Telecom operators have been undertaking several initiatives amid COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate subscribers across Pakistan, and to provide them with awareness about coronavirus and uninterrupted services.
On the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)'s directions, SMS on precautionary measures against COVID-19 in national and regional languages are being sent to all mobile subscribers on a regular basis.
Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs) have replaced standard ring back tone (heard by caller when a call is being made) with messages about COVID-19 preventive measures.
New packages/offers (by giving additional data and on-net voice minutes) at low prices have been launched by all the CMOs to facilitate people to stay and work from home (details are available at operators and the PTA's websites).
Other initiatives include abolishment of balance validity period by Jazz and extension in balance validity period by Zong, free Whatsapp and balance share promotions by Telenor.
Zong has made COVID-related web pages of the WHO and the NDMA as zero rated i.e. free access to these websites.
Jazz has also created a dedicated webpage/portal (https://jazz.com.pk/darna-nahin-bachna-hai) wherein awareness about coronavirus is being disseminated to the general public.
Furthermore, all CMOs are offering free calls to emergency numbers (1166).
Jazz has launched "Assistance for Free" service, wherein free calls can be made to selected government offices/doctors/laboratories.
Zong is also offering free calls to 4343, which offers access to local government hospitals and doctors.
Ufone has made Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) helpline 1030 free of cost for its subscribers across Pakistan.
The CMOs and PTCL are also doing CSR activities by providing relief packages containing rations, medicines and protective gears to virus-hit families in different regions of Sindh.
The PTCL is offering free-of-cost internet to double play voice and TV customers till 30th April 2020, and has also extended deadline in billing dates for wireline customers.
Kamal Ahmed, chief corporate affairs officer, Telenor Pakistan said that the country was going through challenging times and their foremost objective remains provision of uninterrupted services to the people of Pakistan, so they stay connected with their loved ones and can ensure their business continuity.
"We have deployed an optimal number of field staff however we are facing some difficulties in accessing sites in some pockets due to the lockdown. We are constantly monitoring our network activity to efficiently and effectively deal with any extraordinary surges or activity. So far, we have been successfully able to carry out our operations as planned," he added.
He further said that there had been an impact on the physical retail outlets due to precautionary measures by the staff and lockdown by the authorities, however there were multiple digital channels, where their products and solutions were available, and they were encouraging the users to stay home and make use of online retail channels.
"We are working very closely with the relevant authorities and appreciate the support they are extending," Kamal added.