LAHORE: Global provider of telecommunication services Veon, on Wednesday, teamed up with Mobilink’s Jazz to introduce to the Pakistani market their independent Internet facility, which the subscribers can avail even when they run out of balance. They launched with a big bang, holding a press conference for media during the day, followed by a concert at night. Jazz Chief Executive Officer Aamir Ibrahim, while talking exclusively to Daily Times, said, “We thought it was about time a service like this was brought forth in the market, where Internet usage is mandatory and an integral part of our lifestyle. For starters, Veon has launched with Jazz, but users of other networks can also avail this.” Also present at the launch was Veon Chief Commercial & Digital Officer Christopher Schlaffer along with other spokespersons and eminent executives from Jazz. “We are proud to announce the launch of Veon which is a unique and innovative platform that holds the answer to all our communication needs. From calls to messages, personalised content for our users, to offers and deals, mobile wallet and contextual internet services, Veon holds the power to radically alter consumer behaviour vis-à-vis mobile communication. It is a new Internet, where people can depend on one true source, one reliable platform, and a place to go as a first stop, a place to begin. It provides all that the Internet has to offer, in one place, further empowering users in Pakistan,” Christopher Schlaffer said, while addressing the media. Off late, there has been a surge in the number of Internet users in the country, and to stay connected even when one’s balance runs out is a dream come true for many, especially those who are not on their data plans. Jazz seems to be going from strength to strength, having recently acquired Abu Dhabi’s mobile carrier in Pakistan, Warid. Being on board with Veon as their first telco partner, Jazz can now look for more profitable ventures to further strengthen its game. While answering a question, an executive at Jazz stated how the cost of the venture would not be balanced by charging the customer over something else; this was entirely for the benefit and ease of Internet addicts and the brand is taking care of that. “I just want the people to know that their ease and comfort is the top priority for us, and we would like them to stay as engaged and involved as possible,” Aamir Ibrahim further said, while talking to Daily Times. The platform promises to completely revolutionise the digital landscape of the country and how Pakistanis communicate. There was also an “experience zone” for the media present at the launch premises to use the platform and immerse themselves. The platform will help develop a complete Internet eco-system in the country and facilitate smartphone adoption in Pakistan, in addition to radically increasing Internet adoption. Will Veon deliver in mustering a clientele that recommends this to all others? Time will tell. Published in Daily Times, October 13th 2017.