Pak Telecommunication Mobile Limited (PTML / PTCL), commonly known as Ufone, is a leading GSM cellular service provider in Pakistan. In collaboration with e& (Etisalat and), they introduced the country’s first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) or MVNA/MVNE called Onic Pakistan.
As of July 2023, Onic Pakistan has been promoting itself on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter with the tagline “Discover digital independence with Onic: epic features & endless opportunities!” Interested individuals can visit their website onic.pk or fill out a short Sign Up form on their Facebook page to join the Founders Club.
On Thursday, July 26th, 2023, a selected group of people who completed the Sign-Up form received an invitation email containing a link to a Google Form. The form required users to sign in with their Google account to ensure that the beta Android app invitation would be sent to the right individuals, linked to their Google Play account.
Later that evening, eligible Google account holders received an email titled “Onic Trials: On your marks, Get set…,” presenting an enticing trial plan for early testers. This exclusive plan is priced at only PKR 123.00/- instead of PKR 1090/- and includes the following features for 30 days:
- 30GB Data
- 500 Minutes (all-networks)
- 1000 SMS (all-networks)
- Plan Price: Rs.123/-
- Physical SIM Price: Free
- Delivery: Free
- Biometric Verification at the time of delivery: Free
- Delivery Cities: Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi
During the initial testing phase, a 14.08MB Android app v1.5.1 was offered, allowing users to obtain a physical new SIM number. Beta users went through an email address and mobile number verification process using OTP (One-Time Password) and had the option to select a number with the prefix 0339. Notably, the 033X prefix is allocated to Ufone, making it the same network. The app provided various tiers of number selection, ranging from free options to numbers priced at 25,000/- rupees.
Upon making the payment, subscribers in the mentioned cities received their SIM card welcome pack on July 27th, 2023, through riderTPL logistics. Each rider was equipped with a Biometric Verification Solution (BVS) Scanner to facilitate the SIM issuance during delivery. The BVS device used was the HYF BH502-A model by Shenzhen Herofun Bio-Tech Co., Ltd., similar to the one employed by HBL Konnect and Zong.
Steps to Grab an Onic SIM
As of the time of writing this article, the beta app for Onic can only be downloaded if the app publishers have added your email address, and your Google Play account is set to Pakistan’s store. Here’s the Google Play beta app link for future reference: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pk.com.onic
To get started, simply register an account and verify your mobile number and email address using the OTP (One-Time Password) provided. Ensure that you have an available slot on your CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) as you can have a maximum of 5 SIMs. You can check the availability of slots by visiting: https://cnic.sims.pk
Once you’ve completed the registration process, you can proceed to order the service. A helpful tip: Begin by selecting the “Testing 123” package priced at Rs.123 and then configure a number of your choice. This will prevent any issues, such as encountering a “400 status error” during checkout.
Note apk file size 14.09MB, and MD5 Hash: 2C1C62FF614AAEB5E79DAA6980DB8F96
No Malware or Virus was found. VirusTotal Report is at Download Onic APK (the detail tab must verify the same MD5 above for the apk to ensure of no tampering). You can compare hash from any MD5 tool online.
Once your SIM card is scheduled for delivery on the selected day or time slot, you will receive a tracking number via SMS to keep you informed about the delivery status.
Upon receiving the SIM card, you will need to proceed with the biometric finger verification using the device provided by the rider. After completing the verification process, you can activate the SIM by either entering the 19-20 digits ICCID number manually or scanning the barcode on the SIM jacket.
Please note that the activation process may take up to 24 hours to complete before your SIM becomes fully functional and ready for use.
Based on the statistics of over 1,000 downloads from Google Play and considering offloading, it is reasonable to speculate that there are approximately 1,000 users currently trialing the app at the time of writing this post.
While the overall app flow was smooth and user-friendly, there were a few issues to note. In some instances, the price was displayed in Singaporean Dollars (SGD) with the SGD symbol, instead of being represented in Pakistani Rupees (Rs.), which might lead to confusion among users.
Additionally, there were some problems with the FAQ section, as it contained faulty answers that were not related to the questions posed. This could potentially cause frustration or inconvenience for users seeking accurate information.
Overall, despite these minor hiccups, the app seems to be gaining traction and attracting a significant number of users for its trial phase.
It is expected that iOS users will receive a TestFlight invite soon, allowing them to participate in the beta trial of the app on their Apple iPhones.
Once the eSIM functionality is enabled within the app, it will become the most cost-effective eSIM option in Pakistan. Compared to Ufone’s offering, which charges Rs. 2500/- for eSIM issuance, and Jazz, another network, charging a steep Rs. 5000/- without any transfer facility, Onic’s eSIM option will be available for free. This makes it a highly attractive and budget-friendly choice for users seeking eSIM services.
It’s worth noting that a non-PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) phone was tested with a physical Onic SIM, and it worked successfully. However, the future compatibility of non-PTA phones with the Onic SIM might be uncertain, as regulations and technical requirements could change over time.
Easy Steps to Order ONIC SIM
Step 1: Download App using above Mentioned Download Button
Step2: Install and Singup using active Email ID
Step3: Verify Email using OTP
Step4: Go to Home Screen using App icon (Left Top corner)
Step5: Click on TESTING PACKAGE
Step6: Select New SIM Option (Don’t Choose Transfer Option)
Step 7: Enter Personal Details
Step8: Book your SIM Delivery Date and Time
Step 9: Select Payment Option (Jazz Cash or Easypaisa)
Pay via Selected Option and Wait for Booked Date and Time. Rider Deliver your SIM after Biometric Verification.
