ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: In light of the present Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) have been undertaking many initiatives to facilitate their subscribers across Pakistan and to provide them with awareness about Coronavirus & uninterrupted services.
In this context, on Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) directions, SMS on precautionary measures against COVID-19 in national & regional languages are being sent to mobile subscribers on a regular basis.
The CMOs have replaced standard ring back tone (heard by caller when a call is being made) with messages about the COVID-19 preventive measures.
New packages/offers (by giving additional data and on-net voice minutes) at low prices have been launched by all CMOs to facilitate people to stay and work from home (details are available at operators’ & PTA’s websites).
Other initiatives include the abolishment of balance validity period by Jazz and extension in balance validity period by Zong, free Whatsapp and balance share promotions by Telenor.
Zong has made the COVID-19 related webpages of WHO & NDMA as zero-rated i.e. free access to such websites. Jazz has also created a dedicated webpage/portal (https://jazz.com.pk/darna-nahin-bachna-hai) wherein awareness about Coronavirus is being disseminated to the general public.
Furthermore, all CMOs are offering free calls to emergency numbers (1166). Jazz has launched the “Assistance for Free” service wherein free calls can be made to selected government offices/doctors/laboratories. Zong is also offering free calls to 4343 which offers access to government hospitals & doctors.
Ufone has made Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) helpline 1030 free of cost for its subscribers across Pakistan.
The CMOs and PTCL are also doing CSR activities by providing relief packages containing rations, medicines & protective gears to virus hit families in Sindh.
The PTCL is offering free of cost internet to double play voice and TV customers till April 30, 2020 and has also extended deadline in billing dates for wirelines customers.
