ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): In Pakistan, it is becoming increasingly difficult for mobile phone users to get mobile internet and call packages as telecom companies have significantly increased their prices over the past year.
While the prices of packages have been increased due to this wave of inflation, the amount of data in many offers has also been reduced, which has put an additional financial burden on users.
Users say that the Super Card, which was available for Rs 800 till a few months ago, has now reached a price of between Rs 1400 and Rs 1900. There are also complaints from users that additional money is being taken in the name of special packages for social media and night hours, or that data has been restricted to specific hours only, which makes it impossible to use it to its full potential.
Details of packages of various companies
The monthly ‘Super Duper Package’ of the country’s major telecom company Jazz has now gone above Rs 1000, while their ‘Supreme Package’ is available for around Rs 1390. Similarly, Jazz’s weekly ‘Freedom Package’ provides 50 GB data for 7 days, while the monthly ‘Social Plus Package’ is available for around Rs 650.
Prices have also increased for Zong users, where the monthly ‘Supreme Card’ has now reached Rs 1700. Zong’s weekly ‘Digital Max Package’ is available with 100 GB data for between Rs 600 and 700, while their monthly ‘Pro Package’ is available for over Rs 1400.
Ufone’s ‘Super Card Gold’ is now selling for around Rs 1,900. However, Ufone’s weekly ‘Mega Offer’ is offering 150GB data and minutes for around Rs 600. Telenor’s monthly ‘Ultimate Offer’ offers 150GB data for Rs 1,390, while their social packages are available for around Rs 300.
Companies’ stance
According to consumers, most of the data in the packages is reserved for night hours, which is not normally used. On the other hand, telecom companies say that they have been forced to increase the prices of the packages due to rising electricity prices and other operational costs.
