Key Takeaways
- Pakistan Railways cannot provide commercial internet services to passengers.
- The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) clarified the limitations of Pakistan Railways' existing telecom license.
- Wi-Fi services can be expanded through commercial agreements with cellular operators.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that Pakistan Railways is unable to provide commercial internet services to passengers due to the limitations of its existing telecom license.
In a written report submitted to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, the PTA stated that Pakistan Railways holds a special telecom license limited to institutional use and non-commercial services.
According to the PTA, the license does not permit Pakistan Railways to offer public or commercial telecom services, which includes internet connectivity for passengers.
Currently, Pakistan Railways provides internet connectivity on only three to five trains through cellular operators, but this arrangement is not under its direct control.
The PTA has suggested that Pakistan Railways can expand Wi-Fi services by entering into commercial agreements with cellular operators. This would allow the installation of Wi-Fi networks on trains to be connected to the backhaul networks of telecom companies.
Under such arrangements, Pakistan Railways can increase internet availability on its trains while operating within the limits of its existing license.
The PTA emphasized that government institutions holding such specific licenses are not permitted to operate as commercial telecom operators, further clarifying the restrictions on Pakistan Railways.
This clarification comes as a response to public inquiries regarding the lack of internet services on trains, highlighting the need for a partnership model to enhance connectivity.
