Pakistan Railways Cannot Equip Trains With WiFi: PTA

Pakistan Railways cannot employ its existing telecommunications license to directly provide commercial internet services like WiFi to passengers, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority informed the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication.

Key points

• Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
• Add as a preferredSource on Google Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp.
• According to PTA, Pakistan Railways at present provides internet connectivity on only three to five trains through cellular mobile operators.
• PTA clarified that the license is limited to Pakistan Railways' own employ and does not permit the department to provide public or commercial telecommunications services.
• PTA remarked Pakistan Railways could expand Wi-Fi services to more trains by entering into commercial agreements with licensed cellular or satellite operators.

In a written report submitted to the committee, PTA remarked Pakistan Railways had been granted a special license under Section 5(2)(a) of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganization) Act, 1996.

In practice, the license allows the department to establish, operate and maintain a dedicated telecommunications system for noncommercial data and value-added services required for its institutional operations. Banks Cut Agri-Business Loans While Farmers Obtain More.

PTA clarified that the license is limited to Pakistan Railways' own employ and does not permit the department to provide public or commercial telecommunications services. The regulator remarked the restriction is additionally consistent with the Telecom Policy 2015, under which purpose-specific licenses issued to administration, semigovernment and autonomous organizations do not authorize commercial operations.

According to PTA, Pakistan Railways at present provides internet connectivity on only three to five trains through cellular mobile operators. Internationally, onboard train internet services are generally delivered through terrestrial telecommunications networks, satellite connectivity, or a combination of both.

PTA remarked Pakistan Railways could expand Wi-Fi services to more trains by entering into commercial agreements with licensed cellular or satellite operators. Under this model, onboard WiFi networks would connect to cellular or satellite backhaul, allowing the department to expand passenger internet access through a legally permissible arrangement. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

Obtain the latest tech news, telecom insights, and product launches wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover.

Taken together, the developments around pakistan Railways Cannot Equip Trains With WiFi: PTA point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.