PTCL SmartLink App: Make and Recieve Landline Calls through WiFi

Recently, PTCL released an Android app called SmartLink for customers who have subscribed to PTCL’s Broadband DSL service. The app uses your WiFi connection and allows you to make landline calls from your smartphone. Not only that, you can forward your landline calls to your smartphone through app and it also allows you to instant message and video call other SmartLink users.

Using the app, you can freely leave the house without missing any calls on your landline. Balance running out? Simply fire up the SmartLink up and use your landline to make the call. Other features of the app include the ability to watch over 150 channels that are available through the PTCL Smart TV service and PIA flight inquiries.

1

Availability:

Right now, the app is available in 5 cities: Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad and Peshawar with more cities expected to be added to the list soon.

How to use PTCL Smartlink:

If you want to avail the service, simply download the SmartLink app from here and click ‘Register’. Just fill out the registration form which requires details about your PTCL connection, Name, CNIC, Account ID, email and Cell number. Once the credentials you entered are verified, the app will be registered and SmartLink service will be activated.

PTCL will usually call you within 24 hours to validate your subscription but you can also call them yourself at 1236 to get started right away.

Features:

  • All you need to have is a PTCL Landline number, on which you will register your PTCL Smart app
  • Your landline number should be registered in: Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad and Peshawar
  • Once registered, you can make landline calls (with-in Pakistan) from PTCL Smart app
  • You can also receive calls for your registered PTCL number directly on your app — simply forward your landline number to your app
  • You can be on non-PTCL WiFi to use the Smart app
  • Your App-to-Landline calls will be charged as per your usual landline tariff
  • Laneline-to-app calls are free. Call forwarding should be enabled on your landline number as you have to forward calls to your PTCL smart app.
  • Your app-to-app voice/video calls and sms are absolutely free
  • Watch 150 Live TV Channels with PTCL SmartLink App — smart tv subscription required.
  • PTCL Smart App will also work with 3G.
  • PTCL Smart app is currently available for Android phones only

2

Service Charges:

The app is free to use and the SmartLink service doesn’t have any subscription charges.

Update

PTCL has confirmed ProPakistani that its SmarLink app is restricted for use only in Pakistan, i.e. anyone using this app from abroad won’t be able to use the app.

Moreover, the app is in beta and hence only one instance of subscription is allowed on a smartphone. More instances — meaning that multiple users using the same login on different smartphones — might get allowed after the launch.


      • Amir, I am logged in, however when I try to make call its calling using my cell phone and receiver is getting my cell number,
        Secondly when I play any channel its display error, what could be the issue. I am having Samrt TV and PTCL Broad band at home so it must run on my smart phone too.

      • @aamir7:disqus! I wanted to ask you, do you guys manage these comments at all? DOZENS of times my comments go into moderation and they NEVER come out from their “pending” status.

        Can you PLEASE do something about it? This is the single most thing discouraging me from posting at ProPakistani.

    • Bahi you need to have internet to use the app — chiyey 3G ho ya Wiif. Primary pre-requisite is to have an landline number that will be used for your registration on the app.

  • its not working on 3G and unable to receive the incoming call . voice is disconnected after 1 or 2 minutes. for TV you have to be already subscribed for 250 Rs i think . meanwhile a good step .. well done !!!!

    • its working good on 3G as well as on Edge…
      but for better quality it works better on Wi Fi…
      Love this application…

  • Strange .. PTCL is now promoting VoIP… The service is on SIP protocol. It is an opportunity for other operators to launch such services. Now VoIP is in the interest of PTCL so they will not oppose it :)

  • So technically I can be in another country and I don’t have to pay mobile roaming charges. I can just use this…

  • PTCL is the most innovative company in the telecom sector of Pakistan period.
    I was a Nayatel customer in Islamabad when I lived there and kept repeating to Nayatel sales person that PTCL was catching up and they need to provide more services in same prices otherwise PTCL will cross them. Now it looks like PTCL has crossed.

  • i have serious doubt on this:

    “Your App-to-Landline and Landline-to-app calls will be absolutely free”

  • Just called 1236, app will only work if you have smart tv subscription. app to app call is free (not a big deal as all app to app calls are free) and app to landline will be charged as per normal call.

    i think the article is not giving a clear cut pic as i have read same story on another tech related website and it was clearly mentioned there that

    “- Landline number Calling to any other Regular Call using the app > Charged as per landline number tariff”

    • Thank you for corrections. I had asked similar questions to a lady (named Sidra) at 1218 and she had confirmed that app-to-landline calls are free. I had to officially check with PTCL now and they confirmed that app-to-landline calls are charged as per usual tariff. Yes, they can be free if any package is availed.

    • It will be charged.If call is being transferred from landline number to mobile number, that charges will be added.PTCL should improve its quality first.This service will be useful when charges of transferred calls be free.

      • Also call transfer charges from landline to mobile are very high which will make this service very expensive.

          • How can mobile to landline and landline to mobile calls are treated local calls.These are the most expensive calls Guys.Just wait and see your expensive bills.

            • Hi Shoaib,
              SmartLink app itself has nothing to do with mobile network. The call forwarded from landline to App is treated as a local call. If you have an unlimited package on landline then that forwarded call would be treated as free. Cheers

              • Thanks.In my opinion technically it is not possible.But it is possible, other cellular operators like Telenor, Zong, Mobilink, Ufone, Warid etc can start the same service through 3G/4G.So the company who will maintain quality will succeed.So focus on quality.

                • Shoaib, you should try the app and the call forwarding functionality. I am sure you would see the call being transferred without the involvement of GSM number or connection. The app itself bears a local pstn number, which is why the call transfer from landline to app is treated as local call. Hope this clarifies the confusion.

      • Call transfer in this case is only to your App not to any mobile number. So essentially it is a Local call

        • Call transfer in this case is not to a local number so it is not a local call.It also comes under no package.Call transfer in this case is to application working on smart phone so it is call transferred to mobile number whose charges are very high.I already commented you have to wait to see inflated telephone bills.There is no free lunch all over the world.Just wait

          • Bro, the call is forwarded to your “Smart ID” (mentioned in your profile) it is not a mobile number,rather a local PSTN number. So the call transfer is not to your mobile number. and yes transfer is to Application, and application has its own number. Go to your profile in the application. you can even receive a direct call on that mobile number too.

    • Inorder to view smart tv then you need smart tv service active on your no. otherwise you are good to go for making voice calls

  • i am triying to register at smartlink ,but there is an error!

    1026- invalid PSTN number

    what is that? and how to register????

    what is PSTN number????

  • I m in ksa can I use this app please tell I m little confused about calling can I call the number I m associated with and other numbers from my app here in ksa

  • first of all very nice intiative by PTCL, just called to PTCL, all we need is landline no. with any dsl subscription to use this service, the best thing is we can use our no overseas as well. I have unlimited landline package for rs. 250

      • you can avail any PTCL package. Your app is just like a handset that runs on internet. You can use this app to avail any PTCL package that they are offering, including unlimited.

      • Agreed.Unlimited Rs 250/ package will not work here.Bills will be inflated as calls will be transferred to applications working on mobile numbers.No PTCL package will work in this case

      • Smart TV service on the app can be available with or without Smart TV connection. If you already have a connection, then Smart TV app is free, otherwise, it would cost 250. Furthermore, calling part would work regardless

    • This unlimited landline package of Rs 250 will not work for this service as calls will be transferred to applications working on mobile phones which are very expensive.

      • It will work. Since the call is being transferred to local number and not the mobile number :)

  • The question is can we make calls simultaneously by using an app and traditional landline phone???

  • Can two or more mobile user register one landline number in their android mobiles?
    Like our landline is being used by 4 ppls. can 4 ppl register one landline in their respective mobiles?

  • Can we have a non-techie non-PTCL and non-landline owner step by step guide on how to eventually get this service? Also, can there by more than one instances of app running? Meaning, can I have the app on my phone, my wife’s phone and my mother’s phone and the billing all compiles in one landline bill? Intrigued about this service.

    • I guess there is a limitation of one phone per landline. When I contact 1236, they were of the opinion that it would be available for multiple smart phones against one landline soon. Didnt give the dates though. Registration is simple. Download, install and press the registration button; it asks for form validation, once done, the service is through

      • How can it be expensive when the same tariff is being applied that you are using on your landline number. The App itself is free without any service charge

  • Unfortunately I registered myself in Peshawar. It didn’t work so I called 1236 and they said that this service isn’t completely available in Peshawar and you have to wait.

  • I am getting the following error while playing Smart TV through this app on my Nexus 5.
    “Error playing stream, please check network and try again!”.
    Same error I am getting on PTCL Smart TV Android app.
    Please help.

  • Will this improve Voice Quality due to IP Based Calling via this application….right ? it must support improved codec of Voice i-e HD Voice or equivalent to skype quality than normal PTCL Landline Voice call quality.

  • ajeb chez he jski req he k ghr p 4mb broadband lga ho wrna activate ni hoskti? mjhe is ki technical tuk smjh ni i k ghr me net ka kia kam he. i thnk agr ye sip he tu ptcl k sip sever se connect hojaegi or billing k lye landline no use hoga. wese pakistan me tu sip block he tu ye kese chalega?

  • Was about to download the app when I decided to look at all the permissions it asks me for!

    1. Device & app history? Why does this require to see my app, device, browser history and bookmarks?
    2. Identity? My account data/profile data even after having my CNIC on your record at registration!
    3. Location? You might want to delivery me targeted adverts but we are in Pakistan. So is this to spy on me?

    What is this? Agencies spying on me with my explicit permission of the button! PTCL needs to explain these permissions to me as a customer.

    • almost every app required to track the location of user, this is because they want to show location wise targetted apps to free app users.

      • Sure, but it is Pakistan where advertisement is already 1/4th of India (in money they pay per click) and being an advertiser I know that no company presently offer city/location targeted advertisement in Pakistan for mobiles.

        Anyway I am no fugitive on run so I can ignore number 3, but what about the first two?

        • device info might require to check the compatibility with running android version

          Identity is required to access USER ID / PASSWORD for log in to server purpose,

          • Compatibility is checked while installing the package, the app does not require a constant check on which OS is running since it is already installed.

            Identity is asking your identity on phone not the one used to login to the PTCL service. This option essentially means that you are allowing the app to see your browser history on your mobile which becomes more interesting if you have synced it with Google account on your desktop too!

              • where did that come from?

                All I am asking is for PTCL to explain why they are asking for unnecessary permission!

                • I have scan this app with MCAFEE, there is nothing worry about. As i said, messenger apps used to collect this type of data

                  • It is not a virus I am talking about, the app is legitimately asking too much information than it requires to operate. McAfee cannot find anything wrong in that.

    • For one landline, you are allowed on SmartLink connection. Mutliple devices are currently not allowed for Security reasons.

  • Its a great app and very handy when you are running out of your mobile balance. For example you are sitting outside at some restaurant/friends place having PTCL wifi, you can connect to wifi and call any landline/mobile or international number. In case you have subscribed pakistan package on your landline you can freely call to any landline lumber and calling to mobile number would charge normally.

  • I have commented it before. Will answer your question WHY…Its a great app and very handy when you are running out of your mobile balance. For example you are sitting outside at some restaurant/friends place having PTCL wifi, you can connect to wifi and call any landline/mobile or international number. In case you have subscribed pakistan package on your landline you can freely call to any landline lumber and calling to mobile number would charge normally.

  • new opportunitities for call spoofing are open now .. I do not think it would be too difficult to get some one’s credentials to get registered .. I think there are serious security and privacy issues with this app sooner or later…

    • Utmost efforts have been been made for the security of the data. Subscribers’ privacy is of utmost importance for PTCL.

  • Dude this is amaxing !! abhii register kia and abhi se service start, now i just need to verify it to use it with my landline number,very well built app, im impressed, even i have lots of issues with my dsl connection stability but ptcl did something special, i hope they ll keep it free atleast for ever ;)

  • PTCL should make a TV dongle like Chromecast by Google, that work on same mechanism. It’ll save alot of trouble with Smart Tv.

  • Works well on Nayatel wifi as well. Just need to get it registered from a ptcl number in the first place and that’s it! And yes the bill comes included in your landline bill, but smartlink to smartlink is free….

  • You’re not getting what Usman is saying. The extra permissions the app is requiring is unnecessary, in short its asking for too much information when it doesn’t need that information.

    • its an messenger like app, pls check the permission of other apps like viber, whatsapp, these all apps seek almost same data

  • nexus 5 has by default udp multicasting disabled. You’ll probably need a custom kernel to enable it but I haven’t ventured into that territory yet. Anyways, it was disabled on nexus 4 as well however, its enabled on nexus 7 2012/2013.

  • PTCL normally make things free or charge low rates for the first 3 months. Then without any notification they jack up the prices and you have to cancel the service when you see your next bill. Terrible business model.

  • Amazing initiative but i fear because as far as i know my nation this app will surely be misused by different people. You will only realize that your land line is compromised at least after 1 month’s bill is generated.

    • Hi Ali,
      We have put in special focus to address this concern, which is why a two tier customer validation process has been implemented in the form registration and a confirmation call from PTCL Call center

    • Hi Ali,
      We have put in special focus to address this concern, which is why a two tier customer validation process has been implemented in the form registration and a confirmation call from PTCL Call center

  • and you cant use it on 3g either.
    voice quality was excellent on my office 2 mb line, and sucked at home on 4mb line.. go figure.
    also i called multiple cell phones too it works on cell phones too at the moment.
    invalid PSTN means use 021 before number.

  • Mcafee doen’t scan viruses only, it also features privacy scanner which scans all the apps installed to check whether an app is seeking too much information? the scan result i got was pass.

  • That’s probably because sometimes non-PTCL internet providers block the service. Try on PTCL Wingle, DSL etc

  • Advanced codec support seems to be there but many Pakistani mobile users are low end mobile users, new or advanced codecs require higher processing speed for a mobile to

  • iptv channels dont work. also it is not mentioned clearly, but the app gives u a new landline number!

    • If you are a SmartTV subscriber, then it SmartTV will work on it
      Landline number is your real landline number once PTCL people call and confirm your credentials

  • Dear Aamir,
    This app is totally free but usage is not free. Free in a sense that you can call from SIP number to another SIP number like viber, skype etc., but if you call on Mobile or LL then PTCL charge it against the registered number.

    • This was my point of view.Why to receive transferred calls through landline and pay for them.Why not receive direct calls on your cell numbers.

  • I have registered my no. successfully yesterday in noon but so far I have still not received verification call.

  • Got it working in hyderabad without the verification call got a 021(khi) new phone number for the app. Iptv not working i m alreaady a subscriber may he will work after verfication call.
    How to call forward????

  • Getting an error 2000 – Exception …during registration. Anyone else having that issue ??

    • certain internet providers seem to be blocking it. checked and it was working fine on warid sometime ago

    • certain internet providers seem to be blocking it. checked and it was working fine on warid sometime ago

    • certain internet providers seem to be blocking it. checked and it was working fine on warid sometime ago

    • certain internet providers seem to be blocking it. checked and it was working fine on warid sometime ago

    • certain internet providers seem to be blocking it. checked and it was working fine on warid sometime ago

  • The app is not working on any other internet service except PTCL DSL. I was using this service for the whole day when I was on PTCL DSL but now when I am not connected to PTCL DSL, it stopped working. I dont get what is the use of this app if it runs at your home only or anywhere where PTCL DSL is available???

  • There are couple of things need to add in it.
    First One – after successful subscription you are assinged a SmartID which is itself a PTCL number other than your existing telephone number,, through this number anyone can make/receive calls.

    Second – Voice calls are only available if you are connected with PTCL internet connection, any other ISP or internet does not facilitate with voice calls

    • 1. Soon after registering, you get a call from PTCL and then you can call using normal landline number if verified by PTCL
      2. Helpline has confirmed that the application is is not restricted to any broadband specific connection within Pakistan but some broadband providers are blocking it so that is why you observe it working on PTCL Internet connection and a few other Internet Providers. Hope others follow the path to fix it

    • 1. Soon after registering, you get a call from PTCL and then you can call using normal landline number if verified by PTCL
      2. Helpline has confirmed that the application is is not restricted to any broadband specific connection within Pakistan but some broadband providers are blocking it so that is why you observe it working on PTCL Internet connection and a few other Internet Providers. Hope others follow the path to fix it

    • 1. A call is received soon after registration to verify and then original landline number is assigned
      2. As per helpline, they said that it will work in Pakistan but some internet providers block it so might not work on some ISPs

      • i have tested on all telecom companies 3G/GPRS but none of them works on voice calls,
        and also i have tested on Multinet, Brain Net, Fiberlink, all are CIR connection but unable to use voice calls

  • I installed the app immediately once I learnt about it and registered it. I was told by helpline that my account details will be verified by a phone call in 24-48 hrs. Sadly PTCL decided to stay to its reputation and no such call was received. I have following to share
    a. It works with only PTCL based WiFi, no 3/4G
    b. Outgoing calls carry a new CLI, not your own PTCL number.
    c. Incoming calls, as of now, can be received on the new number assigned to you, not
    your own landline.
    d. PTCL Customer Service Centre does not know about this new service.
    e. Billing details are not available on website or helpline.

  • I can confirm that this does not work over 3g (using ufone 3-g). Plus while making calls i get “480 call transaction error” but the person being called does get a ring.

  • mere bhaaii smart link app ko register krte waqt acoun# likhna pdta h jo wo knsa acount# h and kaha se mile ga

  • yar koi muje bata sakta hai k mera account id kia hai …………. plz

    muje account id ka nai pata ye kaha par hota hai

    • click on profile on main software interface then you will a new no. which is your smart id, for login please enter registered email address

    • click on profile on main software interface then you will a new no. which is your smart id, for login please enter registered email address

    • click on profile on main software interface then you will a new no. which is your smart id, for login please enter registered email address

    • click on profile on main software interface then you will a new no. which is your smart id, for login please enter registered email address

      • Boss mene id register karne k bad exit kar dia tha ab jo id registration me dia tha ab involved email de raha hai plzzzzz muje ab as ka hall bata de help line phone karo to 1236 ka kehte hai but mobile se nai melta or ptcl phone kharb huwa hai

      • Boss mene id register karne k bad exit kar dia tha ab jo id registration me dia tha ab involved email de raha hai plzzzzz muje ab as ka hall bata de help line phone karo to 1236 ka kehte hai but mobile se nai melta or ptcl phone kharb huwa hai

      • Boss mene id register karne k bad exit kar dia tha ab jo id registration me dia tha ab involved email de raha hai plzzzzz muje ab as ka hall bata de help line phone karo to 1236 ka kehte hai but mobile se nai melta or ptcl phone kharb huwa hai

      • Boss mene id register karne k bad exit kar dia tha ab jo id registration me dia tha ab involved email de raha hai plzzzzz muje ab as ka hall bata de help line phone karo to 1236 ka kehte hai but mobile se nai melta or ptcl phone kharb huwa hai

        • pls login to smart link by entering email address & password that you had entered while registering, once you logged in, click on more and then click on profile to see your smartid

        • pls login to smart link by entering email address & password that you had entered while registering, once you logged in, click on more and then click on profile to see your smartid

        • pls login to smart link by entering email address & password that you had entered while registering, once you logged in, click on more and then click on profile to see your smartid

  • 150 Live TV Channels with PTCL SmartLink App should not require Smart TV subscription. The DSL customer will use Internet and that is what makes money for PTC. The app itself will not cost PTC anything when used on SmartLink.

      • That is no news because ProPakistani has already given it. My point was that Smart TV subscription should not be required for the app. Subscription should be required only when a customer wants the set-top box with Smart TV. Free Smart TV app for laptop will increase usage of BB and give more revenue to PTC, while app will not cost anything extra..

  • Verify hone ka bad bhi voice disconnect red sign k sath araha hai email ka bhi jawab nahi de rahe ptcl apni harkaton se baaz nahi ai ga

  • windows app will be launched or i don’t know its launched may b . No signs of iphone app in at least next year :)

  • While calling through this app I can’t hear the voice of others but they listen my voice clearly but while calling through sim , Skype etc I hear the voice clearly not as app . . .
    Second in profile in this app mostly voice disconnected shown while red lable on it also . .
    Any help

  • i have registered my self in smarlink and receiving calls. but when im dialing, it say “yeh service number ghair moaser hy”. please help me to resolve this issue.

  • Why is it only restricted to Pakistan users ? Is it possible to have such a number over wifi or Internet for people outside Pakistan ? If somebody know some answers or providers please let me know. Because i am interested …

  • i am not recieve calls on mobile, just i can dial , any setting to relieve all calls on my cell phone


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