In a bid to enhance smartphone accessibility for a diverse range of users, the interim government has unveiled the ‘Contract-based Smartphones Policy,’ slated to commence on January 15 next year.
This groundbreaking initiative aims to empower individuals to acquire the latest smartphone models through convenient installment plans, catering to both tech enthusiasts and those on a budget.
Dr. Umar Saif, the Federal Caretaker Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, spearheaded the unveiling of this transformative policy after extensive consultations with key telecom stakeholders.
The scheme is set to roll out in the coming month, representing a significant stride towards financial inclusivity and technological empowerment. The scheme is set to roll out in the coming month, representing a significant stride towards financial inclusivity and technological empowerment.
Dr. Saif highlighted the dual purpose of the policy: encouraging responsible financial behavior and ensuring widespread smartphone accessibility. To mitigate potential risks, measures have been devised to protect investors from defaults, including the blocking of mobile phones and, in severe cases, national identity cards of defaulters.
The telecom landscape is poised for a paradigm shift as the policy enables companies to directly offer smartphones to customers through flexible installment plans. This move holds particular significance for economically disadvantaged sections of society, creating opportunities for increased mobile broadband usage.
Addressing queries from the media, Dr. Saif announced another visionary step – the introduction of ‘Standardized Quality Measurement Tests’ scheduled to take place from January 7 to 10, 2024, across universities nationwide.
This initiative underscores the commitment to ensuring the quality of smartphones offered under the new policy, fostering a culture of excellence and reliability in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
