Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) has challenged Islamabad High Court’s decision in Supreme Court regarding the fine of Rs. 82.496 million imposed on it by PTA for illegal use of extra radio frequency spectrum for it’s EVO services than it was originally allocated.
PTA – in a directive — had claimed that PTCL was allocated frequency band of 1975-1980 MHz and 1895-1900 MHz for use of its CDMA/WLL services. However, PTCL was using 1975-1981.875 and 1895-1901.875 MHz thus occupying extra 3.75 MHz of band not originally allocated to them.
PTCL was reportedly using this extra band in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, based on these findings, imposed a fine on PTCL in 2011, which was challenged by PTCL in Islamabad High Court by maintaining that PTA’s decision is unjust.
Islamabad High Court recently concluded the case in favour of PTA and dismissed PTCL’s petition by saying: “PTCL has failed to point out any illegality or infirmity in the impugned order, hence the appeal is dismissed”
Now, after all this, PTCL has approached Supreme Court of Pakistan against PTA’s original decision.
Supreme Court has asked PTA and five ISPs to submit their response on the matter.
It merits mentioning here that ISPAK had lodged a complaint with NAB (National Accountability Bureau) on the alleged extra use of spectrum by PTCL. Reportedly they had completed investigations on this and were at verge of registering a criminal case against PTCL but have shelved that due to pressure from high-ups.
Just to add, earlier this year, Ministry of IT had asked PTCL to abandon the extra spectrum.
Serves PTCL right. They have been blatantly abusing their monopoly but this is just another level. Imagine if some smaller service provider also used extra spectrum without permission and without paying, it will be considered a criminal offence.
The loss to the exchequer is huge! The 3.5 mhz of spectrum is being used for 4G which should be even more expensive than 3G. Assuming even from a conservative side that the Government reserve price for 3G is $400 million dollars for the 10mhz. 3.5 Mhz should be atleast worth $140 million dollars.
The PTCL by illegally using the spectrum has robbed Pakistan off $140 million dollars. This figure can go up if the actual auction price is more than 400 Million per 10Mhz block to be determined at the time of auction.
As a Pakistani citizen it really angers me that Etisalat/PTCL has been allowed to rob my country of
1) $800 million unpaid to Pakistan by Etisalat at the time of PTCL privatization. This figure really should be $1.4 billion if we take atleast 10% interest rate from 2007. Also higher figure is justified because underlying properties have also increased in value.
2) $125 Million a year in new ICH revenues that should be going to government.
3) $140 Million minimum from illegal use of spectrum.
Therefore this Etisalat / PTCL has robbed my country of atleast $1 billion!
(if we take interest then its close to $1.6 billion)
This Rs 82 Million fine is a joke. It is less than $1 million. The fine should be 1000x more alongwith arrests and criminal penalties.
Apparently we have people like you who are here to spell nonsense without any proof. Let the case happen and if PTCL loses I will be back here to apologise to you. For now I would trust a corporation over our government.
Mr. Javed Afidi, Be a Man, Apologize first then put your stance.
I am not here to offend anyone. I am willing to give PTCL a benefit of doubt as the case is still in process. My issue is with the government that has let me down more and any company in Pakistan. If the courts can prove their claim I assure you I will be the first person to come and apologise and admit my mistake.
Thank you for making your views clear.
While you’re busy trusting the Etisalat or PTCL corporation, please might as well polish some Arab boots. Here’s a link to information that may be helpful http://www.kiwicare.com/
I stand by my government.
100% agreed with you man.
Serve the Pakistan minters right, they got every right to provide mass communication (3g/4g) to Pakistani’s (benefiting common Pakistani ppl).. and 3G, its never coming!
Now Arsalan Chaudhry connection missing for PTCL ,So lets see how Supreme court moves on this.
Dear Aamir,
Why you are not reporting the news that PTCL has fired 250 employees including Managers, Senior Managers and General Managers yesterday without any notice.
Propakistani getting ads from them that’s why??
just think for a second if 3G is not auctioned till 2020 then we will be back to stoneage, where landline will be the only connectivity available (Max GSM speed is 4Kb in Pakistan) and dont think witibe/wateen can not any better!
Not trying to make this a political discussion that why I should clear something up, I also stand by the “Courts” but not with the government. That is one of the reasons why I said I will wait for the final decision on this case and admit for the lack of a better word “defeat” and apologise for been wrong.
PTCL is an organization that have not fixed its operations even after privatization. They have no focus on quality of services. This is a blunder that they have been using not allowed extra frequency spectrum.
They must really be fined. Supreme court should do give their decision fast.and force them to pay fine.
ajeeb e nizam hy es mulk me. jisay b haisiat/izzat do vo uska najaiz faida e uthata hy. aik aam zehniat hy ye es millat ki. smajh nae ati ye sb chal kesay raha hy es qadr chor bazari/na-insafi phr b qaim hy ye nizam.
bus bhai wo din door nhe jb is mulk ka ak ak fard dhoka zani main hoga…. ar wo din shayed bht jald anay wala hai.. Allah Paak reham karain is mulk par,,,
Sadly this Pakistan. The stronger can getaway with any thing. The rules and fines are for the weeker ;p
ptcl 2mb net ki limit check karnay ka koi tariqa hai?
I wish PTCL mafia could be eliminated or at least checked for the sake of humanity if not anything else!
PTCL 160 Employees Fired
PTCL 160 Employees Fired on Non-Performance Basis, Spokesman of PTCL said that 160 employees has been fired up from company basis on non-performance. PTCL administration fired more than 160 officers of company by forcibly resignations on the occasion of new year.
Admin:
Why there is no news on ProPakistani yet about termination of over 300 employees by PTCL
2 mb net ki limit portal par check hoti hai?
or student package ab bhi hai???