SIM reverification drive, under which each and every SIM in Pakistan is supposed to get re-verified through biometric verification system, is likely to impact the overall outlook of Pakistani cellular industry.
According to industry experts, a total reshuffle in telcos’ ranking — in terms of subscribers — is not out of question, however, a lot will depend on how aggressive and effective each telco can get during next two months or so.
While it might seem little unfair, but the fact is that cellular companies will have to re-verify subscribers that they attained in decades, that too with-in just 90 days. All un-verified subscribers after the deadline will get blocked.
Experts, while discussing the issue with ProPakistani, said that any operator out-doing others during these three months will manage to grab a strong position in April 2015.
Sohaib Sheikh, a senior telecom expert, opined that telcos that adopted more transparent and legitimate approach towards achieving sales during past few years will win re-verification race. “However, a strong strategy during verification drive can surely out-run legit sales during past decade or so and hence it is extremely important for telcos to make sure that they are able to mobilize their customers for re-verification of their SIMs”, said Mr. Sheikh.
Telcos might get little more time after 90 days as a buffer , anticipated Sohaib Sheikh.
While industry agrees that very cellular company will lose customers, apparently no one is chattering about the final ranking of telcos that we may get after the re-verification.
If we consider that everyone will lose customers in equal proportion then Mobilink — as being the largest operator — will have the biggest share of churned customers. Not to mention, according to this assumption, Warid will become the least impacted operator.
Experts said that SIM reverification drive will get us more clearer picture about the industry positioning and operators with better quality of service, better support and loyal customers will out-shine others.
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