VimpelCom to invest $1b in Pakisan over five years
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Global telecoms group VimpelCom has announced plans to invest $1 billion in its Pakistani operations over the next five years.
The company plans to roll out what it says will be one of the largest and most ambitious IT infrastructures in the industry for its Mobilink and Warid operations.
With the new systems the company aims to ensure faster rollout of new products and services, particularly in areas including mobile entertainment, communications, the IoT and mobile financial services.
Mobilink recently completed a merger with Warid to create Pakistan’s largest mobile operator with over 50 million customers.
The merger was announced in November last year, won regulatory approval in May and closed at the start of this month.
At a press conference announcing the investment plans Mobilink CEO Jean-Yves Charlier said with the merger 38 million Mobilink customers will be provided with 4G while 12 million Warid customers will be provided with 3G.
He also said around 1,500 joint Mobilink-Warid franchise shops will be opened nationwide. The operator has also made a commitment to the government to roll out services to remote areas.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary goal of VimpelCom's $1 billion investment in Pakistan?
What is the primary goal of VimpelCom's $1 billion investment in Pakistan?
The investment aims to roll out one of the industry's largest IT infrastructures for Mobilink and Warid. This new system should facilitate a quicker introduction of new products and services to customers.
Q.Which specific service areas will benefit from the new IT infrastructure?
Which specific service areas will benefit from the new IT infrastructure?
The new systems are particularly focused on improving offerings in mobile entertainment, communications, the Internet of Things, and mobile financial services for Pakistani customers. This will expand their service portfolio.
Q.What will be the immediate impact on customers regarding 3G and 4G services after this investment?
What will be the immediate impact on customers regarding 3G and 4G services after this investment?
Following the merger, 38 million Mobilink customers will gain access to 4G services, while 12 million Warid customers will be provided with 3G. This updates the connectivity options for users.
Q.What other commitments has the operator made as part of these plans?
What other commitments has the operator made as part of these plans?
The operator plans to open approximately 1,500 joint Mobilink-Warid franchise shops across the nation. Also, a commitment has been made to the government to extend services into remote areas.
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