Why don’t we have phone plans in Pakistan?

All over the world there are telco providers and phone companies that band together to expand their markets. What is stopping them in Pakistan?

Envision this: you’re yearning for a sleek new phone, but unlike the rest of the world, you can’t just snag it on a monthly plan. No, you and I are forced to confront the grim reality of coughing up the full price upfront, or settling for a dinosaur. It’s hard to shake off the nagging feeling that something’s amiss. Why are we being denied the same privileges as others?

The bitter truth is that our industry is caught in a paradoxical situation that echoes the notorious Prisoner’s Dilemma in game theory. This ageless enigma illustrates how rational choices can lead to catastrophic outcomes. It involves two prisoners, isolated and unable to communicate. They’re faced with a choice — cooperate or betray. Cooperation reaps the greatest reward, but betrayal is often chosen. Here’s the twist — acting in their own self-interests doesn’t produce the best outcome.

It’s the ultimate example of how communication, rather than isolation, can lead to mutual benefits. This dilemma has confounded economists and philosophers for years. It’s arduous to find a direct manifestation of this, but Profit might have just found one. And it may just explain why we can’t get a phone on a contract like our friends overseas.

 

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The content in this publication is expensive to produce. But unlike other journalistic outfits, business publications have to cover the very organizations that directly give them advertisements. Hence, this large source of revenue, which is the lifeblood of other media houses, is severely compromised on account of Profit’s no-compromise policy when it comes to our reporting. No wonder, Profit has lost multiple ad deals, worth tens of millions of rupees, due to stories that held big businesses to account.

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Daniyal Ahmad
Daniyal Ahmad
The author is a member of the staff, and covers the automobile, energy and advertising insdusties as a sector analyst. He can be reached at [email protected]

6 COMMENTS

  1. What sort of besharam picture is this…. when talking about mobile phone plans!

    Some people are still backward enough to think

    Westernisation = Removing women’s clothes! = Progress

  2. Phone plans are available in Pakistan through various telecommunication companies and service providers. These plans typically offer different packages and options to cater to the diverse needs of consumers. If you are experiencing difficulties finding phone plans in Pakistan, there could be several possible reasons:

    Limited Access: Depending on your location or the specific area you are in, there may be limited coverage or access to certain phone plans. Telecommunication infrastructure and network coverage can vary across different regions in Pakistan.

    Lack of Information: It’s possible that you may not have adequate information about the available phone plans in Pakistan. It’s recommended to reach out to local service providers or visit their official websites to explore the different options and packages they offer.

    Market Competition: The availability and pricing of phone plans can be influenced by market competition and the presence of different service providers. It’s worth researching and comparing the offerings of different companies to find a plan that suits your needs and budget.

    Specific Requirements: It’s important to consider your specific requirements when looking for a phone plan. Factors such as data usage, call minutes, SMS allowances, and international calling options can vary among different plans. Ensure that you are seeking a plan that aligns with your specific needs.

    Changing Offers: The telecommunication industry is dynamic, and service providers frequently update their plans and offers to meet customer demands and market trends. It’s advisable to regularly check for new promotions, discounts, or updated plans that may be available.

    If you are still having difficulty finding suitable phone plans in Pakistan, it may be helpful to visit local service provider outlets, contact their customer support, or consult with individuals who have experience with different plans. They can provide you with more specific and up-to-date information about the available options in your area.

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