Custom duty to be doubled on Telecom Equipments
Government has raised custom duty on import of Telecom Equipments from 5% to 10%. Last year Telecom Industry paid Rs.670 million as custom duty for import of Telecom Equipments. If Telecom Industry imports similar quantity of equipments, with increased ratio, it will have to pay Rs. 968 million this time. This will highly affect 3G rollout in country. Government claimed that, it will take steps to expand connectivity; but it seems that increased tax will not allow Telecom Industry to reach targets set to expand network coverage.
ATM/ Debit Card facility instigated by Waseela Bank
To meet the escalating demand of customer base, Waseela Bank has launched ATM and Debit Card facility. Waseela Bank is one of few Microfinance Banks in Pakistan which facilitate its customers with such services. 7600 ATMs are being setup in country. Rashid Khan, Chairman WMBL and President & CEO Mobilink said that Waseela Bank will bring out plans in the future which will be expedient for its customers.
A step in Banking Industry towards development
Easy paisa is providing Interbank Funds Transfer facility to its customers. Telenor Pakistan is the first Branchless Banking Service providers in Pakistan. This service will allow customers to transfer fund from Easy Paisa Mobile Account to their Bank Account, via 1 link switch. Customers can go to nearest Easy Paisa shop and deposit funds to their bank accounts. It just requires your CNIC and account number and you will have access to your bank account at nights and even on weekends. There are 40000 Easy Paisa shops in 750 cities, which are facilitating its 6 million unique customers. Nadeem Hussain, President and CEO of Tameer Micro Finance Bank said that this is a great revolution in Banking Industry.
