Earlier, reports emerged that mobile users will not be able to download Google Play Store services from December 01, 2022, as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has suspended payment of $34 million to international service providers.
According to the reported details, the SBP suspended the Direct Carrier Billing (DCB) mechanism, so payment of $34 million on an annual basis through mobile companies to international service providers, including Google, Amazon, and Meta, etc, got stuck up.
It is being reported that Google services such as downloading apps will be unavailable. The outstanding payment of $34 million was due, so their services for downloading of Google App Store will no more be available if the outstanding amount was not cleared.
Read more: Google launches Pixel 7 to up its smartphone game
Customers in Pakistan will now be forced to download Google and other foreign apps in order to make purchases using credit cards or debit cards exclusively. However, because the credit card option is only available to a certain number of consumers, the majority of mobile users might not be able to download programs from the Google Play Store.
The government has yet to release a clarification regarding the matter. The news report making the rounds has raised alarm as services of Google Play Store being unavailable can greatly impact Pakistan’s telecom sector.
https://twitter.com/amatulmateenoor/status/1596430049426931713?s=20&t=9wUEEKB6qOfRkcTpKalDbw
Alright! Bad days are over get ready for the worst!
Mobile customers won’t be able to get Google Play Store services starting on Dec 1, 2022, after the State Bank of Pakistan blocked the payment of $34M to international service providers.https://t.co/FhVa0AMRnD#shameonSBP— Ahtsham Altaf (@imahtshamaltaf) November 26, 2022
This will be devastating for digital economy of 🇵🇰 if true. @StateBank_Pak pl address this on priority basis @MIshaqDar50 @MoIB_Official@CMShehbaz @MoitOfficial
Google Play Store services to be unavailable in Pakistan from Dec 1 https://t.co/YTwtd64ulQ
— Asad Ali Shah (@Asad_Ashah) November 26, 2022
Is it true or what? @PTAofficialpk
There's a new reason everyday to leave this place. https://t.co/eQaMTYknro— Syed Muhammad Ibrahim Chishti (@ibrahim_chishti) November 26, 2022
The news report also comes at a time when Google is ready to begin its operations in Pakistan. PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah had earlier revealed that a delegation of Google will visit Pakistan on December 11 to start operations. The platform will also provide 15,000 scholarships to Pakistani citizens after starting operations in Pakistan.
Read more: Google to soon begin operations in Pakistan
The senator had further said the government will extend the scope of Google services in Pakistan which will as a result lead to increased job opportunities for the Pakistani youth.