Government’s Smartphone Installment Plan Faces Setback Amid Operator Disagreements
Islamabad: The government’s plan to introduce mobile phones on installments has once again hit a roadblock due to disagreements among cellular mobile operators (CMOs). The Ministry of Information Technology (IT) has finalized the policy and shared it with mobile operators, but the main point of contention remains the proposed measure to block SIM cards of defaulters.
According to ministry officials, all four CMOs have been asked to reach a consensus on the enforcement mechanism before the policy can move forward. The primary issue pertains to consumers who quit to make installment payments. The proposed solution to block SIM cards is currently being considered; however, there is no discussion regarding the idea of blocking defaulter’s national identity card (CNIC).
The smartphone financing policy was originally drafted in November 2023 and sent to the cabinet division for approval in early 2024. However, the smartphone financing policy that had been submitted for evaluation required a review by the Ministry of Law. Shaza Fatima was appointed as the IT Minister following the general elections. A new draft was presented to mobile providers, fintech businesses, and banking institutions.
Some operators support the SIM blocking policy; however, others are opposed to this approach, particularly the necessity of a unified system that would disconnect all devices associated with a defaulting user’s CNIC. In order for the policy to progress from its current state of stagnation, an agreement between CMOs is required.
The primary concern, according to government representatives, is payment compliance, rather than smartphone installment access. In order to become operational, the policy must receive the federal cabinet’s sanction. Upon the proposal’s ratification, the PTA will oversee the implementation of the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) to block mobile phones.
The initiative aims to provide financially constrained citizens with access to smartphones through interest-free installment plans. However, ensuring compliance and preventing misuse remain major challenges. Until a clear enforcement strategy is agreed upon, the fate of the policy remains uncertain.
