A Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) directive to fixed line operators asking them to launch cheap internet packages during the COVID-19 pandemic has backfired.
PTA had asked these operators to launch a special package for people who are working from home as well as students taking classes online. The package details included 2 Mbps speeds and a monthly limit of 40 GB at a price of less than Rs. 600 per month.
The letter sent to operators said that the coronavirus outbreak demands special packages from ISPs as the lock-down had forced the masses to work from home and students to take online classes.
“In this time of crisis, every segment of society is contributing to help the nation”, said the PTA letter.
PTA asked ISPs to submit compliance report by April 7th, 2020.
The ISPs, through ISPAK — a body that comprises of internet service providers — have termed the directive “irrational” and instead pointed out PTA’s inaction over several key matters:
ISPs, through a letter written by ISPAK to PTA, said that as normal broadband packages are currently around 10Mbps speeds, lowering them to 2 Mbps would not be viable for anyone.
They further said that it would be nightmare for FLOs to identify students and those working from home.
“Every home has a student. This means all home customers will shift to this package. With corporate revenues already dried up, PTA wants to make sure that all fixed-line operators die economically and lay off their employees.”
ISPs further urged PTA to take the following steps under the head of COVID-19 relief efforts if they really want to help the industry and aid the economy:
“We sincerely hope that PTA will contribute to help the nation, internet users and its licensees in these testing times”, concluded the reply from ISPs.
Update
A PTA spokesperson, while commenting on above story, said that PTA had written letters to licensed fixed line operators to launch pro-consumer offers in the wake of COVID-19.
He said that above retaliatory comments are from ISPAK, and not from fixed line operators.
He said that PTA issued such directives strictly as per rules and that licensed fixed line operators are legally bound to respond to PTA by complying to authority’s instructions.