ISLAMABAD: Following the failure of Pakistan’s contract-based smartphone policy, Jazz has independently launched an installment-based smartphone offer.
ROX, a subsidiary of Jazz, on Tuesday introduced handsets from the UK-based company Nothing, offering them on installment plans to postpaid customers after a strict verification process.
The primary target market for the Nothing phones is Gen Z, with device prices ranging from Rs84,900 to Rs239,900, depending on the model.
Pakistan has been attempting to implement a Contract-Based Smartphone Policy for over two years. The policy aimed to enable telecom operators to offer smartphones on flexible installment plans. However, the rollout stalled as one of the four telecom operators, Zong, did not endorse the policy, ultimately leading to its failure.
In the meantime, fintech company Kistpay has been offering a wide range of smartphones on installment plans, and Ufone has also been promoting similar offerings on its website.
The Nothing product line will initially be available at 10 Jazz Centers in major cities across Pakistan and will soon be accessible for online purchase through the ROX app.
Speaking at the launch event, senior executives from Jazz noted the growing demand for smartphones and wearable devices such as earbuds and smartwatches. They expressed optimism that the government would eventually implement the installment-based smartphone policy.
According to the proposed policy, SIM cards of customers who default on payments would be blocked by all four telecom operators.
Jazz’s entry into the smartphone installment space marks a strategic shift as the company evolves into a full-fledged digital services provider. Its portfolio now includes fintech (JazzCash), entertainment (Tamasha), digital self-care (SIMOSA), InsurTech (FikrFree), enterprise cloud solutions (Garaj), and gaming (GameNow).
Commenting on the potential of Pakistan’s smartphone market, Rishi Kishor Gupta, Regional Director of Nothing MEA, said via a digital link that Pakistan’s rapidly growing smartphone market presents the ideal opportunity for Nothing to introduce its innovative technology and distinctive design language to a new generation of users.
