Google Websites Get Disrupted in Pakistan: ProPakistani

Google Websites Get Disrupted in Pakistan
Ufone Pacts with UBL to Offer Mobile Financial Services
Recharge Your PTCL EVO Account From Landline
MNP Users Cross 10 Million Mark
Netsol Signs Contract with an Indian Firm
Ufone Uth MMS Offer: Rs. 1 per MMS
An Introduction to 3G Mobile Broadband Technology
Freelance Culture in Pakistan

Google Websites Get Disrupted in Pakistan

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 04:43 AM PDT

Google Websites Get Disrupted in Pakistan is a post from: ProPakistani

Google Websites, including Gmail, Bloggers, Google Search and others, were inaccessible today in Pakistan for customers on various ISPs, for the second time in less than a week's time.

These websites remained inaccessible for at least 45 minutes before the access was restored around 1:30 PM. Experts say that this disruption may occur again, anytime in future.

Google Services Google Websites Get Disrupted in Pakistan

Experts are opining that such major downtime for a single host (Google in case) is primarily caused due to hardware failure or a software glitch at international gateway level.

In a facebook update, Badar Khushnood, country consultant for Google has mentioned that Google websites are seemingly down only for those users who are directly or indirectly getting their services from PTCL.

badar Google Websites Get Disrupted in Pakistan

Earlier, Google websites were down on April 19th, 2011 in Pakistan.

PTCL Services Google Websites Get Disrupted in Pakistan

We are yet to get any update from PTCL to have their version on this.

Ufone Pacts with UBL to Offer Mobile Financial Services

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 03:50 AM PDT

Ufone Pacts with UBL to Offer Mobile Financial Services is a post from: ProPakistani

UBL and Ufone have announced a partnership to bring easy access to financial services to their common customers through Ufone's Upayments Service.

UPayments is a USSD based secure session service that is customer friendly and has no handset limitation whatsoever.

This joint venture will allow common customers of both UBL and Ufone to add credit to their Ufone prepaid service and pay their Ufone postpay bills directly from their handsets.

With this strategic partnership customers get the freedom to pay bills of 15 Utility Companies offered by UBL irrespective of their location and time. They no longer have to worry about running to different outlets to pay their bills.

Most importantly Ufone customers can avail these services while roaming anywhere in the world thanks to Ufone's vast International Roaming network and the presence of UBL in 11 different countries apart from over 1100 branches in Pakistan. All one needs is a UBL bank account to enjoy this trouble free service.

Mr. Abdul Aziz CEO Ufone said that this strategic partnership is a milestone in our journey to extend the reach of UPayments to all banked customers which will serve as a trusted platform for the whole banking industry. This is the start to many other features and services which will eventually allow Ufone's valued customers to use their handsets for all financial transactions. At Ufone we believe in developing partnerships and invite all banks to join hands to better facilitate and serve our common customers under our trusted USSD platform of UPayments.

Mr. Atif R. Bokhari, President of UBL speaking on the occasion said, "UBL has the distinction of pioneering mobile wallet offering in Pakistan. We continue to take pride in being leaders in offering innovative banking solutions to the customers. This partnership with Ufone is intended to offer yet another electronic channel to our customers to interact with their bank account in an easy, user friendly and secure environment. We believe this partnership will allow us to develop other services for our common set of customers to cater to the changing demographics of users

Recharge Your PTCL EVO Account From Landline

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 03:30 AM PDT

Recharge Your PTCL EVO Account From Landline is a post from: ProPakistani

EVO Recharge Your PTCL EVO Account From Landline EVO customers have always faced issued for paying their bills or recharging their accounts. They had to visit PTCL One Stop Shops, which are usually not very customer friendly.

Today, PTCL announced this service called "EVO Landline Recharge Service", though which customers can recharge their EVO accounts from their landline numbers. Simply have your PTCL landline registered for the service and enjoy instant prepaid top-ups; whenever you want, from your landline.

How does the service work?

Using your PTCL Landline to recharge your EVO prepaid is Quick & simple.

Just get yourself registered with PTLC system by walking in at any PTCL One Stop Shop along with your landline bill copy & your CNIC.
Fill up a quick registration form and PTCL staff will have you registered.
Once you are registered, a unique PIN code shall be sent to your cell phone via SMS.
Use your PIN to recharge your EVO account by dialing 1015 from your registered landline number.

How to Recharge Your EVO Account Through Landline:

For recharging your account all you need to do is to follow the listed steps below:

Step 1: Once you have received your PIN, Dial 1015 from your registered landline number.
Step2: Enter your unique PIN and press 1 to recharge your account.
Step3: Enter your desired EVO prepaid MDN mentioned at the back of your device followed by your required recharge amount and your account shall be recharged within minutes.

Note: Minimum recharge amount is Rs 100 & maximum recharge amount cannot exceed Rs 2000 in a month.

Terms & conditions

The registration should be done through formal request by customer supported by SOF dully signed.
Please ensure to bring along a paid bill copy of your landline and your CNIC copy for registration.
The last paid bill of customer presented should be fully paid
The recharge amount should be between Rupees 100 and 2000.
The top up amount should not exceed the assigned credit limit of Rs. 2000 within one month.

MNP Users Cross 10 Million Mark

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 03:04 AM PDT

MNP Users Cross 10 Million Mark is a post from: ProPakistani

Cellular subscribers who have availed Mobile Number Portability or MNP service to switch their network has crosses 10 million mark, reported Daily Times.

The number of subscribers migrated from one cellular network from other had been reported to reach 3.44 million in March 2010, which showed almost 200 percent growth in one year to reach a total of 10.642 million subscribers till March 2011.

7.2 million subscribers out of 10.64 million in total, availed MNP service in last one year, showing a substantial growth thanks to lucrative offers by cellular companies for MNP customers.

7.2 million MNP subscribers in one year translates into 0.6 million subscribers availing the service every month, on average.

The porting activity among subscribers is getting popularity among the customers particularly in the ongoing year thanks to hundreds of free minutes, bundle SMS and friends and family packages offered by mobile phone operators.

Pakistan is the first and successful country of South Asia, which has implemented the MNP service. Over a period of three years since its inception in March 2007, it witnessed consistent growth in service utility by the mobile phone users.

Following graph shows the the growth of MNP users in Pakistan over last three years.

Via Daily Times

Netsol Signs Contract with an Indian Firm

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 03:00 AM PDT

Netsol Signs Contract with an Indian Firm is a post from: ProPakistani

We have got this news that Netsol was able to sell its product "Netsol Financial Suite" to a global auto leasing company operating in India.

Citing NetSol Senior Executive Vice President Sajjad Kirmani, Pakistan Today reported Netsol has deployed a team to setup the solution and provide trainings to local Indian staff.

According to Sajjad, India is a giant of the IT industry and Pakistan is far behind in this capacity, yet entering such a big market is welcoming for the IT industry.

NetSol is a Pakistani IT firm competing world over and earning foreign exchange for the country's economy.

Ufone Uth MMS Offer: Rs. 1 per MMS

Posted: 25 Apr 2011 12:24 AM PDT

Ufone Uth MMS Offer: Rs. 1 per MMS is a post from: ProPakistani

Ufone Uth introduces ‘MMS ki aalaa Offer’ for Uth customers, allowing them to send MMS in Rs. 1 + tax.

MMS receiving is free while sending comes out to be Rs. 1.20.

This promotion is available for Uth Non-Stop customers only. So all those customers who are previously on simple Uth package, should convert their package to Uth Non-Stop.

Charges:

MMS costs Rs. 1 + tax per 64 KB

Service is pre-activated on Uth connections, all you have to do is to setup the MMS settings on your handset.

And as per Ufone CSR, package has no charges while only conversion charges apply. Conversion to Uth Non-Stop package is in the following two ways:

For those who come directly to Uth Non-Stop package from Ufone, will be charged as Rs. 15 + tax.
For those who are already on Uth package and are converting to Uth Non-Stop, will be charged as Rs. 30 + tax.

Terms and Conditions:

The maximum size of MMS is 300K
MMS will be charged for every 64K
MMS mobile settings must be configured on your handset in order to use MMS
Daily charges of Rs.1 plus tax will apply.

An Introduction to 3G Mobile Broadband Technology

Posted: 24 Apr 2011 10:01 PM PDT

An Introduction to 3G Mobile Broadband Technology is a post from: ProPakistani

This is a guest post by Spencer Hogg

3g laptop 300x199 An Introduction to 3G Mobile Broadband Technology Mobile broadband is a type of internet that utilizes a 3G mobile signal. This means that users can access the internet on laptops or smartphones anywhere in the network.

3G mobile broadband brings information to people faster and more conveniently as they do not have to be near their desktop with dial up service. The internet, and all the benefits it provides, can literally be a click away at a moment’s notice.

In order to access the internet using 3G mobile broadband, some laptop users will need a single small device called a dongle or a USB modem stick. Many newer models already come equipped with the device built in. After the dongle has been inserted into the USB port, it picks up the mobile data signals, also known as 3G.

These signals are sent out by the mobile phone networks and work to instantly connect the laptop to the network. Those using a smartphone will have mobile broadband incorporated into their cell phone provider’s contract. The technology of the phone is built in so no extra devices are necessary.

For 3G mobile broadband users with multiple computers in the home, a router can be purchased. A mobile broadband router can connect several devices to the mobile network with a single connection. For example, if the home has a desktop and two laptops, only one router would be needed, and everyone would be able to access the internet at the same time. Those who wish to utilize this system will need to speak with their provider to obtain the router and incorporate it into their package.

There are many advantages of using 3G mobile broadband for internet connection. Its most notable benefit is its flexibility. Unlike traditional broadband access services such as cable internet or DSL, it can be taken outside the home and even while in motion. As long as the location lies within the area of coverage, 3G broadband can be used to find directions while on the road, get work done on the train, or simply pass the time wherever you are.

Another popular advantage to using 3G mobile broadband is that it is the most simple to set up. When signing up for ADSL or cable broadband, it may take a week or more for the equipment to be installed and activated. A dongle can be delivered in a matter of days and takes less than ten minutes to install on the laptop. Also, if an ADSL or cable broadband subscriber moves, they must begin the entire process over at their new home. With 3G mobile broadband, they can simply carry their dongle along with no hassle or interruption of service.

Some people wonder why they would need 3G mobile broadband when so many locations already offer wi-fi connections. While wi-fi may be convenient at times, it does not offer the dependability of a 3G connection. Hotspots such as restaurants, cafes, airports, and hotels often offer free wi-fi, but these hotspots are often being used by so many people that the speed is slow. This makes it nearly impossible to download documents, movies, or music, and it makes it far more frustrating to make serious progress on important projects. Since wi-fi can only be used in pre-designated areas and it may not always be free, it does not offer the pure flexibility of 3G mobile broadband.

The technology of 3G mobile broadband is growing rapidly as more people are realizing just how great the benefits truly are. Students can use a dongle to study on the bus coming home from school. Commuters can use the 3G network on the train ride to either finish up some work or just relax after a long day. Anyone with email or on a social networking site can keep their family and friends at their fingertips no matter where they are. In this age of great technology, 3G mobile broadband is paving the way.

Freelance Culture in Pakistan

Posted: 24 Apr 2011 10:00 PM PDT

Freelance Culture in Pakistan is a post from: ProPakistani

Freelancing, a term commonly defined as an individual who sells his services for an organization or a client but has no permanent affiliation with any of the two rather he/she is hired on project to project basis.

Today, world has become a global village and you can earn money while working from home as a free lancer if you have a PC and and internet connection – while working with any free lance website or organization. All you require is skill, which can content writing, data mining, web development, programming language and above all, you are self-motivating.

Regarding Freelance culture in Pakistan today, there is a clear dissent between those who call freelance culture on the rise and those who believe freelance culture is witnessing a decline.

Firstly those who believe that freelance culture is on the rise in Pakistan believe that since there is a financial crunch in the Western world their big companies are outsourcing the services to cheaper countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

While those who believe freelance culture is on the decline say that financial crunch has resulted in less clients and thus low rates for economic crisis bitten.

These days free lancing is not the opposite of unemployed seeking job rather it has become a career choice for individuals who are good at handling themselves and are disciplined in their work routine.

Following are the necessary points for a starting free lancer who has pre-requisites for being freelancer i.e. knowledge about the subject, self-discipline and self-management well:

Present yourself well
Research about your client
Knowledge of terms and conditions of client
Proper Contract Documentation
Commitment to work

Present Yourself / Portfolio:

It is highly effective to maintain a strong portfolio of you that reflects your aptitude and your best works in the field you have working experience and going to work as a free lancer now. It doesn’t need to have your all works included but only the best works of you.

May be your clients are in far off country who might not have a chance to meet you or talk to you, so in this case your only reflection will be your work which they can examine. Your portfolio must convey your enthusiasm to you potential client.

The best type of portfolio can be your own Website that has your works and links to your contact and any other details.

Research about your client:

While initial contact with a prospective client may be through a website or through a phone call, it is very necessary to research properly about the client online or through other means.

While bigger freelance websites usually pay their clients on a proper routine basis there may be some other rules for not so big or wealthy clients. To avoid later complications it is better to do a good research before finalizing your contract.

Knowledge of terms and conditions of client

It is necessary to care fully read the terms and conditions of client to keep a smooth working under standing with your client. Some times it may get uneasy at the finalization of your project when you haven't read the terms and conditions carefully and your client take a toll of you.

Proper contract Documentation:

Once you have done proper research about your client it is necessary to done proper documentation about your project and about your client. While some may prefer only word of mouth as trust worthy others may prefer a signature signed document with the client.

Documentation regarding project per hour rate and your work hours should be mentioned carefully to avoid any hick-ups. Rates, however low on working per hour are preferred for a free lancer as compared to rates based on your work.

Commitment to work:

Having reflected your best works you still need to show a strong commitment which can be through your own strong quote or anything that can reflect your enthusiasm and oozing confidence about your field of specialty. Moreover, it is better for a freelancer to work in a specific niche and try to polish his skills in that specific niche instead of doing every thing at the same time. Freelancer should be a master of his niche.

It is also necessary not to commit more work projects which you can't complete within your deadline. Your clients have nothing to do with your other activities and any excuses for not finding time for your particular work would be useless and will only affect your credibility as a freelancer.

Here are some of the big Freelance websites where potential freelancers can find work :