Mobile Phone Installment Plan Awaiting Approval From Two Ministries

The Ministry of Information Technology (IT) is set to release the mobile phone installment plan once it receives approval from the Ministry of Law and Ministry of Finance. The smartphone installment plan, initially scheduled for announcement on January 15, has experienced significant delays, but the government remains steadfast in its commitment to see it through.

Following extensive deliberations with stakeholders during a working group session focused on mobile financing, the ministry is now poised to submit the plan for further scrutiny and approval by the federal government. According to reports, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications plans to issue a directive signaling the initiation of a mobile phone installment scheme following the federal government’s approval.

This latest initiative builds upon prior efforts, as the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications initially introduced the Mobile Phone Financing Policy to the Federal Government in December of the preceding year. However, the policy was referred back to the ministry in January for additional review by the Ministry of Law.

The proposed mobile phone installment scheme aims to democratize access to technology, particularly for individuals facing financial constraints, by offering interest-free installment options. Additionally, the policy outlines measures to address defaulters, including protocols for blocking the mobile devices of individuals who fail to meet their installment obligations.

Implementing this policy will necessitate significant involvement from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), marking a departure from the conventional reliance solely on mobile companies for enforcement. The PTA’s Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) will play a pivotal role in executing the blocking procedures.