The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has asked PTA once again to direct Mobilink to sell unlocked Blackberry handsets compared to locked handsets which can’t be used on other networks.
In a statement issued by CCP, the commission has also warned Mobilink to stop practicing this activity along with a letter to PTA to get it implemented.
CCP, the successor of Monopoly Control Authority (MCA), passed the order on a show-cause notice issued by the MCA to Pakistan Mobile Communications Ltd (Mobilink GSM). The show-cause notice was issued in July 2007 under Section 11 of the MRTPO for carrying on unreasonable restrictive trade practices.
Mobilink that brought Blackberry services in Pakistan is not even subsidizing Blackberry Devices; (meaning that they are selling Blackberry devices at original price) even then they sell network locked handsets (which means Blackberry handsets sold by Mobilink can’t be used with Ufone or Warid’s network)
Mobilink Blackberry® Phone Prices: (All LOCKED)
Blackberry Pearl 8120 – PKR. 27,000/-
Blackberry Curve 8320 – PKR. 29,000/-
Blackberry Huron 8800 – PKR. 34,000/-
Blackberry Bold 9000 – PKR. 40,000/- to 45,000/- (Expected availability in September-October 2008 )
Warid Blackberry® Phone Prices: (All UNLOCKED)
Blackberry Pearl 8120 – PKR. 25,000/-
Blackberry Curve 8310 – PKR. 28,000/-
Blackberry Huron 8820 – PKR. 31,000/-
Ufone Blackberry® Phone Prices: (All UNLOCKED)
Blackberry 8700 – PKR. 18,000/-
Blackberry Pearl 8100 – PKR. 24,000/-
Blackberry Curve 8300 – PKR. 25,000/-
Blackberry Huron 8800 – PKR. 29,000/-
[Prices Via Mobile Pakistan Blog]
A review of these prices reveal that Mobilink’s prices for Blackberry handsets are actually higher than of Ufone and Warid, which are selling unlocked Blackberry handsets.
CCP has currently asked Mobilink to advertise the SIM lock features of their blackberry handsets, and educate their customers that they will not be able to use these devices with other networks. However, in my openion, they must stop selling locked handsets or they must subsidize Blackberry handsets.
It merits mentioning here that you can’t get Mobilink Blackberry services on devices that are not purchased from Mobilink.
Ammir, its always wonderful to read your comments n facts regarding the telecom sector in Pakistan however kindly re-check the price of Blackberry Huron 8800 – PKR. 34,000/- according to my source its for Rs 29000/- and the latest Huron 8820 is for Rs 34000/-
@ Ardisher
Thanks for your kind words; okay i will re-check these prices and will update them…!
Regards
Hey there that is exactly how I feel too as I bought a blackberry curve from mobilink and now am relectant on switching to ufone or warid cause my phone is locked :( additionally please do let me know if a Blackberry Bold is available for sale as I am eagerly waiting for it.
([email protected])
hi i live in the US i have blackberry curve 8310, ill be moving into karachi in two weeks. I was wondering if I can use my unlocked blackberry set and get the BIS service or do i have to buy a blackberry from them to use it? my bb is unlocked
I went to one of their customer centres in F10 and they really didn’t have a clue. Maybe they should include training for their franshisees as part of their bsuiness strategy.
I’ve still got Ufone postpaid, is there ANY advantage left in having a postpaid connection anymore?
Hey everyone , Have a look at http://www.homeshopping.pk . They are offering the best price for unlocked Blackberry phones. Instead of buying these phones for so expencive from service providers you can get the same phones for a great discounted prices and also get them delivered to your house anywhere in pakistan .
The latest price at homeshopping.pk are
BlackBerry Pearl 8110 Rs 15,999/-
BlackBerry pearl 8120 with GPS and WIFI Rs 16,999/-
BlackBerry Huron 8820 With GPS and WIFI 21,000/-
BlackBerry Curve 8300 Rs 20,500 /-
BlackBerry Curve 8310 with GPS Rs 20,999/-
BlackBerry Curve 8320 with GPS and WIFI (silver) Rs 24,999/-
BlackBerry Bold 9000 Rs 57,999/-
BlackBerry KickStart 9100 Flip Phone Rs 45,000/-
All Phones are 100% Brand New and 100% original .
for more info you can call them at 0323-2030440
very good but the warranty is only for 7 days!!!!!. this is just like a landa shop or the very-well known pathan shops where you come and replace items if faulty.and what if there is an internal fault within the phone which a layman may not be able to spot within 7 days……………. he would be ruined.
Asslaam-o-Allaikum
Dear Kindfull Friends ….. I Have A Mobilink BlackBarry8830 World Adition So Prob Is That It Just Oprete I Simcard Of Jazz So is There Any Solution Of This ????
Can Unlock It ?
How To Unlock Online Please Email Me And Help
Thanksssssssssssssssssssssssssssss………….!
@AbdulRauf, Salam brother I have Black Berry 8120,i have same problem how to unlock it.did u get any Information so please E mail me @ [email protected],I want to use Zong In it.
Best Regards
Karar Hussain
Email Me At [email protected] thx
Salam brother I have Jazz Mobile Huawei T161L,i have same problem how to unlock it.did u get any Information so please.i want to use all all sim in mobile not only Jazz sim,
Lahore
03214853553
I have black berry 8320 curve and iwant to use internet wid zong as carrier.
Kindly if u know any thing about it help me…….
Blackberry pearl is for sale.
Specifications
White in color
Data cable
Original Charger
Packing
Pouch
2 Gb card included
Place-Lahore,Mandi Bahauddin
Price-13000
If anybody interested contact me on this number
0333-8017270
I have Black berry pearl 8100 brand new, and unlocked for sale, contact 03005153007 demand Rs. 15k final
This is very costlier. By the way i am alrady using an unlocked blackberry curve from http://www.unlocking4u.com/ at very low cost.I am having plan to buy another unlocked blackberry & present it to my dad.