According to the GSMA’s ‘Making internet-enabled phones more affordable in low and middle-income countries’ 2022 Report, affordability is a key barrier for 3.4 billion people living in areas with mobile broadband coverage but not using mobile internet. The affordability of handsets remains a key barrier to mobile ownership and mobile internet adoption, particularly for women and rural populations. In Pakistan, 42 percent of cellular subscribers don’t use mobile broadband. Addressing the affordability barrier to mobile phone ownership in Pakistan, Jazz was the first local mobile operator to offer 4G smart feature phones at very affordable prices starting from PKR 4,500. Upon its purchase, users are provided free access to social media sites and free Jazz to Jazz calls during the first three months. Recently a new Digit 4G range, the touchscreen ‘Energy’ series, was launched offering more RAM, memory and better battery life. Aamir Ibrahim, CEO, Jazz said, “We have always remained focused on our commitment to ensuring digital services are available to everyone. However, one of the key barriers to achieving this ambition is affordability of internet-enabled handsets particularly amongst the women of Pakistan. The successful rollout of the Jazz Digit 4G smart feature phones highlights the potential of launching an industry-wide instalment-based ‘smartphone for all’ program with an effective regulatory cover to facilitate the purchase of smartphones among low-income groups.” Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA, said: At Jazz, one of the key priority areas is improving access to smartphones and the internet as these are fundamental requirements to digitally and financially empower millions, enabling them to access education, health and other life-enhancing services. Jazz also has a strong focus on bridging the digital gender gap. As part of the GSMA’s Connected Women Commitment Initiative, Jazz has committed to increasing the proportion of women in its mobile internet customer base by 8 percent by the end of 2023 with a dedicated focus on female smartphone ownership. JazzCash has already met its GSMA Connected Women target two years ahead of time with 22% women subscribed to JazzCash wallets. See Also: Jazz Monthly Supreme Bundle Offer