Islamabad:Earlier this month Xiaomi Inc., one of the world\u2019s leading smartphone manufacturers, made headlines for allegedly being \u2018banned\u2019 in Pakistan. The news, which caught the attention of tech geeks and mobile enthusiasts alike, surfaced after an e-commerce website by the name of Xiaomipk.com posted an email from Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) asking them to cease their operations.
\nThrough further investigation it was found out that the site was run by a third party vendor who posed as an affiliate of Xiaomi Inc.
\nThe third-party had earlier cited bias in PTA\u2019s decision to stop them from selling the smartphones. This created speculation that other mobile brands were behind the ban to prevent a potentially strong, competitive rival from entering the market.
\nBut did PTA really bow down to the demands of key players in Pakistan\u2019s mobile phone market?
\nAccording to the Telecom Act 1996, devices such as mobile phones have to be “type approved” by PTA before being sold in the country. This is not only the case in Pakistan, but all over the world. Xiaomipk.com ignored proper business protocol and was operating without obtaining said approvals.
\nPTA spokesperson, Khurram Mehran said that the only application they received was for the sale of Xiaomi Mi 4i smart phone, but that too from a different vendor.
\n“As part of evaluation process the device documentation was reviewed and Operating System Testing was performed. During evaluation it was revealed that Mi 4i device has certain features which are not in accordance with the required specifications and legal provisions, therefore, type approval has yet not been granted.\u201d
\nWhile it may not be abundantly clear what these features are, vendors may submit their applications again after fulfilling PTA\u2019s requirement. It is important to note that once type approval is granted, anyone can market and sell the smartphone. Until that happens, imports of Xiaomi phones will also be stopped at customs, even if you buy it on e-commerce websites such as AliExpress.com.
\nXiaomi wanted ‘illegal site’ shut down
\nIt is clear that Xiaomi Inc. had no actual hand in the whole debacle.
\nAccording to Xiaomi\u2019s Communications Manager, Kaylene Hong, it is the exact opposite.
\n“Xiaomi has a very good working relationship with the PTA and we believe that with PTA\u2019s support, we will be able to sell Xiaomi smartphones soon in Pakistan through partners,\u201d she said. Hong also clarified that currently Xiaomi is not selling smart phones in Pakistan, calling reports of such information misleading.
\nHong also denied Xiaomi Inc. having any connections with Xiaomipk.com and appreciated the actions PTA had taken against the unauthorized reseller who was infringing on their policy and copyright.
\n\u201cWe have requested the domain web host to immediately take steps to take down the illegal website which is an infringement of Xiaomi\u2019s intellectual property rights,\u201d she added.
\nThe episode has caused Xiaomipk.com to pack their bags and shut down operations. Perhaps the only positive outcome of this situation has been the level of interest the populace has shown in the company\u2019s devices.
\nWhile Xiaomi Inc. has outlined their expansion plan for other countries, Pakistan seems to be missing on the map. Hopefully recent events cause them to consider, or at the very least get type approval from PTA for private buyers to import Xiaomi devices from online stores.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Islamabad:Earlier this month Xiaomi Inc., one of the world\u2019s leading smartphone manufacturers, made headlines for allegedly being \u2018banned\u2019 in Pakistan. The news, which caught the attention of tech geeks and mobile enthusiasts alike, surfaced after an e-commerce website by the name of Xiaomipk.com posted an email from Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) asking them to cease […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-business"],"yoast_head":"\n