Pakistan's fastest growing telecommunications carrier Ufone today announced the signing of a strategic agreement with e-pay Asia Limited and e-pay Pakistan committing the two industry leaders to promote and increase usage of electronic top up 'e-top-up' by the country's rapidly growing base of 30 million prepaid mobile subscribers.
Pakistan has a population of about 170 million people with 96 percent of all mobile users in the country on prepaid accounts and cash is the main form of payment to buy top up airtime.
According to Frost and Sullivan, Pakistan's total number of prepaid mobile users will surpass 53 million by 2008 generating about $3 billion in mobile top up revenues.
Babar Khan, President and CEO Ufone said, " Ufone is pleased to launch Pakistan's largest electronic recharge service with e-pay. Ufone customers can now enjoy the convenience and security of using cash to buy recharge airtime at virtually anywhere and anytime. The e-top-up system by e-pay is already supported by 39 mobile operators in 12 countries world-wide".
Ufone's Vice President Commercial MR Mubashir Naqvi stated that this is yet another milestone achieved and alliance of two giants is always a win-win prospect. This deal will not only provide ease of convenience to the customer but will also create more employment opportunities in the country.
"In addition to point of sale terminals, e-pay plans to launch other forms of e-top-up," said Tariq Fuad , Chairman e-pay Pakistan. "They include recharge via ATM machines, cash registers, mobile phones, kiosks and the internet. We look forward to delivering further cost savings and value addition to our customer and partners," he added.
Managing Director e-pay Asia, Simon Loh said, "e-top-up will enhance Ufone's offering, improve supply chain efficiency and deliver immediate benefits to millions of consumers. With the addition of SMS and internet top up, we could witness a significant shift in user preference towards electronic top up in Pakistan much faster than anticipated," he added.-PR