Preparation of biometric verification system for issuance of SIM is going to price Rs. 2.8 billion to telecom companies and they are likely to compensate this heavy price by raising the price of SIM.
After a pressure from Govt and higher judiciary on the issue of SIMs without proper registration and their greatest use in enemy and criminal activities made telecom companies and their regulator,Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to look for remedy. Fingerprint confirmation program was categorized out as what you want for the problem but now with the completing first two stages of execution of this program, telecom companies are saying that for next stage where this program has to be applied on about 70,000 to 75,000 retail store stores, is going to cost Rs. 2.8 billion.
Even Nadra has brought up its prices for the verification from earlier amount of Rs 13 to Rs. 28 for each SIM. Telecom companies has already proven issue for the cost of this program and requested Govt to offer them with comfort otherwise they will have no other option but to increase the cost of SIMs which is gradually going to impact the customer.
With 3G technological innovation around the area and already high level of taxes levied on mobile users, increase in the SIM costs can only harm the 2nd largest tax paying sector of the country. It’s time for govt to begin assisting the industry rather than juicing it out for its last cent as the whole used is moved to cellular support customers only.
Recent Comments