Archive for June 3rd, 2008

Free Local Calls From PTCL (11pm-6am)

Published by Babar Bhatti on June 3, 2008 under Consumer Rights, PTCL

PTCL has announced a new promotion: Local calls are free between 11pm and 6am. Is PTCL feeling guilty about all the rate hikes? I don’t think this will be enough for consumers but hey, something is better than nothing. Beware that this offer is not applicable for calls from PTCL landline to VPtcl. The press release writers working for PTCL want us to know that:

In response to customer feedback, PTCL will be increasing the value the Company provides to its valued customers by giving them a seven-hour period everyday when all local calls within the PTCL Network would be free.

PTCL is determined to enhance its relationship with its customers by transferring the benefits of technology and system improvements to them. The free calls every evening from 11 pm to 6 am are a part of the continuous endeavours to provide an ever-increasing value to the consumers.  

Mobile Repair Shops In Developing Countries: A Social Business Opportunity?

Published by Babar Bhatti on June 3, 2008 under Telecommunications

LIRNE Asia has this interesting article about guides for mobile phone repairs in local languages. Obviously the question came to my mind that this could be a very good social business opportunity for developing countries. Larger Urban centers usually have decent mobile service shops and technicians but the real need is probably in smaller cities and far-flung villages. Due to limited resources there is not enough training and materials. In these situations even a simple illustrated guide in local language can make a big difference. I am quite certain that this is already a group of young folks who are doing mobile phone repairs without any formal training - why not make it a bit easier?

Internet has loads of technical information about repairing, but in English. That is why guides like the above, published by Wijeya Newspapers, Sri Lanka and priced at Rs. 75 (US cents 70) are useful. Written in the local language with ample colour illustrations it provides step by step guidelines to repair mobile phones. We hope the technicians at ground level get the best use of it.

The concept is working in China as well. See this blog post.