PTCL for a long time remained a very attractive client along with CBR (Now FBR) Wapda, Central Directorate of National Savings and Ministry of Information as no company like Mobilink and other telecom giants were on the scene.
Due to size of media by PTCL and monopoly PTCL distributed its different campaigns among Midas, MPL, Interflow and Orient. These big companies were very keen and worked hard to get PTCL prequalification competition.
But, now if we look at the company what they have is very rare print ad and TV commercial on the media. While all the news papers and TV channels are occupied by the Mobile companies. They have huge advertising budgets and a motivation to expand and modernize their services. Now Cellular companies have hired experts of international repute and they are doing well and testing new tactics to get more share of business.
On the other end PTCL was first dragged by the confrontation of workers and the government on privatization and then between workers and Etisalat. Before 2001, getting a job in PTCL was considered a pride with attractive salary and other benefits but after privatization it is no way near to that mark. Though PTCL administration has recently revised the packages of the workers, but the glory is a gone thing for the company and its workers now.
Though we understand that wired communication is facing downfall worldwide, but PTCL’s revenues have seen a significant decline which is for sure more than of global trends.
The only hope for the revival of company is internet and value added services with committed work force. PTCL has a chance of diversifying its channels from basic wired telephony to a variety of services including IPTV, broadband internet and wireless telephony and internet. This is what global landline giants are doing… they are shifting their core products from wired telephony to other areas.
During the last year, PTCL has tried its best by offering long local calls and free long distance calls through Pakistan package. Now I would like to suggest the following initiatives to improve the image and standard of services of PTCL.
We know that PTCL tried well to rebrand itself, with tagline “Feel the Defference” but it was really not felt amongst the masses. If truly followed the spirit, there is no reason that PTCL can again become the most revenue generating company of Pakistan.
We have already had an experiment of National “Highways and Motorway Police” with new spirit and commitment. These personnel’s were mostly rejected from the police department and when they were offered an honorable status, professional training, good pay, they are the best force of Pakistan. Capital Police is another success story.
This type of strategy is also required for the revival of PTCL otherwise ….
Let’s prey and wish a success for the past pride of the nation to a new journey of success.
