Ufone 4G & ConnectHear Partner to Deliver AI-Powered Assistive Technologies for Disaster Response
Islamabad: Ufone 4G, a prominent telecommunications provider in Pakistan, has announced a strategic partnership with ConnectHear, South Asia’s leading assistive technology startup, to revolutionize disaster response for Deaf communities nationwide. Supported by funding from the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges, this initiative will leverage advanced AI technology to deliver life-saving information to Deaf individuals during emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.PTCL Group Launches Pakistan’s First 800G Wavelength Division
With over 10 million Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals in Pakistan, inclusive communication during crises is vital. Pakistan is ranked among the top ten nations most affected by climate-related disasters, with severe floods in 2022 alone impacting over 30 million people. Communication networks often break down during such events, leaving Deaf individuals excluded from critical early warning systems due to language and accessibility barriers.
To address these challenges, the Ufone 4G-ConnectHear collaboration will enhance ConnectHear’s virtual interpretation capabilities for low-connectivity scenarios and develop an AI-based system that generates sign language alerts for early warnings. These innovations will enable real-time updates for Deaf communities, closing a significant gap in disaster communication.
Ufone’s robust telecom network, serving over 26 million subscribers, will be instrumental in distributing AI-driven sign language alerts to Deaf individuals nationwide. As part of the initiative, Ufone 4G will zero-rate the ConnectHear app, allowing users to access its services without requiring a data package or mobile balance. This approach eliminates financial and technical obstacles, ensuring that marginalized communities receive critical updates during disasters.
During the partnership announcement, Syed Atif Raza, Group Chief Commercial Officer at PTCL & Ufone 4G, remarked, “Timely and accurate information during emergencies is a lifeline, not just a service. Through our partnership with ConnectHear, we aim to bring inclusivity to disaster response by introducing AI-powered sign language alerts and providing free access to essential services. This collaboration underscores our commitment to leveraging technology to create a safer and more inclusive Pakistan.”
Arhum Ishtiaq, Co-Founder and CTO of ConnectHear, stated, “For nearly a decade, ConnectHear has led the way in assistive technology for Deaf communities. This partnership with Ufone 4G, supported by GSMA, empowers us to extend our reach and ensure accessibility even in challenging circumstances. By optimizing our services for low-bandwidth environments and automating sign language alerts, we are delivering real-time, life-saving information to Deaf individuals. We are deeply grateful to our partners and look forward to successfully implementing this groundbreaking project.”
Phillipe Bellordre, Head of the GSMA Innovation Fund, added, “This partnership epitomizes the transformative potential of technology in humanitarian contexts. By equipping Deaf individuals with AI-driven tools for accessing life-saving information, this initiative addresses critical communication gaps. At GSMA, we are proud to support a project that not only saves lives but sets a global benchmark for inclusive disaster preparedness.”
The GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges plays a pivotal role by financing the development and deployment of these technologies. GSMA’s support enables ConnectHear to refine its AI platform for low-bandwidth environments and collaborate with humanitarian agencies to produce automated sign language alerts. This aligns with GSMA’s mission of leveraging mobile technology for societal benefit, particularly during crises.
This initiative sets a new precedent for inclusive disaster response, combining AI, mobile technology, and cross-industry collaboration. Its successful implementation in Pakistan will serve as a model for other nations and humanitarian organizations to improve disaster preparedness for vulnerable populations.
About Ufone
Ufone, a subsidiary of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), became part of the Etisalat Group in 2006 after PTCL’s privatization. It began operations on January 29, 2001, and remains a key player in Pakistan’s telecom sector.
About ConnectHear
ConnectHear is South Asia’s largest assistive technology startup, specializing in AI-powered sign language recognition and interpretation. Serving nearly 30,000 Deaf users and enabling over 1 million minutes of virtual interpretation, ConnectHear collaborates with over 100 corporate partners, including banks, government agencies, and healthcare institutions, to drive accessibility solutions.
About GSMA
The GSMA represents mobile operators worldwide and fosters innovation to address global challenges. Through its Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges, GSMA supports mobile technology solutions that improve outcomes for vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to critical services during crises.
