TeleCard signs Interconnect Agreements with Instaphone

Largest Pakistani ISP SUPERNET Deploys Aperto Networks in Karachi

TeleCard launches Next Generation LDI Service

 GO CDMA Launched

Dr. Lam who started his telecom career with Bell Canada and Hong Kong Telecom, now has over 23 years of multinational operations and general management, strategy consulting, corporate governance, investment banking, and direct investment experience in the telecommunications, media and technology (TMT) and financial services sectors. He is a Member of the Political Consultative Committee of China’s Jilin Province, a Specially-invited Member of the Political Consultative Committee of China’s Zhejiang Province, Vice Chairman of the Board and Convener of the Economic and Financial Policy Group of the Hong Kong Policy Research Institute. TOP

TeleCard Limited is Pakistan's first and largest integrated telecommunications solutions provider in the private sector with a presence in over 280 cities and towns across the country. Through this unmatched coverage, TeleCard offers the most extensive Long Distance International (LDI), Wireless Local Loop (WLL) and Corporate Data services anywhere in Pakistan TOP

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for all telecommunication and Wireless Local Loop Services in all 14 telecom regions of the country. TOP

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for all telecommunication and Wireless Local Loop Services in all 14 telecom regions of the country. TOP

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for all telecommunication and Wireless Local Loop Services in all 14 telecom regions of the country.. TOP

The SCO CDMA service has been developed with the technical and commercial assistance of TeleCard Limited the first operator in the private sector to offer an Integrated telecommunication solutions in the country and operates wireless local loop (WLL) service GO CDMA.

The SCO-TeleCard collaboration is an illustration of the latter's Virtual Network Operator (VNO) service. TeleCard is now providing Virtual Network Operator (VNO) services to all carriers as well as start ups. As a VNO the operator accrues the benefit of a telecom service provider by utilizing the spectrum and network infrastructure of TeleCard. The VNO service of TeleCard is adding a new dimension to the telecom sector of Pakistan by assisting companies to enter the telecom business for very little capital outlay.

The President of Azad Jammu & Kashmir in his address said, "I am delighted that SCO has launched its Wireless Local Loop service and brought affordable and readily available telecom services to the common man in this region. I am confident that the changing paradigm through communication would not only connect people but also improve the quality of life, develop intellectual capital, enhance productivity, generate new businesses, build partnerships, and bring the fruits of information age."

"The SCO-TeleCard collaboration is an illustration of TeleCard’s Virtual Network Operator (VNO) service. We are now providing Virtual Network Operator (VNO) services to all carriers as well as start ups. As a VNO the operator accrues the benefit of a telecom service provider by utilizing the spectrum and network infrastructure of TeleCard. The VNO service of TeleCard is adding a new dimension to the telecom sector of Pakistan by assisting companies to enter the telecom business for very little capital outlay. TeleCard's VNO service is broadening our customer base and at the same time increasing teledensity, reducing the digital divide and spreading the benefits of information and communication technologies to the people of Pakistan", said Fazal Husain Group CEO TeleCard.

Highlighting the features of SCO CDMA Brigadier Shahid Maqbool said, "SCO CDMA is a WLL (Wireless Local Loop) service, providing a landline facility with wireless benefits. It is a state-of-the-art network, based on CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) technology. It provides wireless landline connections on secured digital signals instead of out-dated copper wires."

SCO CDMA service is ISD/NWD enabled and has new features like FREE CLI, SMS, Wireless Broadband Internet, as well as a host of value added services.

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for all telecommunication and Wireless Local Loop Services in all 14 telecom regions of the country. TOP

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for all telecommunication and Wireless Local Loop Services in all 14 telecom regions of the country. TOP

The major benefit to TeleCard by providing VNO service is to broaden the customer base and at the same time increase teledensity, reduce the digital divide and spread the benefits of information and communication technologies to the people of Pakistan. Furthermore TeleCard is also providing branding, service knowledge, and supplier relationships to its VNO customers in effect a complete solution.

The biggest advantage of becoming TeleCard's VNO partner is that operators can provide to their customers both voice and data services. It is likely that many telecom entrepreneurs as well as existing operators would embrace the TeleCard's VNO concept as a means of deriving revenue to offset the enormous cost of building or expanding their own networks. It goes without saying that VNO's is the perfect means of encouraging competition, which would ultimately lead to greater choice and lower prices.

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for all telecommunication and Wireless Local Loop Services in all 14 telecom regions of the country TOP

In his address Fazal stated that TeleCard, which is fulfilling the role of the alternate telecom service provider, has commenced providing VNO services to other carriers which he explained means that the latter can utilize the TeleCard infrastructure backbone to provide telecom, related information communication facilities including long distance and international (LDI) Calling card, PCO, WLL and BWA for Voice and Data to their respective customers. He further said that by providing such services TeleCard was playing its due role in the reduction of the digital divide and spreading the benefits of information and communication technologies to the people of Pakistan.

Fazal Hussain was also of the view that the telecom market trends were very dynamic, which are enabling the teledensity to grow very fast. Furthermore rates are coming down very fast as today calls to United Kingdom cost less than those to Lahore. He envisaged that during the course of the next six months the telecom sector would start to consolidate. Furthermore the foundation for mass communications has been laid and it is only a matter time when a large proportion of people become empowered communication wise.

“TeleCard is also creating opportunities for setting up micro businesses by providing public call office (PCO) access to rural Pakistan as well as low income households. By giving PCO access to Rural Poor and Households will facilitate its increase to 100 people to 1 PCO and provide earnings of Rs. 5000 per household. The Company’s plans for PCO evolution means rural communication centers 200K broadband enabled telephones. Similar facilities may be provided to Schools/Hospitals- for less than US$ 200 each. Such developments will exponentially improve GNP and productivity of Pakistan”, explained Fazal.

In conclusion he said that trends indicate that slowly landline would be replaced with wireless devices, there will be continuous enhancement in voice and data capability along with free Broadband Internet Access, introduction of 3G technology etc. The common denominator behind all these revolutionary developments is wireless local loop (WLL) acting as a catalyst.

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for all telecommunication and Wireless Local Loop Services in all 14 telecom regions of the country. TOP

Speaking on the occasion Fazal Hussain said that direct interconnection would facilitate subscribers of Telecard and Paktel. He stressed upon the importance of a fair competitive environment and a level playing field. The direct interconnect will result in increased traffic between the Telecard and Paktel networks and help in developing further the telecom market of Pakistan.

Xavier Rocoplan stated that “Since 1990, Paktel has come a long way forward in terms of setting market standards. Paktel believes in optimizing its operations and passing on the advantage to its customer’s vis-à-vis quality of service, widest coverage, value addition and low tariffs. This agreement is yet another initiative of Paktel towards its approach of continuous improvement and innovation for its subscribers.”

It may be mentioned that TeleCard envisages itself as a company that generates new opportunities, brings communities closer together, reduces the cost of business and provides superior services. Furthermore it is the first company in Pakistan to become the only alternative, integrated service provider of choice to telecommunication users with the capability of delivering high quality voice and data services and is providing interconnection, wholesale international calling, Internet access and VAST services to Paktel directly and through its subsidiary Supernet which is a leader in satellite & data communication services. Through its WLL brand GO CDMA launched earlier this year, TeleCard is also the first Pakistani telecom service provider to cross the 100,000 subscriber mark in WLL telephony and now provides services nationwide. The continuing growth of Go CDMA service is expected to increase the volume of telecom traffic that flows to Paktel network.

The architecture and functionality of Telecard's network is dynamic to keep pace with the evolution of technology in the future, which would facilitate in seamlessly connecting every individual, home, and office throughout the length and breadth of Pakistan.

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for all telecommunication and Wireless Local Loop Services in all 14 telecom regions of the country.

About Paktel
Paktel is a Millicom International Cellular (MIC) group company which is a global telecommunications operator with ventures in 16 countries worldwide including countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa. The company believes in developing communications network in developing countries.

Paktel was the first cellular mobile service operator in Pakistan and for a long time the word Paktel was commonly used as another word for mobile phone. Currently it has a subscriber base of more than 1,000,000. Paktel GSM has entered the digital mobile network market with the launch of its GSM services and formed strategic alliances with mobile giants Samsung and Nokia. The company launched with a staggering 31 cities, something that no other cellular operator has achieved so far. TOP

Speaking on the occasion, CEO Instaphone, Mr. Kevin O’ Sullivan said that the synergies created as a result of the interconnect agreement would benefit the two networks and also enable Instaphone subscribers to benefit from competitively priced international call tariffs offered by the TeleCard group.

Representing TeleCard, Fazal Hussain said that interconnect would be a step forward in facilitating subscribers of both operators and would enable them to access high quality services at highly competitive prices.

Instaphone is the pioneer of mobile telephony in Pakistan and has a wide subscriber base across the country. The company at present has a wide range of economical packages in both pre-paid and post paid categories and has network reach in over 185 cities across Pakistan. Instaphone is currently operating on TDMA network and is progressing towards the migration to CDMA.

Tele Card is the first Pakistani company to emerge as the only alternative, integrated service provider of choice of telecommunication users with proven capability and data services. Its robust LDI network has been in service for almost a year and in duly acknowledged as the platform of choice for retail and wholesale services by carries, white label service operators, corporate customer and consumers. Through its WLL brand GO CDMA launched earlier this year, Tele Card is also the first Pakistani telecom service provider to cross the 200,000 subscriber mark in wireless local loop (WLL) telephony and now provides services nationwide. The architecture and functionality of Tele Card's network is dynamic to keep pace with the evolution of technology in the future, which would facilitate in seamlessly connecting every individual, home, and office throughout the length and breadth of Pakistan.

The interconnect agreement between the two concerns ensures that both TeleCard and Instaphone benefit from each other’s competencies and are able to provide more options to the combined subscriber base.

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for all telecommunication and Wireless Local Loop Services in all 14 telecom regions of the country. TOP

This achievement was dubbed by Fazal Hussain Group CEO TeleCard as a major milestone for both the organizations and hoped to continue a relationship of cooperation in all areas of communication for their respective subscribers. He further commented that the direct interconnect will result in increased traffic between the networks of the two organizations and improved quality of service delivered to their respective subscribers.

Commenting at the occasion, Rear Admiral Shahid Farooq; Chairman NTC stated that he was confident that interconnection agreement with Telecard should be the beginning of a long lasting relationship between the two operators and there were a host of synergies between the two operators where respective strengths of both could be leveraged to the advantage of all stakeholders.

It may be mentioned TeleCard envisages itself as a company that is generating new opportunities, bringing communities closer together, reducing the cost of business and providing superior services. It is the first company in Pakistan to become the alternative, integrated service provider of choice to telecommunication users with the capability of delivering high quality voice and data services. Through its WLL brand GO CDMA launched earlier this year and wireless payphone service Foree Fone, TeleCard has become the first Pakistani telecom service provider to sold 200,000 connections in wireless local loop (WLL) telephony and now provides services nationwide.

The architecture and functionality of Telecard’s network is dynamic to keep pace with the evolution of technology in the future, which would facilitate in seamlessly connecting every individual, home, and office throughout the length and breadth of Pakistan.

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for all telecommunication and Wireless Local Loop Services in all 14 telecom regions of the country. TOP

Milpitas, Calif., and Karachi, Pakistan, September 30th, 2005 – Aperto Networks, a leading WiMAX systems provider serving over 200 operators in 65 countries, announced today that SUPERNET Limited, the largest Data Network Operator and Internet Service Provider in Pakistan, has deployed its PacketWave broadband wireless systems in Karachi, and is in the process of deploying systems in Lahore and Islamabad. SUPERNET is owned by TeleCard Limited, Pakistan’s leading integrated telecom service provider.

SUPERNET’s PacketWave-powered 3.5 GHz wireless network will be used to provide high-speed data connectivity for enterprises and banks, and to enhance SUPERNET’s service delivery across the major urban areas in Pakistan.

“We invested a significant amount of time, energy and due diligence in our quest to secure the highest quality, and most flexible and feature-rich system available on the wireless broadband market, said Fazal Hussain, Group CEO of Telecard Limited. “At the end of the process, Aperto’s PacketWave system was the hands down favorite in terms of quality of service, scalability, and functionality -- attributes that are vital in delivering an excellent service and in keeping our customers satisfied. Aperto Networks has surpassed our expectations.”

Speaking on the occasion Imran Malik CEO Supernet said, “Supernet is committed to providing cutting edge data communications solutions and make international standards local industry benchmarks. These are some of the major factors that have enabled us to become the leading service provider of solutions that effectively meet business community's data and telecommunications requirements.”

“We were delighted to have been selected by Pakistan’s leading telecom service providers and we commend the TeleCard/SUPERNET leadership team for their unbridled desire to introduce leading-edge technology to the Pakistani marketplace, and for their enthusiastic commitment to enhance their company’s scope of services to better serve their customer’s evolving needs, remarked Dr. Reza Ahy, chairman and CEO of Aperto Networks.

About SUPERNET

SUPERNET Limited, a subsidiary of TeleCard Limited, is the largest private sector Data Network Operator in Pakistan. Founded in 1994, it provides Internet Access, Point-to-Point, and Point-to-Multipoint communication services using radio and satellite access, and integration solutions.

About TeleCard Limited

TeleCard Limited is Pakistan’s leading integrated telecom service provider. Listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges, TeleCard is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan and is licensed for all telecommunication and Wireless Local Loop services in all 14 telecom regions of the country. TeleCard is the first company in Pakistan to become the only alternative, integrated service provider of choice to telecommunication users and service providers with the capability of delivering high quality voice and broadband data services.

About Aperto Networks

Aperto Networks is a leader in WiMAX systems selling to global markets. Aperto is a founding board member of the WiMAX Forum as well as a founder and lead contributor to IEEE 802.16a/d and the ETSI-BRAN standards. Its PacketMAX and PacketWave® systems consist of a family of base stations, subscriber units, radios and antennas in 2.5, 3.5 and 5 GHz frequencies for point-to-multipoint and point-to-point deployment. The scalability and patented technologies in these systems support new wireless builds and complement wireline broadband access networks. Aperto is already deployed in over 65 countries, meeting service provider needs for installation ease, IP-rich network functionality, cost effectiveness, rapid provisioning and interference resilience. For more information on Aperto Networks, go to www.apertonet.com. TOP

Karachi July 2005: Telecard announced that its fifth independent switching center (MSC) in Multan is fully operational. This would mean improved capacity and connectivity for TeleCard's wireless payphone and residential customers in Multan Telecom Region which comprises Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, DG Khan, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Khanewal, and their adjoining town and cities. 

Group CEO TeleCard Mr. Fazal Hussain said that by deploying this independent switching center in Multan Telecard is further strengthening its position as the leading integrated telecom service provider in the country. TeleCard is aiming to have up to 200,000 PCO’s by the end of the year.

The deployment of 5^th independent switching center is a part of TeleCard major expansion plan by providing both voice and broadband internet service for its GOCDMA and Foreefone customers.  TeleCard has also acquired LDI and WLL license in all the 14 telecom regions of the country and this would help TeleCard by giving the better quality WLL and LDI service at an extremely low cost to its customers           

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for all telecommunication and Wireless Local Loop Services in all 14 telecom regions of the country. TOP

Karachi May 20, 2005: TeleCard Limited will be making Rs. 500 million public offer of the rated, listed and secured term finance certificate issue on May 26, 2005 & May 27, 2005. According to Faysal Bank Limited, the Advisor & Arranger for the Issue, the total TFC amount of Rs 2.4 billion comprises private placement of Rs. 1.9 billion and initial public offering of Rs. 500 million. Faysal Bank Limited and BMA Capital Management Limited are the Advisors & Arrangers of the transaction. This was highlighted In a presentation given at the stock exchange by Faysal Bank Limited.

The tenor of the TFC is six years including twelve months grace period. The profit rate on the instrument is six months Karachi Interbank Offer Rate plus 375 basis points without any floor or cap. The TFCs will be secured by a first exclusive charge over specific fixed assets and assignment of frequency rights recently procured from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The cash flows from the business are considered adequate to allow the company to meet the contractual TFC obligations comfortably. The TFC has been assigned rating of ‘A’ (single A) by the JCR VIS Credit Rating Co. Limited implying low expectation of credit risk emanating from a strong capacity for timely payments of financial commitments.

TeleCard Limited has already successfully raised Rs 1.9 billion through 21 financial institutions and provident funds which include Faysal Bank Limited, Habib Bank Limited, Allied Bank Limited, PICIC Commercial Bank Limited, Pak Oman Investment Company Limited, Faysal Balance Growth Fund, Bolan Bank Limited, United Money Market Fund and other institutions.

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for Wireless Local Loop, LDI, and Wireless Broadband Services. TOP

Karachi May 11, 2005: CDMA Technology will help to increase the Teledensity in next 5 years in Pakistan”, said George Mansho Vice President International Development for the CDMA Development Group (CDG) at a roundtable discussion with wireless local loop (WLL) service providers TeleCard Ltd., Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited, DVCom, WorldCall, Great Bear International.

He also said that CDMA technology would revolutionize urban and rural communication in Pakistan by enabling people to have access not only to voice telephony but broad band internet as well and thus pave the way for greater development in education, telemedicine and other applications that would provide multifold commercial opportunities to the people of Pakistan.

The roundtable focused upon the de-regulation of telecom sector in Pakistan & key milestones achieved till date and also the potential for the development of CDMA market in Pakistan and the facilitating role of CDG.

Mr. Mansho during his one day visit to Pakistan also participated in the panel discussion on one of the private TV channels along with Mr. Amiruddin SEVP PTCL and Mr. Fazal Hussain CEO TeleCard. He also met senior officials at Pakistan Telecommunication Authority in Islamabad.

It may be noted that CDMA technology consistently provides better capacity for voice and data communications than other technologies, allowing more subscribers to connect at any given time, and it is the common platform on which 3G technologies are built. Furthermore it has outstanding voice and call quality as it filters out background noise and cross-talk. CDMA's spread spectrum signal provides the greatest coverage in the wireless industry, allowing networks to be built with far fewer cell sites than is possible with other wireless technologies. Fewer cell sites translate into reduced operating expenses, which results in savings to both operators and consumers.

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for all telecommunication and Wireless Local Loop Services in all 14 telecom regions of the country. TOP

Karachi: April 26, 2005: TeleCard Limited, Pakistan’s leading, integrated telecom service provider has launched its long distance and international (LDI) service today. The service was inaugurated by Major General (Retd.) Shahzada Alam Malik, Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. Also present on the occasion were Sultan-ul-Arfeen, Chairman TeleCard; Fazal Hussain, Group CEO TeleCard; and members of the Board of Directors representing local and foreign investors including Shahid Firoz, Javaid Firoz, Bo Erikson and Peregrine Moncreiffe.

The launch of next generation LDI services by TeleCard has crystallized its vision of becoming the integrated, alternate telecom operator recognized for its high quality products and services. With the final segment of the integrated services matrix going on-line in the form of the most advanced NGN platform over a IP/MPLS backbone network in Pakistan, TeleCard has firmed up its position as the leading solutions provider of choice for corporate, consumer and inter-carrier markets. The launch of LDI network will enable TeleCard to generate new opportunities in the telecom space, bring communities closer together through reduced cost of communication and to provide high quality services to cater to mission-critical telecom applications of corporate users. The network has advanced features for specialized applications and services such as Closed User Group applications, multimedia conferencing, VPN’s, Premium Rate and value added services and products for international travelers. The network enables delivery of a range of other customizable products and services catering to Application Service Providers, Calling Card companies, domestic and international carriers, Call Centers, Payphone companies, Hotels, Banks, Airlines, Logistics and distribution companies and others.

Speaking on the occasion, Sultan-ul-Arfeen, Chairman TeleCard said, “It is our sincere recommendation that PTA should revisit the APC regime and bring it to a level that encourages operations of legitimate LDI operators.” He also said that one country one rate regime, if not abolished, will encourage malpractices which are neither in the interest of the sector nor the country. He elaborated that as most of the licensees have rolled out their networks, it is now necessary that investment is encouraged in developing backbone infrastructure which is currently available only from PTCL.
In his opening remarks, Group CEO TeleCard Fazal Hussain said, “The launch of TeleCard LDI services reflects the success of telecom de-regulation policy which envisioned active participation of local entrepreneurs. We take pride in becoming the first company in Pakistan to seize the initiative as the only alternative, integrated service provider with the capability of delivering high quality services in a cost effective manner.”

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the pioneering, private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed for all telecommunication services in all 14 telecom regions of the country. TOP

Karachi April 4, 2005: TeleCard Limited has commenced GO CDMA Wireless Local Loop (WLL) telephone service in Baluchistan. Chairman PTA Major General (Retd.) Shezada Alam launched the service by making a call from a GO CDMA phone. The service will be available in HUB, Quetta, Sibbi, Usta Mohammad and Dera Mohammed Jamali and many other small towns in the province. The services network would be expanded to Chaman, Zhob, Turbat and Gawadar. Earlier this year GO CDMA services were successfully launched in Karachi.

The availability of GO CDMA WLL services will revolutionize the way people communicate as the quality of connectivity is better than normal landline. GO CDMA offers schemes to suit every pocket specifically for a common man. The service would enable the people to avail state-of-the-art telecommunication service, including, voice, internet, SMS, VMS and other bundled services at very affordable prices.

The GO CDMA service will be available in all fourteen telecom of the country as the company has received commencement certificates from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

TeleCard Limited is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchanges and is the leading private sector telecom service provider in Pakistan now licensed with all significant telecom services throughout the country and WLL in all the 14 telecom regions of the country. TOP

KARACHI 12 January, 2005: Telecard Limited the first operator in the private sector to offer an Integrated telecommunication solutions in the country has launched wireless local loop (WLL) service under the brand name of GO CDMA at a ceremony today. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Chief Guest on the occasion made the first call to inaugurate the service. Also present on the occasion were Major General (Retd.) Shezada Alam, Chairman Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA); Sultan-ul-Arfeen, Chairman Telecard; Fazal Hussain, CEO Telecard; Shahid Firoz, Member Board of Directors Telecard; Javaid Firoz, Member Board of Directors Telecard.

The Federal Minister and Chairman PTA also inaugurated the new state of the art customer sales center of GO CDMA.

The launch of the GO CDMA WLL service would revolutionize the way people communicate as the quality of connectivity is better than normal landline, and the cost is the same. GO CDMA offers schemes to suit every pocket, be it a corporate executive or the common man needing to be in touch with his or her family, friends or office. Features like high speed internet, SMS, Voice mail, caller id, are part of the service offering. The WLL facility would connect subscribers to the world in a seamless way.

Speaking on the occasion Sultan-ul-Arfeen Chairman Telecard said, “TeleCard is delighted that the Wireless Local Loop service and concept it presented (Pioneered) in 2002 has become the turning point in the telecom sector in Pakistan. TeleCard believes in bringing affordable telecom services to the common man in the country and our tariff of 40 paisas per minute demonstrates our sincere contribution towards realization of the plans of the government. in this direction.”

Highlighting the features and service of GO CDMA Telecard’s CEO Fazal Hussain stated, “It’s a moment of pride and satisfaction as we take the lead in offering the WLL services to the people of Pakistan. The service is the most reliable and affordable offering a host of value added services at virtually no cost to subscribers. Now for the first time in Pakistan there is truly a phone for everyone, available at an unbeatable price value. The changing paradigm in the telecom sector would not only connect people but also improve the quality of life, develop intellectual capital, enhance productivity, create new businesses, build partnerships, and, launch Pakistan into the information age.”

GO CDMA wireless local loop (WLL) phone service that is easy to obtain as well as simple to use and also offers a range of value added services at no extra cost to the customers. TOP

KARACHI (January 19 2005): The launch of 'GO CDMA' - the first independent WLL based telecom service, marks the beginning of TeleCard's transformation into an integrated wireless telecom operator from a re-seller of PTCL services, according to the capital market report of the AMS Brokerage House. TeleCard is targeting two million subscribers over the next five years, which is achievable in our view, says Asif Qureshi, author of the report.

"We are bullish on TeleCard for two main reasons: 1) we like the business model, an integrated solution using wireless for local loop connectivity and offering LDI services as well. 2) TeleCard has strategically strong positioning in the sector to be more successful than others because of an existing countrywide WLL network infrastructure, access to associated mobile companies' (Instaphone and Paktel) cell-sites for faster expansion, existing captive traffic of payphone & associated cellular companies and higher margins on payphone business are the key elements constituting TeleCard's competitive strengths," says Qureshi, adding the company is targeting the entire spectrum of residential & business consumers.

TeleCard was the first company to start payphone service in 1995 under O&M contract with the PTCL. Within a short span of ten years, it has become the first company to launch operations as an independent integrated telecom operator. The company acquired LDI licence for 0.5 million dollars and also secured spectrum for nation-wide WLL service for 55 million dollars. Aside from having its own independent telecom operations, TeleCard plans to keep its O&M contract with PTCL, which allows it access to additional frequency spectrum.

TeleCard is also the only stock-offering player on the wireless sector, which is expected to outpace fixed line business in terms of growth. According to analysts, while TeleCard is not alone in the market having the same WLL plus LDI model, however, it does enjoy certain strategic advantages over its competitors, including an existing WLL infrastructure and a countrywide network of over 50,000 WLL payphones. Being already in the WLL market, TeleCard has better understanding of the technology and vendors.

The report adds that with its LDI operations, TeleCard is expected to capture the existing NWD and IDD traffic of its payphone business as well as that of its cellular mobile associates. Moreover, new WLL subscribers and existing PTCL subscribers would be the incremental markets for TeleCard. Since, the existing telecom deregulation policy allows both indirect access and carrier pre-selection therefore even PTCL subscribers could use TeleCard for LDI service if it offers lower tariffs.

With GDP growing at nominal growth rate of 10-12 percent, telecom spending is expected to continue growing at 15 percent per annum for the next 4-5 years. However, the global phenomenon suggests that the wireless market grows much faster than wire-line market and hence "we expect the same to continue in Pakistan as well. TeleCard is presently the only meaningful wireless player on Pakistan's market," the report adds.-PR TOP

KARACHI (January 07 2005): Pakistan's first private operator of wireless phones is now ready to offer the most advanced CDMA technology based wireless telephony service in the country at 185 stations, according to TeleCard CEO Fazal Hussein. Speaking at a media briefing, Hussain said the services being launched by TeleCard include voice, high-speed internet, SMS, voice mail service and long distance calling.

"WLL ensures exceptional voice quality, seamless Internet connectivity, and quick connection without the hassle of wires and is available universally to all consumers," he told reporters.

TeleCard is poised to launch its service shortly in 185 stations of the country making it the largest WLL operator and the first integrated services provider to take this step. TeleCard has an existing nation-wide WLL network and has recently upgraded its network for the effective deployment of its service in all of 14 regions of Pakistan.

Hussain, said that TeleCard has Invested Rs 3,241 million in acquiring frequency in all 14 telecommunication regions of Pakistan.

Analysts say that while WLL has limited mobility, its superior technology coupled with cheap call costs makes it a serious challenger to the existing mobile phone companies.

"Make no mistake. This is not a mobile phone company. But the services it offers are close to that of a mobile phone and this makes it a cheaper alternative," said a market analyst. TOP

December 20, 2004: TeleCard Limited is now officially Pakistan’s first Wireless Local Loop (WLL) operator in the post-deregulation regime. TeleCard, who has earned the reputation of being one of the most recognized and relied upon name in the telecommunications industry, has now been awarded with the Commencement Certificate for the launch of its Wireless Local Loop service.

TeleCard is now ready to offer the most advanced CDMA Technology based wireless telephony service including voice, high-speed internet, SMS, voice mail service and long distance calling. WLL ensures exceptional voice quality, seamless internet connectivity, and quick connection without the hassle of wires and is available universally to all consumers.

The company has an existing nationwide WLL network and has recently upgraded its network for the effective deployment of its service in all of 14 regions of Pakistan. As the first company to reach this milestone, TeleCard is now poised to take the market by storm and augment Pakistan’s overall tele-density. The company aims to become an integrated telecom service provider for all home and business needs.

TeleCard provides calling facility to about 85 million Pakistanis nationally and helps them to stay connected. TeleCard, with its team of dedicated professionals is fast positioning itself to become the leading telecom service provider in Pakistan. TOP

December 10, 2004: Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced that TeleCard Limited, a leading facilities based competitive operator in Pakistan, has signed a multi million dollar contract for a Voice over IP (VoIP) solution from Alcatel. TeleCard is committed to providing state-of-the-art wireline and wireless local loop (WLL) services throughout Pakistan. With its services extending to over eight hundred cities and towns throughout Pakistan, TeleCard is paving the way to becoming the nationwide alternative telecommunication service provider of choice.

The contract follows a Letter of Intent (LOI) that was issued to Alcatel earlier this year. Under the terms of the contract, TeleCard will deploy the Alcatel VoIP solution in at least 12 cities in Pakistan starting with Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad.

Alcatel's solution will allow TeleCard to expand its service offering beyond basic local services to include long distance national and international services, with an advanced prepaid calling card (PPC) option. The prepaid calling card allows subscribers to make calls from any telephone in any location, without using coins or special card reading equipment. This feature offers guaranteed riskless payment for TeleCard, and convenient, cashless calling for TeleCard's subscribers.

"We consider our suppliers as valued business partners sharing our challenges and successes", said Javaid Firoz, CEO TeleCard . "With the Alcatel class 4 NGN solution, we will benefit from lower capital and operating costs while improving the time-to-market for enhanced services that offer users maximum calling flexibility and convenience. This supports our business vision to become a total telecommunications service provider delivering advanced services at more affordable rates to consumers in Pakistan." TOP