Telenor Pakistan Limited is the second largest cellular and digital service provider in Pakistan. It is part of the Telenor Group, an international provider of voice, content, and data services. Telenor started as a public company in 1855 and is currently the second largest cellular service provider in Pakistan.
Wavetec Self-Service Kiosks
Telenor Pakistan is a leading telecom company in Pakistan. The Wavetec Self-Service Kiosk solution is helping them to provide excellent customer service while enhancing the customer experience. The kiosks offer features such as self-service, feedback management, real-time analytics, and security. The kiosks also help Telenor to monitor customer traffic, analyze customer feedback, and identify areas that need improvement.
Telenor Pakistan’s kiosks are being used in a variety of locations, including the Telenor headquarters in Karachi. The kiosks are a great addition to any telecom facility. They also give Telenor Pakistan the convenience of a one-stop-shop for all their needs.
Wavetec Self-Service Kiosk are part of Telenor Pakistan’s strategy to simplify and streamline the telecom business process. The self-service kiosks are designed to provide a hassle-free way to manage calls, SMS, and data. The kiosks are equipped with the latest technologies to make the customer experience more convenient.
The kiosks offer enhanced customer service and accuracy by reducing the wait time and allowing customers to customize their menu items. The kiosks also allow the operator to offer complimentary add-ons and exclusive offers. The interactive kiosks are also compatible with wayfinding and loyalty programs.
Telenor Microfinance Bank Limited
Telenor Microfinance Bank Limited is one of Pakistan’s leading microfinance institutions. It aims to bring 75% of the country’s unbanked population into the formal financial system. It has grown to over 177 branches nationwide and offers a range of financial services to the unbanked sector.
Telenor Microfinance Bank Limited is a joint venture between Telenor Group and the Ant Group. It was established in 2005 and offers traditional banking solutions as well as innovative digital financial services. In 2009, it launched the country’s first mobile banking platform, Easypaisa. This ushered in a new era of digital payments in Pakistan.
In March 2017, Telenor Microfinance Bank Limited reported a loss of Rs10 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016. This was the bank’s fourth consecutive year of loss. However, the bank did generate a net interest income of Rs4 billion. The bank also reduced its lending by 42% in an effort to reduce operational risk and divert money into government securities.
Telenor bank faced a number of challenges in 2017, namely, the decision by the State Bank of Pakistan to scrap IBFT charges, which hurt its branchless business. In November 2017, Telenor sold its stake in Telenor Microfinance Bank Limited, citing a shift in strategy from its global parent company. Another problem for the bank was the introduction of RAAST. This introduced new charges on mobile payments and impacted Easypaisa.
Plans for merger with Celcom and Digi in Malaysia
Axiata and Telenor have agreed to nominate Dato’ Izzaddin Idris as the chair and deputy chair of the new entity, dubbed MergeCo. It will be renamed Celcom Digi Berhad if shareholders approve the merger. At completion, Axiata will hold more than 51 percent of the combined company. Both companies have pledged not to retrench their staffs. They are committed to providing training in cross-functional roles and building new competencies as part of the merger. They both hope that this merger will boost the growth of their respective businesses.
The telecommunications industry is facing intense competition in Malaysia, where a 5G network is being rolled out. There are also changes in the regulatory environment and increased competition in the mobile sector. In addition, the government has announced that it intends to accelerate the rollout of 5G in Malaysia.
While the proposed merger will create a new company with a combined total of over 600 million mobile subscribers, the deal is fraught with regulatory risks. The proposed merger involves different national regulators and shareholding structures. It is expected to close in the second quarter of 2022.
In Malaysia, Telenor’s offer includes Digi and Axiata shares. The transaction is subject to the approval of the shareholders of Axiata and Digi. If it closes, the combined company would have 19 million mobile subscribers and annual revenues of over $3 billion. The combined company will be called Celcom Digi Berhad. Maxis Bhd would be its main competitor.
5G network in Norway
Telenor has launched its 5G network in Norway, the first country outside North America. The company’s service covers 180 million subscribers in northern and eastern Europe, as well as a growing number in southeast Asia. Telenor also operates a business in Pakistan. The company has a long-term goal to increase its dividend per share to at least NOK 60 by 2025.
Telenor has chosen Sweden-based Ericsson to supply part of its 5G network, following a decade-long partnership with Huawei. However, Telenor has also cut ties with the Chinese firm because of cyberespionage concerns. Telenor cited technical quality, commercial terms, and innovative capabilities as factors in choosing its 5G equipment supplier.
Telenor has commercially launched its 5G network in Norway and is planning to expand it to other countries. The company recently cancelled an event to celebrate the launch in Norway, due to the upcoming COVID-19 event. The event was instead hosted via virtual video conference. Currently, Telenor has five pilots across the country.
In addition to 5G, Telenor Pakistan has also deployed FTTT technology, which links primary telecommunications networks with cellular network towers. This should enable Telenor Pakistan to open up higher bandwidth transport capabilities and ensure uninterrupted data services. The demand for data services in Pakistan has increased exponentially. In the last seven years, the number of broadband subscribers has grown from 14 million to over 100 million.
Plans for merger with Telenor in Pakistan
Telenor is looking for a merger opportunity in Pakistan. The Norwegian telecom giant operates in nine countries, including Myanmar and Thailand. In Pakistan, Telenor has been struggling with a declining market. This year, the company has cut its staff and reduced expenses. Many of its employees were fired, and they were given one month’s notice and six months’ advance salaries.
Telenor Pakistan has also focused on energy efficiency. As Pakistan’s energy crisis worsened, it launched a program to reduce its fuel and diesel consumption. This strategy has helped it save over 2,360,000 trees every year, and it has reduced its OpEx by 49%.
Telenor is also considering buying Ufone, the country’s smallest telecom player. The combined company would have nearly as many subscribers as the largest player, Jazz. This deal follows a first-round of telecom consolidation five years ago. Telenor’s parent company, PTCL, merged with Mobilink and agreed to buy Warid, a minority stake in the combined entity.
Telenor Pakistan’s license to operate in the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands expired on 25 May 2019. In May, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority set the renewal fee at NOK 4.0 billion (USD 449 million). However, Telenor is disputing the renewal fee, believing that the price should be less than half of that. Telenor has filed a petition with the Pakistani telecom authority to challenge the renewal terms.
