Mobilink: country's largest network with 8,575 sites

Mobilink has always been using cutting edge technology in providing best cellular service to the customers by capitalising on infrastructure investment, increased coverage and great customer management relationship. This was stated by Rashid Khan President and CEO Mobilink at a press conference, here on Wednesday, adding that it is the country's largest network with 8,575 sites and 6,500km fibre optic backbone.
The CEO was of the view that Mobilink is a leading cellular service provider with the trust of over 34 million customers and investment of $3.9 billion up to date, while investment in 2010 was $139 million and 2011 $244 million. He said that in 2011, the company witnessed unparallel growth with the development of a unique Intelligent Network (IN) and enhanced data connectivity with 4 million active GPRS pre-paid users monthly.
Rashid said that the network provides uninterrupted connectivity in 20,000 cities, town and villages along with international roaming in 144 countries in partnership with over 300 operators.
He said that the company was declared excellent cellular services through customers' perception survey conducted by PTA in third quarter of 2011. The IN is representatives of continuous efforts to provide best user experience to the subscribers, he said, adding that the IN enables the customers to make any change through one call to the helpline.
To a question, he said that the company is providing assistance to the government in promotion of health, education and environment. This all happened with the commitment of our customers, adding that investment in infrastructure with health coverage in rural areas.
To another question about economic viability of 3-G spectrum, he replied that it is feasible as Pakistan is all part of global economic environment and any change in the international market would ultimately have effect on the country's economy. About customers' security, he said that PTA and interior ministry have taken some steps to clean up the unwanted data and eradicate issuance of multiple SIMS in the name of one person.
About pre-paid customer's cards charges, he said that on buying the card 19.5 percent general sales tax is deducted by on the spot, while 10 percent withholding tax is charged on every call. This comes out to be nearly 30 percent, but these are not included in service charges, hence goes to national kitty.
To a question, Rashid said that the company earmarked a large chunk of budget for corporate responsibilities, adding that during 2010-flood Mobilink has established a city for IDPs and also provided them medicals services. The total contribution made by Mobilink was Rs 236 million. The investment resulted in enhancement of footprint and its voice and data network as well as the induction of modern technology, which has increased its coverage.