PayPal Partners With MoneyGram So You Can Buy (Almost) Anywhere, Even Without A Credit Card

As mobile payments players race to innovate credit cards, PayPal spots an opportunity in the 1 of every 12 American households without bank accounts.

PayPal has partnered with global money transfer company MoneyGram to allow its 117 million users to deposit and withdraw funds to and from their PayPal digital wallets from any one of Moneygram's 284,000 physical locations.

The pilot run, which a PayPal blog post says will launch in early 2013, helps the payments giant pare down the number of steps it takes for a customer to go from "cash to commerce," which should ultimately translate into more purchases, whether online or offline.

The partnership also gives the 10 million American households without bank accounts access to e-commerce without requiring traditional banking information, such as a credit card number. A consumer who wants to shop online but doesn't own a credit card or bank account probably uses a pre-paid card. Through this partnership, they'll be able to load cash directly into a PayPal account to use anywhere it's accepted.

It's worth noting that Moneygram also has a money transfer partnership with Walmart, where customers can make in-store transfers without needing a bank account or credit card. Walmart is also testing Bluebird, a new pre-paid card in partnership with American Express that targets a similar, lower-income demographic.

PayPal's MoneyGram partnership fits in nicely with its big play to become the payments solution of choice not just on the web, but anywhere you can shop. In August, it extended the number of brick-and-mortar retailers who accept PayPal to include all those who accept Discover, also to be in effect beginning in 2013.

[Image: Flickr user epSos.de]

Posted by Unknown 07:31 0 comments

Zong Shifts its Marketing Strategy to Contradict its Own Vision

Back in May 2008, just after the launch, the first thing that Zong made an impression with was with a talky ad. In fact the very first dialogue of Zong’s launch TVC was:

Yaar aik baat tu batayain…

Yeh naach naach kay hi mobile connections bechna kyun zarori hay?

If you can’t recall, let’s have a look at Zong’s first TVC, which earned huge reputation (despite the fact that it was a ripped off version of a European TVC).

And you will have to agree with me that Zong did well without all those dancing TVCs and jingles that other operators were so vigorously following in those days. Unlike Telenor and Mobilink, Zong capitalized on talky ads to clearly and effectively convey the message.

Zong’s MNP TVCs are super example of the talky TVCs that not only brought them million of MNP subscriptions but such TVCs actually helped the general user in understanding MNP in real. Their talky ads were soon replicated by other sectors including banks and FMCGs.

Zong remained to the point, well focused and look at their performance in yester years, they outshined every other operator in terms of new sales, MNP acquisitions and what not. Zong in fact surpassed Warid to become number four operator in Pakistan in February 2012.

Now, after achieving 17 million customers, Zong this week aired a TVC which contradicts their own vision and mission statement. I can tell you that Zong didn’t look well by deviating from their own saying. What you think?

Before you share your thoughts, let’s have a look at their Dancing TVC:

Posted by Anonymous 00:13

Telenor Increases Talkshawk Tariffs, Changes LBC Offering in Selected Cities

Telenor has increased call charges for two of its talkshawk packages, namely Talkshawk 30 and Talkshawk 24 hours. Keep reading to know complete details:

Talkshawk 30

A note published on Telenor website says that Talkshawk 30 package holders will be able to make calls at 80 Paisa/30 Sec for off net and on net calls, which was earlier 63 paisas/30 seconds.

Note further says that FnF numbers will be charged at 50 Paisa/30 for TS 30 package holders.

Talkshwawk 24 Hours:

Similarly the rates for Talkshawk 24 hours were also increased to Rs. 1.6 /60 Sec for off net and on net calls. FnF numbers on Talkshawk 24 hours are now charged at Rs 1 /60 Sec. All calls will now be charged at 60sec pulse, unless specified differently.

Location Based Charging:

Telenor has also announced that Location Based Offer ( *345*232#) available in the below given cities is changed. Friend and Family numbers are now charged at Rs. 2.5/Hour + Tax for cities mentioned below:

• Bahawalpur
• Dera Ghazi Khan
• Muzaffargarh
• Multan
• Rahim Yar Khan
• Vehari
• Bahawalnagar
• Khanewal
• Ranjanpur

Posted by Unknown 03:33

Ufone T20 Offer: Free Minutes with Every Boundary

      Ufone is again offering free minutes for the cricket loving Nation. The offer comes filled with tons of minutes along with tons of runs, to be enjoyed during the T20 World Cup to be hosted in Sri Lanka.
All a customer needs to do is Dial *2020# and select their team prior to commencement of any T20 World Cup match, as players of their selected team send the ball over the rope or takes an outstanding wicket the customer will win a number of minutes which can be consumed to celebrate their teams achievements.
Offer Details and How to Subscribe:

• *2020# and select your team before commencement of T20 World Cup match
• 4 minutes will be rewarded on every boundary
• 6 minutes on every Six (the ball goes over the rope)
• 10 minutes on each wicket taken by your selected team
• Free Minutes will be given on the day of the match. These minutes will be valid till 3pm next day

Charges:

• Charges of selecting the team each time are Rs.20 (inclusive of tax)
• Selected Team will be valid for one ongoing match

The selection of the team will be valid for that particular day/match for which the team is selected and customers will have to try their luck in next match afresh.
The 2012 World Twenty20 will be the fourth edition of the Twenty20 tournament. South Africa organized the first event in 2007 where India emerged victorious in a closely fought final while Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka in the 2009 tournament in England to become World T20 Champions. England was crowned champions of the third T20 World Cup as it beat arch rivals Australia in Caribbean Islands.
Terms & Conditions:

• This offer is valid for all Prepaid customers
• This offer is only valid for T20 World Cup of 2012
• Ufone reserves the right to stop accepting the entries any time during the day
• Minutes will be given on the day of the match. These minutes will be valid till 3pm next day
• Selected Team will be valid for the ongoing match
• Minutes will be useful for Ufone to Ufone calls only
• In case of match cancellation, 50 minutes will still be given to the customers on the day of the cancelled match
• 19.5% FED on usage and 10% withholding tax at recharge or bill applies
• Terms and condition apply

Posted by Unknown 10:04

Pakistan SIM Information System

Pakistan SIM Information System:

PTA)( – Online SIM Information System (State of Telecom Industry in Pakistan)

(PTA) Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has developed a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) information system to address associated risks on security and to ensure subscription regulations in cellular sector.

The objective of the project is to provide a consumer-based facility to mobile subscriber's in Pakistan by which they would be able to find out the total number of SIM(s) registered against their respective CNIC number with each mobile operator.

You will get a response with number of connections issued against this CNIC for 6 companies (Mobilink, Warid, Zong, Telenor, SCO and Ufone).Service wont tell you cell number's,instead it will actually tell you amount of number's.

Computerized National ID card number (CNIC):

Note: Write your national ID card number without using ( - ).
(e.g. 6110160645683)

Posted by Unknown 08:17

UBL Omni Introduces ATM Cards for Mobile Accounts

Cash withdrawals, till now, for mobile accounts were possible through retailers only. UBL Omni has taken the mobile banking services to next level by introducing “No Name ATM cards” for its Omni Account holders.

These No Name ATM cards are currently available for Level Zero accounts. UBL has said that the idea of launching this card is to bring maximum facility for Omni Account Holders.

With No Name ATM Visa Debit cards, Omni account holders will be able to withdraw cash from ATMs, pay bills at ATMs, transfer funds, Payments to Merchants through ATM Machine, 1-Link, POS Machines.

In other words, customers can now enjoy the luxury of regular bank account with their mobile Omni accounts.

Internet shopping is currently not available with Omni ATM cards.

With introduction of ATM cards for Omni account holders, UBL is aiming to minimize the operational cost involved in manual transactions.

How to Get Omni ATM Cards?

We are told that the process for getting this card is very simple. All you need to do is to go to a Omni Shop, and ask for No Name ATM Card. Retailor will instantly give out a card to you after filling a registration form.

Customers will have to call Omni Helpline (111-825-777) to get the PIN and card activated, just like we do with other debit/credit cards.

Following particulars are required at the time of opening of the account:

• Original CNIC
• Yearly Service Charges: Rs. 150/-
• Mobile Phone/Number

For more details call helpline or visit your nearest Omni Shop.

Posted by Unknown 11:47

Mobilink Jazz is offering bonus on daily basis

Mobilink Jazz is offering its customers a bonus on daily basis, i.e. bonus free minutes and free SMS every day for consuming Rs. 10 plus tax (Rs. 12.19) for making calls or for sending SMS.

So if you have consumed Rs. 10 plus tax then dial *275# to get free 100 on-net minutes and 100 Free SMS for next 24 hours.

Mobilink will charge 0.60 paisa every time you dial *275#.

All Jazz customers including Jazz One, Jazz Budget, Jazz Jazba can participate in this offer except for Jazz Easy subscribers.

Mobilink on its website says:

This new offer from Mobilink Jazz holds true to our belief of introducing the latest and most innovative offers for our customers and keeping them connected to Pakistan’s most popular game. Because when it comes to cricket, ‘Ye khel apna hai’, just like MobilinkJazz ‘Apna Hai’.

Posted by Unknown 11:45

Definition of Vshare , and the benefits that would we have

Zurker is the only social network owned by its members. Not only do you own your content on Zurker, you own part of the actual social network itself! Members get vShares (a stake of ownership, or equity) in Zurker for referring their friends (without which a social network doesn't function anyway).

As more and more people use Zurker and the project grows, your stake in Zurker becomes more valuable.

Giving equity to members may sound like a radical idea, but it's only fair. Members should stand to benefit from what they bring to life - a social network is nothing without its members.

As already mentioned above that we can get vShares (stock ownership, or equities) in Zurker for referring friends), so we can get money from this Zurker Social Networking.

Are You interested? But, What is vShares?

vShares are a stake in Zurker. Specifically, vShares are units of equity in the Zurker Project allocated to members during alpha and beta testing. While vShares are a form of ownership, vShares shouldn't be confused with shares or stock, as Zurker isn't a public company yet. vShares can be thought of as agreements between the owners of a startup about the size of their stake in the enterprise to be incorporated. Such agreements are common amongst founding investors whenever a business is launched; however, with hundreds of thousands of investors owning vShares in Zurker, the number of owners is larger than usual.

How are vShares disbursed?

vShares are allocated to members in exchange for inviting their friends to Zurker. vShares may also be purchased for cash.

What use are vShares?

One vShare is equivalent to ownership of 1/1,000,000 of Zurker. When 1,000,000 vShares have been allocated, Zurker will be restructured as a public corporation and vShares will become real shares. (Incorporating a company with 1,000,000 stakeholders is a complex and challenging undertaking logistically and financially, requiring a dedicated team and considerable financial experience, expertise, and resources, which is why we are not doing it now.)

In other words, vShares entitle the owner to own equity in Zurker, and shares in the future Zurker corporation.

Why does Zurker give out vShares?

In conventional startups, small groups of investors own the entire company. The first investor provides the seed capital, which is usually used for initial development. Seed capital is typically less than $20,000. Once a product is ready, 'angel' investors enable expansion with investments of about $250,000 or more. If the startup performs as expected, VC's (venture capitalists) come in with millions in funding.

Since the development and growth are funded by small groups of just a few people, fortunes can be made. In the case of Facebook, for example, one of the early investors, Peter Thiel, now owns a stake worth about $1.5 billion. It's no wonder that many of the world's fortunes and super yachts are owned by Venture Capital investors such as Tom Perkins.

vShares enable Zurker to grow without relying on a small group of outside investors. Some vShares are purchased with cash, financing servers and other expenses. Other vShares are disbursed in exchange for new accounts and referrals (successful invitations of friends to Zurker). The cost of user acquisition is often estimated to be about $7.50; to this day Facebook continues to advertise for new users, spending probably $15 ~ $20 per new account.

Compared to advertising, vShares are a low-cost alternative for driving the growth of the user base and traffic.

What is the value of a vShare?

Currently, vShares are priced at $1.00. Zurker will be incorporated as a company when 1,000,000 vShares have been allocated. At that juncture, the value of a vShare should be about ten times as much, as successful startups with more than 500,000 users can easily gain a valuation of $5+ million.

If Zurker were to continue to grow and attain a valuation of $50 billion like Facebook, each vShare would be worth $50,000. Of course, it's unwise to assume that Zurker will attain the same level of valuation as the current market leader.

Bebo was sold to AOL for a more down-to-earth $800 million. At that level of valuation, each vShare would be worth $800. MySpace was sold to News Corporation for $580 million - about $580 per vShare.

The above estimates are based on capital gains. If Zurker were never to sell out - and a user base of owner-investors would probably oppose selling out to a large corporation - the value of vShares would be determined by the earnings of the company and the dividends paid quarterly. If Zurker earns a net profit of $100 million, then each vShare would entitle the owner to a pretax income of $100. If you own 10 vShares now, that would translate to an income of $1,000 per quarter.

Are there additional benefits to vShares?

The issuance of vShares ensures that every member can also be an investor and a co-owner. With a member base comprised of people with the best interests of the project in mind, Zurker will benefit from the collective creativity of many thousands of minds.

Members who are also owners will help the operations team develop the best social networking product, bar none. Facebook and Google+ may have highly talented engineers, but no elite engineering team can beat the innovative power of 500,000 passionate members who each have a stake in the success of the project as a whole. Recent history has taught us one thing - democracy always triumphs.

Do not hesitate! Please, Register now!

belum terlambat, karena sekarang Zurker masih dalam versi beta setelah mereka keluar dari faseAlpha. So, do not hesitate to register at ZURKER. I would invite you to become shareholders in Zurker. Visit my Invitation Page

Posted by Unknown 03:51

Ufone: 500 SMS, 500 MMS, 5 MB Internet for Rs. 5

Ufone has bundled SMS, MMS and Mobile Internet services in one pack to offer its customers at a daily charge of Rs. 5 (including taxes).

Ufone customers can now send as many as 500 text messages, 500 Multimedia messages and use 5 MB of mobile internet at a daily charge of Rs. 5 including taxes.

Customers will have to re-subscribe the service after 24 hours, i.e. it is not auto subscription offer.

All Ufone prepaid customers can avail the offer.

How to Subscribe:

All U need to do is dial 100 or send ‘SUB’ as an SMS to 5505 or dial *5505# and start enjoying the power of 5 on Ufone.

Terms & Conditions:

• Paanch ka Punch Bucket will be available to all prepaid customers
• Bucket will be offered on a Limited Time Basis only
• Customer will be able to subscribe to Bucket by sending SMS sub on 5505 or dialing *5505#
• Customer will be able to check free remaining SMS/MMS/GPRS by dialing *706#
• Paanch ka Punch does not include Premium/International SMS or MMS
• SMS Notifications will be received in case customer consumes allowed SMS, MMS or GPRS within 24 Hours from activation
• 1 MMS will be charged as 300KB while GPRS Chunk Size will be 50 KB
• Bucket will not be on auto subscription
• SMS, MMS will be onnet & offnet
• All 3 Bonus Accounts (SMS, MMS, GPRS) will expire 24 Hours from activation
• Charges are inclusive of Tax

Posted by Anonymous 13:18 0 comments

Ufone Launches Real Madrid Portal

Ufone has come up with a portal for Real Madrid lovers, which will offer its customers to download Real Madrid Images, Animations, Real Madrid UTunes, Ringtones and Videos. Portal will also offer latest news and live alerts for the club.

It maybe recalled that Zong is already in an exclusive deal with Manchester United as their official telecom carrier in Pakistan.

Ufone has taken the short track to offer content for Real Madrid football club by SMS based subscriptions or through WAP portal. Keep reading to know further.

Real Madrid SMS Breaking News and Live News Alerts Subscription Package:

Subscribers of this package will get latest news updates and press releases from Real Madrid FC through SMS. Breaking news for the football club will also be sent to subscribers. More SMS alerts will be sent during live matches.

Real Madrid Images Subscription Package

Subscribers of this package will get latest images of players from Real Madrid FC through WAP Push. Two to five images per week will be pushed to subscribers. GPRS will be required to download the content.

Real Madrid Video Subscription Package

Subscribers of this package will get latest videos of players from Real Madrid FC through WAP Push. Two to five videos per week will be pushed to subscribers. GPRS will be required to download the content.

Real Madrid Mobile Content through WAP Portal:

Ufone subscribers can access the link below or visit the Real Madrid WAP content portal through Ufone WAP homepage banner to browse and download mobile content

REAL MADRID WAP Portal Link:http://wap.ufone.com/ufone/rm/

How to Subscribe to SMS Based Subscription:

Users can SMS Menu to 5340 to get the subscription menu on SMS and reply with the required number from 1 to 5 to subscribe to the package of their choice:

Ufone Real Madrid Alerts:

To subscribe please reply with one of the following:

• 1 for Breaking News & Live Alerts @ Rs.10+tax/Month
• 2 for Wallpapers @ Rs.20+tax/Month
• 3 for Videos @ Rs.20+tax/Month
• 4 for Bundle of SMS + Wallpapers + Videos @ Rs.50+tax/Month
• 5 for Bundle of Wallpapers + Videos @ Rs.35+tax/Month

How to subscribe to Real Madrid Subscription Packages through WAP?

User can visit the following link from their web browser:

http://wap.ufone.com/ufone/rm/smssub.jsp (or click banner on top of Real Madrid Content WAP page)

Users can select package, submit their number and will reply to the confirmation SMS to subscribe to the package

How to unsubscribe to Real Madrid Subscription Packages through WAP?

Users can SMS UNSUB to 5340 (FOC) to unsubscribe from Real Madrid Subscription Packages

How to download Real Madrid Mobile Content through SMS and WAP?

Users can sms Content to 5340 to get the WAP link on SMS

Users can use their phone browser to visit: http://wap.ufone.com/ufone/rm/ (or click banner on top of Ufone WAP Portal http://wap.ufone.com) to browse, submit their number and download Real Madrid Wallpapers, Animations, Ringtones and Videos. A confirmation SMS will be sent to user. GPRS access and compatible handsets are required to download content.

Charges:

• Each SMS to 5340 is free of charge
• Standard GPRS charges will apply for downloading content and browsing the WAP portal

Rules:

• Real Madrid FC Mobile content and subscriptions are available for both prepaid and postpaid subscribers
• Users can subscribe to multiple subscription packages at one time
• Subscriber require compatible handsets to download mobile content

Posted by Unknown 01:44 0 comments

Telenor Pakistan’s Revenues Grow by 23 % in Q1 2012

Telenor Pakistan showed strong first quarter for 2012 with a growth of 23 percent in total revenues (in local currency) when compared to same duration last year.

Financial results announced by Telenor group today said that increased subscription base, higher ARPU – mainly derived through higher on-net calls – made Telenor Pakistan to generate Rs. 21.73 billion up from Rs. 18.769 billion during same duration an year ago.

Financial services contributed to 3 percentage points of the overall growth.

The EBITDA margin increased by 8 percentage points mainly due to strong revenue growth, as well as a 3 percentage points improvement in gross margins from a larger proportion of on-net traffic and higher financial services revenues. EBITDA in local currency increased by 52%.

Commenting on Telenor Pakistan’s performance, Jon Fredrik Baksaas, President and CEO of Telenor Group said:

“I am delighted to see that Telenor Pakistan delivered an outstanding quarter on all financial parameters, clearly demonstrating this organization’s strive for continuous improvement,”

ARPU in local currency increased by 4%, resulting from increased usage levels following several on-net offerings, including “Poora Pakistan Offer”.

Average traffic minutes per subscription per month (AMPU) in the quarter were recorded at 238, up from 202 minutes per subscription per month in first quarter 2011.

Telenor said that number of subscriptions increased by 1.2 million during the quarter and the subscription base was 14% higher than at the end of first quarter last year.

Telenor reported 29,349,000 customers at the end of first quarter 2012, out of which 29,040,000 are said to be prepaid while remaining 309,000 subscriptions were postpaid.

Here is the official PR on quarterly results:

ISLAMABAD, May 8, 2012: Telenor Group has announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2012. According to the results Telenor Pakistan’s subscriber base grew 4% over the previous quarter. It added 1.21 million subscribers as compared with 822,000 subscribers in Q4 2011, ending with a customer base of 29.3 million. Both EBITDA margin and ARPU were higher in the reporting quarter as compared with the previous quarter. SIM market share was stable at just over 24%.

Chief Executive Officer Lars Christian Iuel, in his comments following the announcement, said: “The first quarter financial results show that Telenor Pakistan continues to grow in a sustainable manner. As a company that prides itself on offering innovative services such as Easypaisa, we are committed to not only meeting our customers’ expectations but to exceeding them. We look forward to offering ever new products and services that are convenient to use to our customers to enable them to enjoy the benefits of telecommunications.”

In the first quarter of the year, Telenor Pakistan began a major network modernization project in preparation for offering next generation services to customers. Its branchless banking service Easypaisa was recognized by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation when it was offered a major grant to increase adoption of its mobile financial services among Pakistan’s poorest households.

Also in the reporting period, Telenor Pakistan through its partner Sybrid launched a state-of-the-art contact centre, which will help create jobs for 500 talented Pakistani individuals. Telenor Pakistan also became the first cellular operator to agree to work with the Government of Pakistan on the ‘8300 Voter Registration Service’.

Posted by Unknown 08:30 0 comments

Nokia to Hold a Global (Handset) Launch Event in Pakistan

Nokia has finally selected Pakistan for a global launch event for two of its handsets, most likely to be feature phones with mid-range specs.

More details about the phones are embargoed but we can tell you that these two phones will have internet rich features specifically aimed for emerging markets like Pakistan.

Event is scheduled for May 15th, 2012 in Karachi.

Nokia has said that they chose Pakistan for the global launch of its upcoming devices to demonstrate the importance of Pakistani market for Nokia.

An invite sent to media men and bloggers read:

“Nokia envisions is to connect the next billion people and the first ever announcement from Pakistan of the upcoming devices have been planned specifically with this goal in mind.

Keep a watch here to know further about new Nokia devices that are going to see a launch on May 15th, 2012.

Posted by Unknown 08:30 0 comments

Ufone Introduces HTC One V

After Mobilink introduced HTC One X – couple of weeks go – Ufone has now announced the official launch of HTC One V, a mid-range smartphone from HTC One series.

Priced at Rs. 28,500 (network unlocked) HTC One V is offered with a free car charger and 30 MB of free internet data for three months. Ufone says that there is 12 months warranty included with the pack, which will be handled by Brightex Pakistan.

HTC One V comes with 1 Ghz processor on top of 512 MB ram. Powered by Google’s latest mobile OS i.e. Ice Cream Sandwich, HTC One V has 4 GB of internal storage and 5 MP camera with Autofocus, LED flash and 720p recording.

Just to let you know, all HTC One V users can avail a special offer of 25 GB of Dropbox space free for two years.

Keep reading for complete specifications blow:

HTC One V Specs:

• Capacitive touchscreen
• 16M colors 480 x 800 pixels
• 3.7 inches (~252 ppi pixel density) Multitouch – HTC Sense UI v4.0
• OS – Android 4, Ice Cream Sandwich
• HTC Sense UI v4.0
• CPU – 1 GHZ
• 512MB RAM
• 4 GB internal Storage
• Data – GPRS/EDGE/HSDPA, HSUPA
• WLAN – WiFi 802. 11 b/g/n
• Bluetooth – v4.0 with A2DP
• Camers: 5 MP, Autofocus, LED flash, 720p recording
• MP4/H.263/H.264/WMV player
• MP3/eAAC+/WMA/WAV player
• Beats Audio software
• SNS integration
• Google mobile suite
• Document viewer
• Voice memo/dial
• Battery – 1500 mAh

Terms & Conditions:

• Validity of free 30 MB bucket is for 30 days.
• The bucket will be recharged every month, for up to 3 months.
• All warranty related issues will be handled by Brightex.
• Standard 12 months warranty will be provided by Brightex.

Posted by Unknown 08:29 0 comments