Without any exaggeration Mobilink leads the market in subscribers’ number, hitting almost 31 million subscribers and increasing till date. Utilizing this wast market, Mobilink took initiative of launching smartphones in Pakistan and this is how the era of Androids in Pakistan started – Official Android launches in Pakistan!

Be it a smartphone or a tablet, Mobilink kept entertaining Pakistani gadget lovers and tech freaks.

Unlike others who just jammed to BlackBerry, Mobilink, in no doubt, can be termed as the only carrier in Pakistan which has provided wide range of smartphones.

Starting it from Motorola Milestone, journey never ended and finally we are here to witness smartphone guru’s devices in Pakistan, yes the HTC!

Mobilink now in collaboration with HTC has recently aimed of bringing smartphone revolution in Pakistan. HTC which is termed as one of the best smartphone leaders in the market has now started its distribution in Pakistan.

Earlier HTC HD7 was launched by Mobilink and now the company takes another feather in its cap by launching first dual core processor smartphone in Pakistan – the superphone. HTC Sensation has recently been launched in Pakistan at Bloggers Moot held by Mobilink.

To apprize smartphone developers, smartphone giant’s representatives further announced that they will soon be launching a competition for android app development and chosen apps will be included in future releases of HTC smartphones in chosen regions.

Furthermore, Mobilink should be praised here that it has utilized its resources well in bringing smartphones to Pakistan at affordable rates. Discounted prices offered by Mobilink for HTC gadgets are pretty competitive.

Not restraining it to smartphones only, Mobilink has also introduced tablets as well, for instance Galaxy Tab, so on the whole Mobilink on it end is doing a great job where others surely need to follow.

In a nut shell, Mobilink in collaboration with HTC is doing something which is highly appreciated in a country like Pakistan where a lot of tech revolutions are needed. Taking it to novel heights of technology, Mobilink and HTC are doing their best to make it Simply Brilliant!

Mobilink will be presenting pop icon Ali Zafar in the live Digital Concert on the 10^th and 11^th of April, 2011. Selected few will also be getting a chance to share the stage live with Ali Zafar.

The live digital concert by Jazz Jazba is a unique chance for all the fans across Pakistan to be a part of the concert while Ali Zafar plays live, the fans can cheer live and enjoy the concert at their homes.

The broadcast of the live digital concert can be viewed by simply logging in at www.jazzjazba.com/live which will begin at 8:30 pm on April 10^th & 11^th 2011

As Jazz Jazba continues to explore avenues and opportunities to promote and identify the SUCH Talent in Pakistan’s youth, it is also serving to provide a platform for nurturing the singing and music talent in Pakistan.

Jazz Jazba is the most vibrant and spirited youth brand of Pakistan which pays a tribute to your values. Values that are as personal as they are universal. Values that will make more out of who you really are. Values that have a way of adding up to you. The time has come to be yourself, in your world. A world where everything and everybody will remind you every day that you are the best thing to ever happen to You.

The Samsung Nexus S has the latest and fastest Gingerbread software(Android 2.3) and Samsung’s superior curve design rolled into one smooth gadget. It also has a remarkable 4 –inch Super Clear LCD display, a fast 1 GHz processor, 5 MP camera and comes pre-installed with all your favorite Google apps.

To further enhance  the experience, all Mobilink indigo customers who buy the Samsung Nexus S now will enjoy 3 months of unlimited GPRS for free along with a premium leather case and car charger for their Nexus S!

Price:

• Mobilink indigo is offering Samsung Nexus S at an low price of Rs. 43,999/-

Terms and Conditions:

• Limited time offer

• This offer is valid for both indigo and JAZZ customers
• Handsets will exclusively be available through selected Mobilink Sales & Service centers only for a period of 30 days from launch
• Free GPRS offer will remain valid for all handsets sold in the first 30 days only. All purchases during this period will be eligible for 3 months free GPRS (Free GPRS offer valid only in Pakistan)
• Subscribers with BlackBerry services are not eligible for 3 months free GPRS

These young students proudly present their talents on the Such Talent platform, get applauded by their friends and in the end, the one with the best and most voted Jazba takes home the prize.
So far, Jazz Jazba has visited more than 15 institutes of Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad (NUST Islamabad) and many other cities and in each one of these colleges and universities, hundreds of Talent nominations were received by young students.

A unanimous feedback from the young participating students was that they look forward to such activities to be organized by companies. Youth of Pakistan has so much talent and so much energy yet they hardly come across such constructive avenues whereby they can channel their energies into positive activities.

If you think you have a talent and true Jazba to showcase your flair then log on to http://www.jazzjazba.com/such-talent/ today and check out the dates when Jazz Jazba is coming to your university or college and participate in the Such Talent – Whats your Jazba right away!

With Jazz Chota Bundle Offer, now you can win Gold Coins every day. Now every participating subscriber will get a chance to win gold coins along with 7 On-net minutes and 30 SMS to all networks in Rs. 5plus tax.

How to Subscribe:

• To subscribe dial *101*1*06#

Offer Charges:

• Subscription charges of Rs. 5.0+tax apply.

Offer Details:

• One gold coin (10gm) will be given to one lucky winner every day during the promotion period

• Multiple entries will be allowed with each entry being charged at Rs. 5.00+tax

• 7 On-net minutes and 30 all network SMS will be given for each entry

• Free minutes and SMS will only be valid for 1 day

• Subscription string is the same as Chota Bundle, hence everyone buying a Chota bundle will be eligible for lucky draw

Lucky Draw and Gold Coin Distribution Dates:

• Lucky Draw of Phase 1 (from March 26 to April 2, 2011) will be held on April 4, 2011
• Lucky Draw of Phase 1 (from April 3  to April 9, 2011) will be held on April 11, 2011

Terms and Conditions:

• The offer cannot be availed alongside Jazz 24 Ghanta Offer, Jazz USA/Canada/UK Offer

• Lucky draw will be held on every Monday to select last 7 day winners.

• After verification the winner will be contacted for handing over of Gold Coin.

• One user cannot be awarded more than one gold coin.

Names of 25 lucky winners have been announced under the “Jazz SMS Cricket Quiz”, whereas the other 5 customers were rewarded through the “Indigo World Cup Promotion” Competition. These lucky winners participated from various cities and towns of Pakistan, including; Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Sahiwal, Sehwan, Swabi, Okara, Nowshera, Multan, Gujranwala, Peshawar, Charsadda and Jhelum.

The winners are overjoyed at this opportunity, describing it as a life altering experience. One winner shared that this would be the first time he is traveling abroad.

Mobilink has also created several other opportunities for cricket enthusiasts to win fascinating prizes as the tournament moves into its decisive phase. During this tournament, Mobilink “Jazba” package is offering numerous valuable prizes, ranging from discounted tariffs, latest smart-Phones, memorabilia, etc.

With the inspirational “Rise of Jazba” song and video, IVR-based Live commentary, SMS score-updates, SMS Cricket Alerts and other exciting Value-Added services, Mobilink has created a passionate Cricketing experience.

Through this partnership, Mobilink In-flight GPRS/BlackBerry Roaming will now be available on Emirates Airlines on more than 268 flights including 122 international flight routes across 52 countries including popular destinations such as the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Switzerland, Turkey, Singapore, China, Thailand and Bangladesh. The service is also available on selective Emirates in-country flights between Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

The service which enables indigo customers to stay connected and surf the web, access their emails and send & receive MMS through their BlackBerry and GPRS connection at cruise altitude is also available on major international flight routes of Air France through partner network OnAir. Mobilink plans to aggressively widen the sphere of their in-flight services to other airlines in the near future, further enhancing and facilitating their indigo customer’s connectivity options.

In-flight GPRS/BlackBerry Roaming works like regular GPRS roaming service on ground. No special handset settings are required. For details on tariffs and destinations please visit http://www.mobilinkgsm.com/IR/mobile.php

How it works

To use the service, indigo customers with an International Roaming & GPRS subscription simply switch their mobile phones on in an In-flight GPRS/BlackBerry Roaming equipped aircraft.

In-flight GPRS/BlackBerry Roaming works like regular GPRS roaming service on ground. No special handset settings are required.

Flight Routes and Tariffs

The following is a complete list of destinations, aircrafts and flight routes on which In-flight GPRS/BlackBerry Roaming is currently available together with tariff details

Offer Details:

The details of the offer are as follows:

• Mobilink to Mobilink calls are free for an hour after the first two mins
• Daily Subscription Fee is Rs 2.00+Tax.
• Offer is valid for JAZZ Jazba customers only.
• Customers using other packages are required to convert to JAZZ Jazba. SMS to 2233 (Rs 2.5 +Tax)

Daily Charges:

• Offer has a daily subscription fee of Rs. 2 plus tax

Call Rates:

• On-net call charges: Rs 2.8  plus tax/hour
  
• FnF call charges : Rs 1.8 plus tax/hour

Detailed Tariff:

• For first two minutes, On-net calls will be charged at Rs 0.7+Tax per 30 seconds and FnF Calls at Rs 0.45+Tax per 30 seconds.
• With this offer customer can call 3 On-net FnF number at the lowest hourly call rate of Rs 1.80+Tax/Hr (11 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
• Off-net calls will be charged as per regular Jazz Jazba tariff
• Package daily fee of Rs 1+Tax will be applicable in addition to the daily subscription fee

How to Subscribe:

For JAZZ Jazba Subscribers

• SMS sub to 2233 and dial *105*1# and press send for availing the Such GupShup Offer.

For Non-JAZZ Jazba Subscribers

• Convert to JAZZ Jazba by dialing 123
• Press 3 for package settings
• Press 0 for package selection
• Press 2 to select Jazba

Upon successful conversion

• SMS sub to 2233
• Then dial *105*1# on mobile screen and press send

How to Unsubscribe:

• Dial *105*4# on mobile screen and press send.
• Send unsub to 2233

Note:

• This offer cannot be subscribed while using current JazbaFnF offer. Only one offer can be availed at a time

Offer Details:

Now ISB & RWP subscribers will be able to enjoy

• Free On-net calls from 11:00 p.m. to 9 a.m.
• 50% off on all On-net calls from 9 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• 1,000 SMS (to any network) with 1 day validity

Charges:

• Subscription fees of PKR 9.99 + tax/day

How to Subscribe:

This offer is only available for Jazz BUDGET Customers, so if you are not on Jazz Budget Package, you need to convert your plan to it first. To convert your plan:

• Call 123 for package migration and change package to Jazz Budget
• Dial *108# for subscription

For customers already present on Jazz Budget package:

• Dial *108# for subscriptio

How to Unsubscribe:

• To unsubscribe dial *108*4#

For generic Free minutes/SMS inquiry dial *110#

Terms and Conditions:

• Offer will only be available on JAZZ Budget package. Customers, who are not present on Jazz Budget Package, will have to migrate to Jazz Budget package to avail this offer.
• Offer for voice calls will be available for calls originated from ISB & RWP only and for Mobilink numbers only.
• Alternate Tariff and Free SMS will be given to the customer immediately after subscription.
• The feature will be on periodic subscription/automatic re-subscription. Customer can unsubscribe the offer by either dialing un-subscription USSD code or automatically due to low balance.
• Govt. taxes will apply

Commenting on the decision which will create the world’s sixth largest mobile telecommunications carrier by subscribers, with pro forma net operating revenues of US$21.3 billion and proforma EBITDA of US$9.4 billion for the year ended 31 December, 2009, Rashid Khan, President and CEO, Mobilink shared: “The decision which is in favor of the merger is slated to change the global telecommunication scenario. As a key subsidiary of Orascom Telecom Holding, Mobilink welcomes this win and looks forward to becoming a part of one of the biggest telecom players in the world.”

The individual operations held by Orascom Telecom which include Mobilink, are expected to further solidify their position by securing the advantages of greater scale and scope allowing them to continue to compete and maintain their market leadership in an industry moving rapidly towards consolidation, while capitalising on a more robust free cash flow structure to support in-market investment and expansion.

The full text of the Press Statement issued by WIND TELECOM on the decision is as follows:

WIND TELECOM S.p.A. (“WIND TELECOM”) welcomes the positive vote expressed by the majority of VimpelCom Ltd. (“VimpelCom”) shareholders in today’s Special General Meeting (“VimpelCom SGM”) in favour of the issuance of VimpelCom common shares and convertible preferred shares and the increase of VimpelCom’s authorized share capital needed to complete the combination of VimpelCom and WIND TELECOM (the “Transaction”). Following this favourable outcome, the management teams of VimpelCom and WIND TELECOM will proceed in satisfying the conditions precedent for the completion of the Transaction, which is expected to take place in the first half of 2011.

The VimpelCom common and convertible preferred shares that will be issued to WIND TELECOM’s shareholders at the closing of the Transaction as per today’s VimpelCom SGM decision will together represent approximately a 20.0% economic interest and a 30.6% voting interest in the enlarged VimpelCom group, which will temporarily counterbalance WIND TELECOM’s lack of representation in VimpelCom’s board. The voting rights associated with the convertible preferred shares are expected to expire in five years, unless the WIND TELECOM shareholders elect to convert their preferred shares into common shares at the then prevailing full market VimpelCom share price.

WIND TELECOM’s management confirms its strong belief in the merits of this combination which will create the world’s sixth largest mobile telecommunications carrier by subscribers with pro forma net operating revenues of US$21.3 billion and pro forma EBITDA of US$9.4 billion for the year ended 31 December, 2009, and in the synergies and value to be created through it as reiterated in VimpelCom’s statement of today.

The stronger cash flow of the combined group will allow the enlarged VimpelCom to strengthen its balance sheet over time, leading to growing shareholder value, while the net debt-to-EBITDA ratio is expected to decline below 2.0x within two years, placing the company in a stronger position that other global telecom industry players.

The individual operations held by Orascom Telecom are expected to further solidify their position by securing the advantages of greater scale and scope allowing them to continue to compete and maintain their market leadership in an industry moving rapidly towards consolidation, while capitalising on a more robust free cash flow structure to support in-market investment and expansion. Furthermore, the extension of the international footprint of the enlarged VimpelCom will provide Wind Telecomunicazioni with more development opportunities through an increased investment potential thereby placing the leading alternative fully integrated Italian operator in a perfect position to capitalize on its successes over the last 5 years and to leverage on the boom of data services in Italy, one of the most profitable telecoms markets in Europe.

WIND TELECOM is progressing in the work required to de-merge certain assets of OTH (“Orascom Telecom Spin-off”) and Wind Telecomunicazioni (“Wind Italy Spin-off”) in line with the strategic rationale mentioned in previous press releases. The WIND TELECOM interests in these assets, which principally comprise Orascom Telecom’s investments in Egypt and North Korea and Wind Telecomunicazioni investment in WIS, the international voice, data and IP services and Libero, a leading Italian portal, will be transferred to the current shareholders of WIND TELECOM. Both the Orascom Telecom Spin-off and the Wind Italy Spin-off are subject to a number of conditions precedent, including, in the case of the Orascom Telecom Spin-off, regulatory approval and approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting of Orascom Telecom shareholders. The final envisaged structure aims to sustain future growth and value creation for shareholders.

Naguib Sawiris, Executive Chairman of WIND TELECOM, said: “Following the industry trend of consolidation, we believe there will be only space for larger global operators in the market that will be able to benefit from economies of scale and scope. We look forward to continuing to play a significant role in the global telecom industry as part of one of the biggest telco players in the world.”

 

How to Participate:

• All you have to do is send any text to 5656 and participate in the 5656 quiz service lucky draw by sending the correct entry.

The contest has begun from March 14, 2011 and will be ending on March 31, 2011. Therefore, hurry up people and join the race today to win exciting prizes by taking part in the super awesome 5656 Quiz contest ever.

The lucky draw will take place in the 1^stweek of April, 2011.

Remember, the more correct entries you send, the more chances of winning you have so without further ado, let the Quiz begin!

Charges:

Each SMS sent to 5656 is charged at Rs. 5+tax per

“I just can’t believe that I’ve been announced the winner and will now be handed over that cute girly Motorola flip-out cell phone. This is not only why I am really happy. It is also because after taking part in this blogging contest, I’ve been given appreciation from all around and being novice this is more than anything to me. I never knew I would be praised to this extent. Thanks to all who appreciated my blog writing. This will ensure my long-lasting blog-writing-attitude. This would not have been possible , had Mobilink not come forward and get the label of being pioneer in organizing event in order to encourage females turn into bloggers. All praise goes to Mobilink and those who participated in this contest. I really hope Mobilink will continue to increase the frequency of such events in future also.”

The blogging contest open to female bloggers only ran from Feb 25th to March 5th with the results announced today on International Women’s Day. Just recently, Mobilink organized the first ever ladies blogger meet-up in Lahore with the aim to promote and encourage young women to become constructively active in digital media especially the blogging arena. More than 40 females upcoming and regular bloggers attended the meet-up and found the session extremely informative and helpful in starting their own blogs as well as dealing with different issues faced by females on social media.

This blogging contest was the extension of Mobilink’s aim to encourage and promote young women to actively take part in digital media and express their views and opinions on different issues in the blogging circle as well as to celebrate International Women’s day in a more fruitful way.

Subscribers from various cities reported that SMS service is working but still they are unable to call from their number but can receive call.

Following is the press release regarding mobilink network outage and its recovery.

Mobilink, the country’s market leader in cellular services, has confirmed partial restoration of all services including voice connectivity, SMS and data in the north region that were affected due to an incident yesterday. Complete restoration is expected within a few hours.

“Partial connectivity was restored in the early hours of the morning and our technical teams continue to work around the clock to ensure that all equipment is fully restored at the earliest,” said Omar Manzur, Director Public Relations, Mobilink.

A fire incident was reported at one of the company’s technical hubs in Islamabad on the evening of Sunday March 6 causing suspension of Mobilink services in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and some pockets outside the twin cities. No loss of human life or telecom equipment was reported.

Update:

Mobilink’s network has now been restored and is functional. We confirmed it from various places and the response was a Yes! So welcome back Mobilink.

Mobilink, the country’s market leader in cellular services has confirmed complete restoration of all services including voice, SMS and data connectivity that were affected due to a fire incident yesterday.

“All services have been restored and our customers should not be experiencing any difficulty in getting through to their loved ones. We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused to our valued customers,” said Omar Manzur, Director Public Relations, Mobilink.

A fire incident was reported at one of the company’s technical hubs in Islamabad on the evening of Sunday March 6 causing suspension of Mobilink services in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and some pockets outside the twin cities. No loss of human life or telecom equipment was reported.

Any customers continuing to experience difficulty may call our helpline 111 from their mobile or 111-300-300 from a landline.

 

Update at the official page of Mobilink says:

Dear Customers,
We have encountered an unexpected situation in the past few hours. Our team is trying to recover as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience caused, primarily in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Reports are that the main centre of Mobilink MSC5 which is located in Islamabad at I-10/3 caught fire today resulting in problem in the infrastructure.

Result of this fire was network outage in north part of the country only but later on the issue prolonged because of the disconnections to Mobilink NOC.

The comments at the recent status update at Mobilink’s Facebook page clearly show that the service is now down all over the Pakistan.

http://www.facebook.com/SimplyMobilinkOfficial/posts/10150098857670882

It merits mentioning here that LinkDot Net which is broadband service owned by Mobilink is also down in various parts of the country.

Moblink recently launched Utility Bills Payment Service allowed it’s customers to pay their bills at any Mobilink franchise, service centers and specific outlets. But LESCO claims to have no contract with Mobilink in bill collection and is of the view that it has not authorized Mobilink to collect bill.

Today published in Dawn News:

The Lesco has informed the consumers that Mobilink, a cellular phone company, has not been authorised to collect electricity bills.Lesco’s additional manager Javaid Ahmed said on Monday the company had nothing to do with media advertisements by Mobilink for collection of power bills.

“The Lesco has authorised none of the Mobilink service centres, franchise or retailers to collect power bills,” he added.

ProPakistani after contacting Moblink, reported:

On other hands, Mobilink is of the view that they have contracted NADRA for the payment of bills and they have got nothing to do with LESCO, directly, for the said concern.

Company said that they are using NADRA’s bill collection service to serve those who come to Mobilink’s franchisees, service centers and other company outlets.

We have heard that LESCO is planning to give a public notice in three papers tomorrow to let the people know that LESCO isn’t in agreement with Mobilink for the bill payments.

Moreover, it mertis mentioning here that LESCO had issues with Telenor EasyPaisa bill service, claiming not to receive payments from EasyPaisa but the issue was later on resolved by Telenor through, kind of, bribing the LESCO staff by giving them Telenor Persona numbers.