State of Telecom Industry in Pakistan

Obnoxious calls/missed calls or SMSs are sometimes very disturbing. In this post I will do a round-up of the Block Services being offered by our telecom operators.

Telenor Call Blocker

Telenor Call Blocker is a subscription based service that stops any number from calling you (both landline and mobile). Once you block a caller, any call from that caller will be blocked and a prompt is played to that caller every time s/he attempts to call you. You have an option to change the default prompt to a busy tone (number busy) or a ringing tone (call not picked up). This feature of changing the tone is available on the internet or IVR.

To block callers, you need to SMS ‘sub’ to 420 to get registered. Check out the details here.

The service blocks incoming calls only (not SMS) and is available to all postpaid and prepaid subscribers on monthly subscription charges of Rs.20 + tax. In addition,one time charges to send SMS to block number are Rs.2+tax. IVR is charged Rs.2 + tax per minute.

Ufone Call Block

Ufone Call Block is also a subscription based service but with different subscriptions for postpaid and prepaid subscribers.

For postpaid subscribers:

Postpay subscribers can also avail the facility of blocking all unwanted calls (both landline and mobile) and SMS via Call Block Service Application. To subscribe to this service, simply SMS ‘SUB’ to 420 and you will receive a link to download the application.

Once the application is downloaded on your handset, you can start blocking all unwanted calls and SMS as and when required. You may check if your handset is compatible with Call Block Service by clicking here. (when I tried the link is not working, probably some issue due to website upgrade).

Monthly subscription charges are Rs. 9.99  tax and SMS Charges to 420 are Rs.0.50 + tax.

For prepaid subscribers:

Prepaid subscriber can avail the service by calling the IVR at 420 and follow the instructions to block.
Dial 420 from your Ufone.
Press 1 to view the list of blocked callers.
Press 2 to add number to your blocked list
Press 3 to delete number from your blocked list
Press 4 to deactivate the service

This service lets you block any number from any network or landline, but a maximum of 20 at a time.

Monthly Subscription are Rs. 9.99 + tax.

Zong Number Blocking Service

Zong number blocking service can be availed by both postpaid and prepaid customers by calling the IVR 9211. The subscriber can block both calls(both landline and mobile) and SMS but a maximum of 50 numbers.

Furthermore, an application is also launched on Zong’s facebook page through which the subscribers will be able block / unblock numbers and edit their block list. Either the subscriber can log into face book directly or go to our website to access their block list.

Facebook Application
http://apps.facebook.com/zongerz/

Website Application
http://zong.econceptions.mobi/zongerz/

Service charges for calling to 9211 are as per Package Plan and monthly subscription chargers are Rs. 15.00 + tax.

Mobilink

Mobilink, although is the market leader but still lacks in providing protection against obnoxious calls.

Warid

Warid also fails to provide customer relief against unwanted calls.