Computerz and Mobilez

We told you earlier about wi-tribe Bazaar, a first of its kind software buy-sell portal for local 

market, where local developers can submit their web/mobile applications and games to grab revenues through sale of apps.

Taking its commitment further towards local software development, wi-tribe has gone a step ahead with the announcement of Pakistan Developers’ Challenge 2012 (PDC 2012); bringing together the greatest young minds of Pakistan onto one, single pioneering platform.

Sure this is a an effort to be appreciated as wi-tribe has offered a platform where Pakistani developers can sell and monetize their software, bringing together the local communities, with local content, on a simple and easy-to-use platform.

Bringing together academia and global technology industry giants – HEC, Microsoft, Intel, P@SHA and Dell – the PDC 2012 invites students, graduates, aspiring developers, professionals and virtually anyone in the development community to be part of the contest.

wi-tribe Bazaar supports both Windows Desktop and various Mobile app platforms, in recognition of the opportunity that a local market of 22 million internet users has to offer.

Talking about PDC2012, Mustafa Peracha, CEO, wi-tribe Pakistan said, “wi-tribe Bazaar is our effort to support and encourage the local IT industry and software developers in particular. For us, Bazaar is a forum for and by Pakistani software developers. At wi-tribe, we are only acting as a catalyst by providing the platform. Feeling strongly about the potential this platform offers towards the growth of the local IT industry, we expect great things to come out of the Pakistan Developers’ Challenge 2012. PDC 2012 seeks to offer a rewarding opportunity to Pakistan’s flourishing developers’ community, ushering in a new era of commercial viability for Pakistan’s technology industry.”

wi-tribe Bazaar is powered by scratch cards, allowing software purchase through wi-tribe scratch cards, available at over 700 locations throughout its cities of operations. Software applications can be priced to match multiple denominations of wi-tribe scratch cards, at the developers’ discretion. wi-tribe Bazaar also offers hundreds of free applications, supporting developers in building and reaching a larger, previously untapped market. wi-tribe Bazaar is not exclusive to wi-tribe customers. Instead, it is open to developers nationwide, be it students, graduates, young professionals or businesses.

Participating contestants are challenged to win from 17 award categories, while also gaining from numerous other career boosting opportunities

Average connection speed for internet in Pakistan for both broadband and narrowband connections stood at 741 kbps in fourth quarter 2011, slightly down from 763 kbps in third quarter 2011.

According to stats revealed by Akamai in its ‘state of the internet’ report for fourth quarter 2011, 1.2 million unique IPs from Pakistan averaged 741 kbps data rates during the quarter. On another front average peak connection speed was recorded at 5,286 kbps for all the broadband users in Pakistan.

Average Connection Speed in Pakistan

Akamai said that stats are derived from the data gathered from all around the globe through Akamai Intelligent Platform.

Akamai report suggested that broadband adaption rate (for connections above 2 Mbps) in Pakistan was 0.8 percent, lowest since third quarter 2010. At the same time, narrowband adaption rate is on a consistent decline showing that dial-up customer base is shifting towards broadband internet.

Broadband (over 2 Mbps) Adaption Rate

Narrowband (dialup with less than 256 kbps) Adaption Rate

PTCL has played its long kept GB card for its EVO services. To give the WiMAX service providers a tough time, PTCL EVO now comes at decreased rates with monthly limit of 5 and 10 GB (in addition to a package that offers unlimited downloads with 3.1 mbps and 256 kbps speeds).

These packages are especially suitable for those who want to retain EVO services for mobility while they are on the go but will use DSL/Fiber/Other broadband services while at home or office.

This way they can get a handy and inexpensive internet solution while on the go or even as a backup broadband service when their primary internet connection gets lousy.

Check below new EVO Packages:

*Fair Usage Policy is applicable at 1GB/day for Daypass.

EVO 3.1Mbps Postpay

EVO 256Kbps Packages

Note:

How to Avail New Packages:

Existing subscribers can opt-in for new packages either through a call or an email; for package change and subscriptions please

While PTCL was busy celebrating its 1st million broadband customers, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has directed the company to revert back its Pakistan Package to the terms and conditions that existed prior to 1st April 2011 with an advance notice of at least seven days to all relevant subscribers as required under the Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations, 2009.

In an enforcement order sent to PTCL, the authority said that due to the powers it bears (delegated by Telecom Act) to regulate the competition in the market, PTCL was reminded time and again (through various letters dated 6th December, 2007, 18th Jan, 2011 and 1st Feb 2011) to seek prior approval from authority before launching/announcing any promotion or traffic package and submit complete detail of such packages at least ten days in advance.

However, despite Authority’s direction PTCL introduced and implemented tariff package forPakistan Package on 17th  March, 2011 without authority’s approval.

Letter said that PTCL was sent a show cause notice for launching Pakistan Package without notifying authority. PTCL was given a chance to reply the Show Cause Notice and then it was heard in meeting too, but PTA was contented to call the introduction of Pakistan Package by PTCL not according to procedures as mentioned in the law.

It is interesting to mention here that PTCL has revised Pakistan Package several times since March 2011 – the above case in point. The latest revision happened on May 3rd, 2012.

PTA probably needs to resolve issues lot faster than they do it now.