After December 1, consumers in Pakistan won’t be able to access Google Play Store services since the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has discontinued the direct carrier billing (DCB) system.
Restricted Credit option
Due to the restricted credit card options, users won’t need to use their bank cards to utilize the services, and the majority won’t be able to download applications from the Google Play Store.
Since the action may cause problems for consumers, the Telecom ministry, PTA, and cellular service providers have petitioned the SBP to request that the decision be overturned.
Worst economic challenges
In their letter to the SBP, the telcos stated, “It is pertinent to mention here that we all recognize the current challenge of the worsening economic conditions of the country and are open to working in an amicable way with the Regulator (SBP); as we are already working with them in case of the telecom sector imports related transactions to navigate through these trying times.
Due to Pakistan’s failure to make payments, the country owes $34 million to foreign service providers tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Meta may be forced to stop offering their services entirely.