We have seen much boom in internet broadband market in Pakistan; situation is much better than the recent years. Now we can have 1 MB link in less than Rs. 2,000 which was as high as Rs. 60,000 just couple of years ago; thanks to LinkDotNet and PTCL.
However, we are still required to compete hard when it comes to the customer services and number of broadband customers in the country, which are merely one hundred and thirty thousands. And I believe, customer services become vital to increase the strength. We have got huge number of heads in our country, now exceeding 160 million mark, so if service is offered in good manners, no doubt that inhabitants will love to acquire it.
When compared with India, situation is quite satisfactory as we are not lacking far behind. Broadband in India is still capped with download limit contrary to a free hand given to customers here in Pakistan. This particular package named as BSNL 500 Combo offers 215 Kbps speed in 500 Indian Rupees, however, you have liberty of un-metered download only at night; in addition BSNL also offer no line rent and 175 free local calls with the bundle.
Pakistan Government should now look forward at strategies to offer free internet to some selected segment. Obviously it would be nothing less than day dreaming if we think of free internet for everyone, but school and universities should get this free internet treat at least. We know that Bangladesh has offered free broadband internet for more than 40,000 state-run primary schools. Not only this, you can get broadband internet in Bangladesh at 25 percent of rack rates if you are a school, even the private one.
India also announced last year they are going to offer free 2 MB internet broadband link to every citizen by year 2009. Okay, don’t do that “Free for All” in Pakistan, but we may start with our schools, universities, libraries etc….to at-least kick things going.
To the person who wrote this article :
My friend , FREE means anti-competitive and leads to monopolization. Look at what Etisalat ( which incidently a foreign government) is doing . It has already eliminated more than 80% of the internet companies due to predatory policies and the remaining 20% are likely to go soon. Just compare what they charge in Dubai vs what are they charging here and maybe you will understand whats in store for the future.
Companies like Orascom , Wateen , Telenor and others are running around trying to divest out of Pakistan. Our regulator the mighty PTA is bullying the smaller operators while they are being raped by PTCL’s managment. Lets also not forget the fact that the management of PTCL at this time is illegal and faces a legal challenge as both sides have not stood by the agreement. Would you hand over your car to someone who gave you a 10% down payment … well this was done by our rulers and it wasnt the car, it was 2 Billion in assets !
Its a sad and shameful state of affairs , and if you think the situation is all roses , maybe you need to look a little closer.
NH
Sana Mohmmad 4-10-1993
[email protected]
[email protected]
Moro-Pakistan
Muhammad Siddique Memon
At the time you wrote this post Pakistan had one of the largest wimax deployment in the world and tariffs were a lot less then what we had in India at that time.. I haven’t checked what the tariffs are these days in Pakistan .. not that much has changed in India in the last two years.
Wireless broadband and 3g might bring about a change in India in the near future but things don’t look too rosy just yet. The prices are still extremely high for a decent broadband connection as compared to countries like UK and other European countries.
I hope all the South Asian countries get their act together and do something to make broadband a reality for the masses soon.
Parminder Chahal