, and improve overall customer service,” said George Hill, Chief Technical Officer at Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited. “We feel it is critical to invest in these areas. The new capabilities of SPDE are helping TSTT provide effective marketing solutions and simplify the introduction of new solutions for overall campaign management.
Acquisitions Expand IBM SPDE
In 2010, IBM made a number of key acquisitions, including Coremetrics, Sterling Commerce, Unica and Netezza, to help clients manage the expanding volumes of data that are being generated by consumers and drive marketing decisions that create smarter merchandising and supply networks. These software technologies – along with capabilities from previous acquisitions including Cognos, ILOG, SPSS, BigFix, Guardium and Initiate, help deliver the expanded capabilities in today’s announcement.
For example, Globe Telecom – a service provider in the Philippines – is growing in a fiercely competitive market by delivering highly targeted promotions to their subscribers. By deploying analytics and campaign marketing management software found in SPDE, marketers can now configure triggers that automatically detect opportunities for targeted promotions – resulting in compelling offers that keep customers with Globe.
As part of today’s announcement, IBM is also introducing new solutions in the area of 4G/LTE service management. With enhancements to its advanced analytics and automation capabilities, service providers can now use IBM software to quickly identify and diagnose network disruptions in 4G/LTE networks, allowing providers to minimize service interruptions. Another key announcement from IBM software is the introduction of the IBM Communications Service Enablers (ICSE), which allow a CSP to leverage key standard interfaces to extend communications networks into new services and improve the way their customers work, shop, and socialize.
A Decade of Industry Leadership
Today’s announcements represent the continued expansion of IBM’s leading portfolio of industry solutions and frameworks to help companies capitalize on new customer buying patterns. Industry frameworks provide a configurable platform to speed deployment of business solutions. They extend IBM’s service oriented architecture (SOA) middleware with industry-specific features and specially designed process templates. IBM industry solutions and industry business partner solutions build on the value provided by these industry frameworks to deliver a comprehensive, customized solution for each client.
IBM released the first version of SPDE in 2001, and since that time has continually upgraded and improved the framework to meet the changing requirements of service providers. To date, more than 1000 service providers and all 20 of the world’s top telecommunications companies have selected IBM to help them manage their communications business.
Built on best practices and patterns from client engagements with CSPs around the world, IBM SPDE is the blueprint that enables Smarter Communications by helping deliver value-added services that launch smarter services, drive smarter operations and build smarter networks. IBM is leading a conversation in the marketplace about how our world is becoming smarter, and software is at the very heart of this change. IBM’s Industry Frameworks play a critical role in our ability to deliver smarter planet solutions by pulling together deep industry expertise, technology and a dynamic infrastructure from across the company to provide clients with offerings targeted to their industry-specific needs.
For more information on the IBM Frameworks or for details on how IBM is helping service providers and business partners to make smarter, faster decisions, visit: www.ibm.com/software/industry/communications
Note: All statements regarding IBM’s plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice.
IBM, the IBM logo, ibm.com, WebSphere, Rational, Tivoli, Lotus, Smarter Planet and the planet icon are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Other product and service names might be trademarks of IBM or other companies. For a current list of IBM trademarks, please see www.ibm.com/legal/copytrade.shtml
Qubee Pakistan alters postpaid plans
Qubee Pakistan, a WiMax provider, has altered its postpaid internet packages. The company is now giving 10 packages, rise from 8 in the past, starting at US$8.73 for the Discover 8 plan which includes 8 GB and offers speeds of up to 512 Kbps.
The Discover 6 plan that provides 6 GB at the same price as the new Discover 8 plan has been launched. The company has also reduced the price of the Explore 18 plan which offers 18 GB of data at a speed of up to 1024 Kbps to US$13.97 from US$17.47 earlier.
Qubee raised the price of the Discover Max unlimited data plan (512 Kbps) to US$14.56 from US$11.67 earlier, while the Explore Max (1024 Kbps) plan remains the same.
Qubee also added two new plans: Venture 18 and Venture Max. Venture 18 offers 18 GB of data at a maximum speed of 1536 Kbps for US$23.29 while the Venture Max plan provides unlimited data at the same speed for US$27.95.
Pakistan records 105.2 mn mobile subscribers
Figures from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has stated that Pakistan ended February with 105.15 million mobile subscribers, increased from 104 million in January, and total mobile teledensity stood at 63.2 versus 62.4.
Mobilink led with 32.50 million subscribers, up from 32.11 million a month earlier, followed by Telenor which had 25.39 million customers, compared with 25.06 million customers in January.
Ufone had 20.37 million subscribers, similar to a month earlier, and Warid ended the month with 17.69 million customers versus 17.59 million a month earlier. Zong grew its customer base to 9.20 million customers from 8.88 million in the previous month.
Furthermore, the number of WLL subscribers stood at 2.79 million in February, similar to a month earlier. PTCL led in WLL customers with 1.32 million, down from 1.34 million a month earlier, followed by Telecard with 716,798 subscribers, WorldCall with 456,251 customers, and Wateen with 223,318 customers.
Link Direct had 35,513 subscribers in February and NTC ended the month with 11,823 customers. WLL teledensity remained at 1.7 percent.
SingTel ended Q1 with 403 mn mobile subs (Singapore)
SingTel group has ended its first quarter with 403 million mobile customers in 25 countries which rose by 37% year-on-year.
Bharti’s total mobile customer base reached 212 million from its operations across Asia and Africa with an increase of 66 percent, while its India mobile customer base expanded 27 percent to 162 million.
Telkomsel in Indonesia added 5.4 million mobile customers in the quarter bringing the total to 99.4 million and AIS in Thailand ended the quarter with 32 million mobile customers, increased by 8 percent year-on-year.
Philippines’ Globe had 27.3 million mobile customers, an increase of 14 percent and Warid in Pakistan had a mobile customer base of 17.8 million, up 9 percent from from a year ago.
In Bangladesh, Citycell’s (PBTL) total mobile customer base declined by 6 percent to 1.8 million due to a change in the regulatory definition of active customer base.
Optus in Australia saw its customer base exceed 9 million as the operator added 103,000 new customers in the quarter. The number of 3G customers increased to 5.09 million, a 41 percent increase from a year ago.
SingTel’s operation in Singapore achieved its highest quarterly postpaid net addition in ten years as the company gained 51,000 new postpaid customers. Total net adds for the quarter stood at 78,000 bringing SingTel’s total customer base to 3.31 million.
Vodafone introduces promotion on Calling Card 25 (Qatar)
Vodafone Qatar has introduced a new promotion on its International Calling Card 25 that will offer calls to 15 popular international destinations at US$0.13 a minute.
The promotion will run until 31 May, and customers will get 51 minutes of international calling when they buy the card to call India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Thailand, Syria, Sudan, Turkey, Bahrain, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The International Calling Card 25 can be used by all Vodafone customers on their mobile phones.
Unlike other calling cards, consumers do not need to dial special numbers and enter PIN codes to use the card; with Vodafone’s International Card 25 all they need to do is load the card as they would any other scratch card.
Etisalat introduces BlackBerry Homeland promotion (UAE)
Etisalat has introduced its new ‘BlackBerry Homeland’ promotion, exclusive to Wasel and postpaid BlackBerry customers who subscribe to the Unlimited Domestic Social Package.
The offer provides 15 free international minutes every month for a period of six months from the date of subscription. These free minutes can be used to call India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Philippines. The promotion is valid until 31 July
. To avail of the BlackBerry Homeland promotion, customers can subscribe to the Unlimited Domestic Social Package by sending a SMS with the text HL49 to 1010. Customers can also visit the Etisalat business center or Etisalat outlets and subscribe to the service.
The Unlimited Domestic Social Package is designed to give customers a more personalized offer based on specific user needs and is priced at US$13.34 per month. The Unlimited Social Package allows customers to access specific social networking and messaging applications without having to worry about data usage limits. Email access and internet browsing are however excluded from the package.
