Corrupt Media Calls Social Media a ‘Gutter’: ProPakistani

Corrupt Media Calls Social Media a ‘Gutter’
PTCL Offers EVO / Nitro Compatible WiFi Routers
Warid Prepaid Finally Brings Ghanta Offer and SMS Bundles
32 Players Complete Their Dream Journey – all Thanks to Zong
Mobilink Jazz Announces Honda Cars for New Subscribers
Ufone Wins Best GSM Operator Award

Corrupt Media Calls Social Media a ‘Gutter’

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 01:25 AM PDT

In a report published by "The News" (and a translated copy in "Daily Jang") yesterday, a frustrated, annoyed and desperate reporter termed social media a gutter and said that social media's filthy work has adversely impacted the reputed families and business houses across the world.

This report is primarily about a fake document that went loose on internet which alleged 19 journalists, that "The News" calls "Distinguished Journalists", for getting cash money and land from Malik Riaz, the real estate tycoon.

First thing first:

This kind of report, published by "The News" is an understandable reaction after whistleblowing off-air conversation of Malik Riaz's interview with Mubashir Luqman and Mehr Bukhari that went viral on internet and blew media houses' reputation and showed their original face.

As we mentioned in our earlier coverage, main stream media was sure taken back by the muscle that social media demonstrated in first few hours only. Resultantly, main stream media had to strike back to survive, to keep its dominance and to make sure that its revenues aren't impacted.

Second thing:

Main stream media is yet to fully understand social media, in terms of using it, the core-functionality and ecosystem upon which they are built and work. In fact, though its unfortunate but, main stream media is yet to know the difference between blogs and twitter, Microsoft and Facebook. As an example, check following news once published in "Daily Jang":

After reading this (rather hilarious) news item it is evident that main stream media, particularly those reporters (and editors) with very limited knowledge of social media, should not try their pen on the topic, or they will only embarrass themselves and their media houses.

Third thing:

Social media, such a Facebook and Twitter, is built by people, who have opinion, facts, figures and information relating to daily life activities and incidents. Social media community or web 2.0 is like human beings in real life who can have information (either false or true) on a particular topic and they share it with others (at times without investigating it).

Believe it or not, social media particularly the Facebook and Twitter is never relied upon when it comes to facts.

There is no way you should trust a fact that is obtained from social media. This is probably why Wikipedia, the largest, most consulted and most trusted community sourced encyclopedia, isn't accepted as reference for academic researches in many educational institutes around the world, including Pakistan.

This is exactly where main stream media got trapped and they published a list without verification that had appeared on social media.

But instead of accepting its mistake (for not verifying the facts), the main stream media is now using bullying social media by using dirty words.

Case Study:

Just couple of weeks ago, a letter went viral on Facebook saying that Chief Minister Secretariat officially directed Punjab Government officials to follow Shahbaz Sharif on Twitter and Facebook and to un-follow Imran Khan.

When ProPakistani was tipped with the letter, which looked spicy enough for an interesting news, instead of publishing it straight away we investigated and later found that letter was fake. We in fact reported that there is this letter circulating on internet which is fake.

Those media houses who published this fake report of 19 "Distinguished Journalists" getting bribed by Malik Riaz (almost every newspaper and TV channel carried this list) should be questioned for not verifying the letter from Bahria Town head office. Even worse, there was a telephone number mentioned on the letter but reporters were so lazy to call it to get their facts verified.

Conclusion:

Its no shame to learn things, particularly those which are new to you. Western world faced same problems earlier when social media had surfaced there. This is probably why they introduced courses such "New Media Studies" to educate their journalists about the impact, dynamics, usability and ethics of digital media.

Social media on its part should play a role as well. We should be more responsible for what we share on our profiles. This is the only way we can be more credible and powerful.

On a side note, giving reference (or credit) to original source can minimize the circulation of fake information.

PTCL Offers EVO / Nitro Compatible WiFi Routers

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 01:20 AM PDT

Tenda Router PTCL Offers EVO / Nitro Compatible WiFi Routers PTCL today announced the availability of WiFi enabled Tenda routers that are compatible with its EVO and Nitro devices.

Tenda 3G EVO router is a battery powered (with three hours backup) 3G Wi-Fi router by Tenda (A Chinese company) which offers support for plug-in of EVO and Nitro USB modems to enable wireless internet connectivity for multiple devices simultaneously using a single USB device.

It supports power over USB, so you can plug in any PTCL EVO/Nitro USB and create an instant hotspot for sharing Evo 3G Wireless Broadband internet virtually anywhere.

Here is the web page for said Tenda router on its official website: http://www.tenda.cn

It merits mentioning here that PTCL previously introduced Evo Wi-Fi cloud that had similar capabilities – in fact it had built-in EVO device.

Unlike Evo Wi-Fi cloud, Tenda routers will not offer built-in EVO support, instead users will have to connect EVO or Nitro devices with router to start using internet through WiFi environment.

Price:

Tenda WiFi Routers that were already available in open Market, will be sold by PTCL for Rs. 4,000.

Key highlights:

Plug & Share Anywhere
Portable 3G router designed for true mobility
Convert your home/workplace into a personalized Wi-Fi zone with 3G connectivity sharing amongst multiple gadgets/users simultaneously
Connects up to 5 users/ Wi-Fi gadgets at a time.
Tenda 3G EVO router does not offer built-in EVO connectivity. 3G connectivity is established by plugging in PTCL EVO/Nitro devices into the router
Compatible with all PTCL Evo & Nitro USB devices
Excellent pocket size alternative to large DSL modems for home users & for business users with frequent travelling needs.
Battery back-up time of up to 3 hours
Secure connectivity through a unique identification key for each device
Enjoy seamless roaming in 200+ cities nationwide at EVO speeds with nitro connectivity in more than 70 cities across the country.
1 year warranty by Tenda.

Warid Prepaid Finally Brings Ghanta Offer and SMS Bundles

Posted: 24 Jun 2012 10:39 PM PDT

Warid has finally considered the feedback and need of its prepaid customers as it has today announced Ghanta Offer for its customers for making long duration calls, in addition to daily and weekly SMS bundles.

Keep reading to know it all.

Ghanta Offer:

Warid prepaid customers can make hourly calls at Rs. 3.99 plus tax during 12 AM to 6 PM. This offer comes with a daily charge of Rs. 2 plus tax.

Ghanta Offer will be available on all Warid Prepaid Minute Package and ZEM customers. This include (Minute Package, ZEM 30LCR, ZEM 60, ZEM 30 & ZEM 01)

Charges:

Call Charges: Rs 3.99 + tax per hour (12am – 6pm)
Daily Charges: Rs. 2 plus tax per day

Subscription

To activate offer, write "Gh" and SMS to 3333.
Sending message on 3333 is free.

Notes

Daily rental is Rs. 2+t
Customer will be charged on-net and off-net call as per package plan from 6pm till 12am.
In case of low balance, Ghanta offer will be deactivated and it has to be subscribed again.
Short code charge of 3333 is Free.
Offer expires at midnight 12am.

SMS Packages

Daily SMS Package:

500 all network sms.
Rs 3.50+t/day.
Subscription: Send DS to 3333.
Sms Balance Inquiry via *200# (Free of cost)
Only for Warid Prepaid Minute Package and ZEM customers.
Short code charge of 3333 is Free.

Weekly SMS Package:

1000 all network sms.
Rs 6.99+t/week.
Send WS to 3333
Sms Balance Inquiry via *200# (Free of cost)
Only for Warid Prepaid Minute Package and ZEM customers.
Short code charge of 3333 is Free

32 Players Complete Their Dream Journey – all Thanks to Zong

Posted: 24 Jun 2012 10:38 PM PDT

The 32 most outstanding players of the 'ZONG UNITED KICKOFF' Football Tournament returned from their dream journey – a weeklong training session at the Manchester United Soccer School (MUSS) in Abu Dhabi.

It was a life changing experience for these young players exclusively provided by ZONG – the digital partner of Pakistani nation.

During the week, the players had an extensive training schedule spanning over 5 days which primarily focused on things like; physical and technical skills, nutrition and diet, player's attitude on and off the pitch, what to do when sitting out, warm up skills, dribbling, shooting, passing and ball control. The young players were also provided with training in other fields, such as tactical understanding, and mental, physical and social growth.

Two dedicated Manchester United trainers were assigned the task and both were extremely impressed by the talent and prowess of the players with the ball. The trainers paid extra attention towards highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each individual and helped them further improve their game.

Andy Dixon, Head Coach/Project coordinator of the Manchester United Soccer Schools program in Abu Dhabi praised the young players in these words, "I am impressed with the immense talent that these kids have. All of them have unique qualities which will help in bringing them to the international football scene one day. ZONG has done a tremendous job by providing them this matchless opportunity and I am confident that this training will be the first step of the exciting journey that lies ahead of these youngsters."

The MU legend, Dion Dublin was also present at the activity and stayed with the children till the presentation ceremony on the last day of the activity. Due to his charismatic personality and his approachable demeanor, Dublin really connected with the children and helped mentor them throughout their sessions.

Usman Ishaq, Executive Director Commercial of ZONG said, "We are glad to have done something which will help these talented children further refine their talent. Being a China Mobile's brand, ZONG has an emotional relationship with the Pakistani nation. Like any good friend, ZONG also wants to promote the talent of Pakistan and Manchester United enthusiastically facilitated us achieve this target. We are thankful to them, the players, all those who participated in this campaign and the Pakistani nation for placing their trust in us."

The players were really excited on their way back and could not wait to try out all the new techniques and skills that they had learned at MUSS and were thankful to ZONG for providing them with a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Zain-ul-Abdeen one of the boys who got special plaque from trainers excitedly informed, "I had never ever imagined in my wildest dream that I would be able to meet Dion Dublin and receive training at Manchester United Soccer School. I still can't believe that it has happened and I am grateful to ZONG for not only providing us access to amazing content of MU but also making our dream come true."

Besides arranging the entire training session, ZONG took care of all their accommodation and other needs throughout the week. They also arranged fun activities and took the players for sightseeing to various places including the Ferrari World Tour.

Mobilink Jazz Announces Honda Cars for New Subscribers

Posted: 24 Jun 2012 10:16 PM PDT

With an aim to increase sales, Mobilink Jazz has announced three Honda cars per week for its new customers (new sale or Port-ins) who will get new Jazz SIMs after June 22nd, 2012 and will use Rs. 50 per week to win a Honda Car through lucky draw.

Mobilink said it will be giving away three Honda cars, without mentioning the car model, on weekly basis for using Rs. 50 credit (inclusive of taxes) from Monday to next Sunday.

This offer is for Jazz customers only, Jazba subscribers aren't included.

Terms:

Subscribers who have bought SIM since June 22, 2012 will be eligible for the promotion
Customer will have to do a usage of Rs. 50 / week (inclusive of tax) from Monday to Sunday to participate in the promotion. Both new sales and port-in subscribers are eligible for this offer
Only Jazz customers will be eligible for this offer and Jazba subscribers will not be a part of this offer
The winners will be contacted by Mobilink itself via call
Please do not entertain any calls or SMS asking for credit transfer or balance load/share to win the prize. Mobilink will not be responsible for any loss that may occur due to any such activities.
The promotion will be run on a weekly basis and is for limited time
Mobilink employees, their family members and employees of related organizations cannot be a part of this lucky draw
Mobilink's decision(s) related to the lucky draw will be deemed final
Honda Civic car model will be finalized by Mobilink
To avail the prize it is mandatory that the SIM is in your name
Prizes cannot be exchanged or transferred in any situation
Car delivery is dependent on the delivery schedule of the manufacturing company
All documentation and expenses pertaining to the registration of the prize car will be the winner's responsibility
Mobilink keeps the rights to advertise the winners
Terms and conditions apply, which can be changed
19.5% FED on usage and 10% withholding tax at recharge or bill applies

Ufone Wins Best GSM Operator Award

Posted: 24 Jun 2012 09:00 PM PDT

Ufone was bestowed the best GSM operator award by Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA), said a statement issued by the company.

PIFFA was established in 2005 and became the sole representative body of Pakistan Freight Forwarders. The voting was done by PIFFA members which includes shipping lines, freight forwarders and transportation companies. Ufone received the highest votes amongst the five Telco's operating in the country.

Statement said that this is a tremendous achievement by Ufone which reflects the satisfaction level of their enterprise customers.

Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association is a non-profitable organization representing more than 500 companies based in Pakistan providing Land, Air, Ocean Combined Transport and other Logistics services.

The role of the Association includes support for the Pakistan trade worldwide, the development and the maintenance of healthy international freight services industry within Pakistan. Ufone has been the recipient of such prestigious awards in the past as well, winning the best advertising campaign award 2010-2011 by the Pakistan Advertising society (PAS); the Customer Services Innovation Award at the Global Telecom Business Innovation Awards (London) 2011 and the most Innovative Mobile Plan at the Tele-Time international Industry Excellence Awards 2012.

Mr. Salman Wassay, Chief Commercial Officer at Ufone said that this is indeed a milestone for Ufone. Pakistan is a country with a growing and diverse corporate and enterprise sector and we get to experience a number of challenging and unique service practices on a daily basis. The team at Ufone strives to be the best at what we do and this award is recognition of our hard work.

To read more, click: Ufone Wins Best GSM Operator Award
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Monday, June 25, 2012