[dropcap]J[/dropcap]azz was formerly known as Mobilink–Pakistan Mobile Telecommunications Limited (PMCL). In November 2015, it announced a merger with WaridTel Pakistan, both companies re-launched under the ‘Jazz’ brand name. Both merged companies now collectively serve 50 million subscribers in Pakistan. Jazz has over 8,500 active cell sites in the country, with over 6,500 kilometers of Fiber Optic cable laid.
Huawei, Nokia-Siemens, Alcatel and ZTE are the primary vendors for networking equipment at Jazz, including Radio Base Stations, Microwave equipment and network switches
Over 20 cities are also covered under Jazz’s recently launched LTE service as well. Jazz uses Ericsson for its intelligent networks and Acision for its SMSC. Jazz has invested over 3.9 billion US dollars in their network.
In March 2017, Jazz inaugurated their new state-of-the-art Network Operations Center (NOC), it uses IBM and Dell EMC to manage day-to-day network operations and provides the company with 24×7 network surveillance. The inauguration of this NOC caused minor network outages for users in some areas, however, as the facility has become fully operational, all network related issues have been resolved.
Mobilink’s participation in the 2014 NGMS Auction held by PTA allowed them to bid for the 3G license, which included a 10 MHz block in the 2100 MHz band. In July 2014, they announced that they would have the country’s largest network with over 9000 3G-ready cell sites. Mobilink did not bid for any LTE spectrum in the 2014 NGMS auction.
Post-merger with WaridTel, Jazz was able to use Warid’s technology neutral license allowing them to become an LTE network using a 5 MHz block in the 1800 MHz band. Jazz is currently in the process of decommissioning Warid cell sites and bringing the Warid customers on to the new network.
This process is slow and is happening in stages, Warid customers are being told to replace their SIM cards with new ones issued from Jazz offices or franchises across the country.
Spectrum reframing is also planned to allow more spectrum to be allocated to LTE, thus allowing Jazz to stay in competition with Zong.
In May 2017, Jazz won the 2017 NGMS auction held by PTA. This includes a 10 MHz block in the 1800 MHz (FDD-LTE Band 3) frequency to be used for Jazz LTE, whereas the current 5 MHz block is Warid’s spectrum that is unlikely to have its license renewed in the future.
Jazz has tested VoLTE over its network with its partners Huawei and Nokia, announced in a press statement. It is currently unclear what frequency band Jazz will use to roll out this service, but it is the first operator in Pakistan to prepare for the launch of VoLTE in the country
Jazz partnered with Haier Mobile to launch co-branded devices ready for use on their network. These include feature phones and affordable smart phones. They are available for purchase at Mobilink Sales and Service Centers.
Jazz had partnered with Waseela Microfinance Banking to make an entry into the branchless banking market, initially launched under the MobiCash brand name; it was later changed to JazzCash.
It is a direct competitor to Telenor’s Easypaisa. It allows users to pay bills, send and receive money and purchase top-ups for prepaid mobile numbers. It also has an application available on the Google Play Store that allows users easier access to the JazzCash portal, rather than using the USSD menu to conduct transactions.
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Jazz Business is a department of Jazz whose primary aim is to provide Enterprise Solutions for Businesses in Pakistan. Jazz Business Mobile consists of full control over Postpaid Plans, namely Postpaid Pro and Postpaid Control, Mobile Data, Device Plans and International Roaming.
Jazz also offers ‘Business Line’ which allows for one mobile phone number to have multiple extensions such as those possible with a fixed line service, however without the need of equipment at the customer premises.
Jazz offers numerous Enterprise Solutions ranging from simple Voice Solutions to Managed Services and various Connectivity Solutions. Jazz provides many suitable connectivity solutions in collaboration with LinkDotNet, such as Domestic MPLS, DIA, Leased 3G Access Service. Jazz’s MDM allows for Freedom, Customization and Remote Management. This is achieved using Samsung’s KNOX security platform.
More than one third of the total franchise outlets of both Warid and Jazz will close down as the two organizations strengthen their franchise network after a merger past year. No Jazz employees have been affected by the closure of these franchises in the country. The combined strength of the permanent employees of both Warid and Jazz, including sales centre employees, is about 4,000.
Above 51 million customers are being served by a combined support network of more than 400 franchises across the country. A support programme has been developed for those franchises which are no longer part of Jazz.
Warid customers can also use Jazz scratch cards and Jazz Load to recharge their balance and avail the complete Jazz experience through a network of over 400 franchises and 32 sales centers.
Jazz announced that it is consolidating the Jazz and Warid franchise network as part of the integration process, following its merger with Warid.
Over 51 million customers will be served by a combined support network of more than 400 franchises across the country. All franchises will now operate as combined franchisees. This will significantly increases access to Jazz franchises across Pakistan especially in far flung areas.
The consolidation process has resulted in the closure of around a third of the total franchises from both Jazz and Warid. A support programme has been developed for those no longer part of the Jazz Franchise network.
Franchise integration will offer an excellent service to customers and safeguard the long-term growth of franchises, partners, and employees and Jazz itself.
Warid Customers can also use Jazz Scratch cards and Jazz Load to recharge their balance and avail the complete Jazz experience through a network of over 400 franchises.
Existing Jazz customers will benefit from the enlarged Franchise network giving them even greater access to the services they enjoy.
Using 400 merged franchises, Warid customers will also be able to enjoy all Jazz offers and can also use Jazz Scratch cards and Jazz Load to recharge their balance and will be able to enjoy the good experience with the company.
The existing customers will also get benefits from the network which will allow them to access the services they enjoy.
All Warid users will buy a new SIMs to continue using the (3G or 4G) service. For the legacy of the SIMs of all Warid users (old non-4G SIMs), will have to take their SIMs replaced in order to use 3G or 4G services. All the users of Warid 4G compatible SIMs can still using the same SIMs. Jazz users still use their old SIMs (for 2G or 3G); however, they can also promote their SIMs if they wish to use 4G services from the company.
After the completion of both Jazz and Warid companies combination the old Warid SIMs cannot be work. For that reason all Warid users with non-4G SIMs will promote their SIMs within the specific time. Jazz tells that it will inform all the Warid users to promote their SIMs.